Kat's Christmas Wish List...

This has been a wonderful year that has opened up a fresh new array of interests, hopes and desires. As always, I do not expect to get everything that I put on my holiday list. But I am glad to like as many different things as I do so that those I love have lots to choose from.

Games:

I own a Wii and an Xbox 360 and I have selected a couple games for either of these.

Xbox 360:

Fallout: New Vegas -- The swquel to Bathesda's 2008 hit Fallout 3, New Vegas takes place in what was Los Vegas. This is an RPG that has choices to be made, places to explore, etc. Its also a bit of a shooter.

Lego Harry Potter -- This game covers books 1 - 4 from the Harry Potter series, allowing the player to experience major plot events in a video game format that mixes casting spells and exploring. Characters to unlock, secrets to discover, etc.

Wii: (Note: I need someone to hook this up for me!)

Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn -- This takes place 3 years after the GameCube game Path of Radiance, one of my favorite RPGs ever. It begins in Daelin, the country conquered in the last game. This is turn based strategy with excellent story telling.

Kirby's Epic Yarn -- A fun platformer starring everyone's favorite pink puffball. As you guide Kirby through over 50 levels in a world made completely of stuff you'd find at a craft store you will take advantage of the various effects this type of environment would have.

DVD:

Desperate Housewives Season 6 -- I've been following this show for a very long time and this is no time to stop watching! Did Mike end up with Susan or Katherine? Will Bree divorce Orsen? What is happening to Lynette, Tom, Carlos and Gabby? Only one way to find out...

Books:

"Dark Peril" by Christine Feehan -- Solange has suffered greatly at the hands of male Jaguar people. When she meets the last of the Dragonseeker clan, who has injested vampire toxins to find the Carpathians greatest enemies, what will the pair do when they discover they are lifemates?

"No Mercy" by Sherrilyn Kenyon -- Following the tragic deaths of Mama and Papa Peltier, who owned the Sanctuary bar, Dev Peltier has stepped up and started to fill his parents shoes. What will happen when he has feelings for Amazon Dark Huntress Samia?

Liv Dolls:

"Its My Nature" Daniella -- I think this doll is really pretty: she looks somewhat like Amy Farrow from my Mystic Guardians series. As a bonus, the doll is a musician who comes with her own litle guitar, song book, etc. Cute!

Final Fantasy XIV Beta -- Katryn Rosemir

Well, here I am!

Image taken at the Quicksand in Uldah.

So far I have been quite enjoying my adventures in Eorzea. My character is a conjurer, currently rank 4. She just learned cure 1 before I had to log off for maintenance. This far in my journey I have done two sets of guildleves, killed quite a few Star Marmotts and explored the area around Uldah and Camp Black Brush. I have a long way to go before I master control of this game, but the clothing is cute and varied, the music is great, the setting is pretty and so far I feel like I can go at my own pace, so I am not all that worried. I will write more about my experiences with Final Fantasy XIV as I uncover more details.

The time has finally come...

Here is the info sheet for my new pc.

Kathy's New Computer

Overview:

Why are you building a new computer?: My current PC failed the FFXIV benchmark scoring a 565 out of the 1500 that is needed to play on the absolute lowest settings. After some consideration I decided that it would make no sense to buy a $200 - $400 graphics card and put it into a machine I intended to replace in the spring. Final Fantasy XIV seems to have some pretty tough settings to be able to play it at recommended settings so it should make a good foundation for a new built that will have some staying power for the next two to three years.

What is the computer for?

MMOs: Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, DC Universe Online, etc.

Other games: Sims 3, Spore, basic facebook stuff

Mild Video Editing: FRAPS, YouTube footage on hand held camcorder (Currently RCA Small Wonder)

Ventrilo, MSN and iTunes

Basic web surfing, graphics editing (MS Paint; this is not too demanding) and word documents

What is your budget?: ________________ before taxes and costs to be built.

When is the PC needed?: I would like to have it for the early launch of FFXIV, which starts the 22nd of September. If this is not possible, however, that's the way it goes.

Do you plan to overclock?: Not likely as I would not want to risk my PC.

Do you plan to use CrossfireX or SLI?: Not likely as I have heard it can be a hassle. It seems like less trouble to upgrade.

What is your monitor's current resolution?: I am using a 720p HDTV right now. I may get a new monitor / TV eventually. I have vision issues so I do not necessarily have my TV running at the highest resolution that it can.

Final Fantasy XIV Recommended Specs: (Taken from the official website)

Operating System -- Windows 7 32bit / 64bit 2

CPU -- Intel Core i7 (2.66 GHz) or higher

RAM -- 4GB or more

HDD/SDD Space -- Installation: 15GB or more

Download: Space on the hard drive where My Documents is located should be 6GB or more

Graphics Card -- NVIDIA GeForce GTX460 or better with VRAM 768MB or more

Sound Card -- DirectSound compatible sound card (DirectX 9.0c or higher)

Internet Connection -- Broadband internet connection or higher

Screen Resolution -- 1280 x 720 or higher; 32-bit

DirectX -- DirectX 9.0c

Others -- Mouse, Keyboard, and Gamepad

Questions, Concerns and Considerations:

1. CPU / Processor:

Is there an AMD build that can be done that would be comparable to what is listed above?

I've heard some people say yes, I've heard some people say no.

They listed AMD stuff on their minimum requirements but not their recommended and I am not certain if this is to do with them being partnered with nVidia for the game or whether the hyperthreading technology in the i7 is actually that important.

I cannot see the CPU being more vital then the GPU in a game but I could be wrong.

2. Motherboard:

How important are USB 3.0 and SATA 6.0gb/s overall?

My research indicates that USB3 is more valuable then SATA 6.0 since HDDs cannot fully utilize it and have been told that if you are that worried about speed then you should add an SSD.

My research also indicates that usb 3.0 is a large improvement for those who use USB devices

3. RAM:

Do I want 4GB RAM or 8GB RAM?

I realize that this will tie in directly to whether I am buying Windows 7 32 or 64 bit as 32 can only utilize up to 4gb.

I have been told to get 64 bit and that 32 bit is outdated. True, false, neutral, doesn't matter?

I have been told that I will want 1333 RAM since I do not plan to overclock.

I have also been told that getting a lower latancy RAM, for example CL7, is better. True, false, neutral?

4. Graphics Card:

I have been told that since my vision is not so great that I shouldn't waste money on anything above a GTX 460.

I do not want to be replacing a whole PC over a graphics card again for a while.

Am I better off getting a 5850 / GTX 470 / 5870 to increase the overall lifespan of the PC or will this not help?

I am likely going to get something better then the GTX 460 incase I do get a better monitor then what I have (resolution wise) anyway unless someone can give me a valid reason not to.

I will say, though, that the footage I saw of someone playing using a GTX 460 did look fine.

5. Hard Drive:

Is it still a worthwhile money saver to get a smaller HDD or is it basically a matter of biting the bullet and getting a 1tb drive these days?

I have been told that my best option is to go with a Western Digital Caviar Black.

I have also been told to avoid Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 at all costs as they had a large batch of faulty HDDs that break. True, false, opinions?

If I choose a motherboard that can take a 6.0gb/s hard drive do I want to take advantage of that?

6. Wireless Card / Router Space Extender:

I checked the router in my current PC and it is a D-LINK G router.

Do I want to get another G router or an N router that is backwards compatable? I am totally clueless about routers so I really have no idea about this part of things. 90% of my PC use is via the net so it is *important*.

I have also been told that if I can go wired instead of wireless that I will have a better gaming experience.

Unfortuntely our router is currently "full" (all four spaces are taken up).

I was told that there is something that I can get that will get us more spaces. True, false, too big a hassle to bother with?

I will likely still buy a wireless card regardless but if the solution for wired play is easy I want to hear about it.

7. DVD Burner / BluRay:

BluRay or DVD Burner?

I initially thought that getting a DVD burner for now and then getting a BluRay player later would be fine but my brother has informed me he would rather have to install a new CPU then have to install a BluRay "down the road".

How useful am I going to find it? (I do not currently own BluRay movies, but they are becoming more prominent.).

Are they really that difficult to install?

Also am I going to need a DVD Burner and a BluRay player or just one or the other?

One other thing I want to cover here is being able to use the DVD player / BluRay player to actually play BluRays / DVDs. Do I need an additional program for this to work?

When I reformatted my current PC I did not have that function and when I brought it home from your store I only got the ability to do this because a friend installed Nero for me.

8. SSD:

SSD: Yes, no, maybe, wait until your next PC?

I've seen a lot of debate via the net about these and have read a lot of debate over who should buy them and who should wait.

Not totally sure where I fit into the picture, although whether I go AMD or Intel will ultimately decide whether this is even an issue (Intel is just more expensive in general from what I see.)

9. Power Supply:

How strong a power supply do I want?

650w? 750w? 850w?

I realize that its more important what is going on with the rails, that I want something that is at least 80+ bronze certified and that even though I am not *doing* SLI / CrossfireX that having something that is SLI certified / Crossfire Ready certainly cannot hurt.

From what I gather Corsair, Antec and Cooler Master are good suggestions.

10: I still have not selected a case. I do have some criteria though:

Must have USB ports and mic / headphone ports at the front that work***

Must have a flat surface / surface that will be flat with a mousepad on the top since I sit my mouse there***

Must be at least a mid tower; a mini would be too small*

Must provide enough cooling for the type of graphics card, etc. I am putting in it.***

Must be able to fit large video cards since I could get a different one in the future**

Must have a power button that is easily found but not easy to accidentally push***

I would prefer a case with black interior*

I would like LEDs, I would like them more with an on / off function*

I would like a bottom mounted power supply to improve temperatures**

I would like fans to have dust filters *

* It would be nice

** Its fairly important

*** It is absolutely vital

A Few Random Things:

How often should someone update their keyboard / mouse?

Is the sound option on a motherboard going to be good enough?

If I keep my current logitech keyboard & mouse is there anything special I will need to get them to work?

Is there likely to be any real benefit between 720p and 1080p for me when I buy a new TV / Monitor?

What hair do I want?! :@

I can't decide what hair I want! Its driving me crazy. HELP!

Comparing Basic Computer Builds: Intel or AMD?

So here we get to the heart of the matter, folks? Who do I want to go with: Intel or AMD? Its a tough choice in some regards and yet almost painfully easy in others. First off, Square Enix seems to be backing Intel and Nvidia. Their recommended specs for Final Fantasy XIV listed only a Core i7 processor and a GTX460 graphics card. However, this does not in any way mean that an AMD / ATI setup cannot / will not work. Without further ado, here are my samples for potential AMD and Intel builds. Note that I did not include a case in any of these as I still do not know what case I want. Lets see what is in the realm of feasibility ... and what clearly is not.

AMD:


This seems like such a "phenom"inal value to me. That is one hell of a fast processor and if I really want to bump up to a hexa core rather then a quad core it is going to be a whopping $20. This setup, while it is still without a case, comes nowhere near my max budget and could possibly get an extra upgrade or two. Do I want 8gb of RAM? The XFX model 5870 that is on sale right now? An SSD as the drive that Windows 7 is installed on? An extremely flashy case like the Cooler Master Sniper Black AMD Dragon Edition?


Oh the possabilities!

Intel:

There are three different chips that I could go with if I decide to buy an Intel computer. But as you will see not all of them are necessarily feasible.

i5 760:


This computer is alright but if its not a little slower then the 965 then it is pretty much the same. Intel fans might tell you differently, but I have seen no arguements to back it up. It is a completely feasible option just like the AMD machine up at the top but since I am not quite as familiar with Intel I cannot properly gage its value.

i7 870:


Here is where things start to get blurry. I know that an i7, whether it is a Lynnfield model like this one or a Bloomfield like the one below, has 4 physical cores and four virtual cores for a total of 8 logical cores. What I don't know is whether all of that imaginary processing power is really worth $340 here. The store I am going to does not seem to have the i7 860, which would have been $305 and made this all a little more feasible. If I really want to spend this much on a processor I could easily get the Phenom II x6 1090t for $320 when its *not* on sale as it is right now.

i7 930:


Its the most advanced setup of them all, the i7 930. This is running on a 1336 socket motherboard and you can tell -- I'm paying for it. But that is the only way to go and even here I am likely skimping a little. This is enthusaist country we're entering; we have teetering away from the border of game machine land steadily here. I don't think I would be too keen to buy this machine as it offers me nothing new or special that I *need* in exchange for the funds that it is taking.

Anyway, those are my builds *before* I add a case. I still don't seem to know what kind of a case that I want to put my PC in yet. Anyway, I'll post this for now and do another post strictly about cases soon.

July's Financial Calendar. I did good. ^.^

Ever since I started working on saving up for my new PC I have been making my own handmade finance calendars. What I am finding is that if I write down what I buy I actually think about how much I am spending and am not tempted by dumb impulse stuff. In the last 5 weeks I have saved $650 and I currently have $1,355 in my purse 7 days into August!!! I am truly amazed. So I'm going to start sharing the calendars and talk about what I think of them after each month. Plus it will show me stuff I did that month to boot. :)



So, where could I have improved? Well...

-- I have not touched the new Puzzle Quest since I bought it. I should have tested the demo more thoroughly before paying $20

-- The $20 for beer was a family expense so I am not really counting it against myself.

-- I never did really read that EGM magazine that I bought.

-- Notice how much pizza I had at the start of the month? That was before I started the calendar. :O

I will say this, though. My goal for July was $600. I saved $650. Despite any 20/20 hindsight complaints, I still did AWESOME! :D

Computer Build Templating and Pricing...

A M D B U I L D T E M P L A T E S

In trying to figure out the easiest way to represent the different options that I have for designing my PC it has come to my attention that I tend to forget certain things. Therefore I have decided to place things into groups. I am listing Processor, motherboard, RAM and graphics as varying packages since they are the things most likely to be changed. I am listing hard drive, optical (DVD) drive, wireless card and Windows 7 as a group since they are most likely to stay the same. I am also listing power supply and case as their own grouping since they are the most likely thing that will have to be really decided "on location". At the end I will try to show some examples of completed packages.

C P U / M O T H E R B O A R D / R A M / G P U S E T U P S:

I have changed two variables consistantly in these examples: the processor and the graphics card. I could just as easily back down to 4GB of RAM for $110 - $130 and get 4 more later, I may also be able to find a motherboard that would suit my needs just as well that is less expensive -- GIGABYTE an 890gx model for $145 or Asus has an 890fx for $190, although I would prefer to stay away from this as I think I would value USB 3.0 more then I would 4 PCI-E (graphic card) slots.

I currently have 1333 DDR3 RAM chosen because that is the highest non-O.C. RAM type that the GIGABYTE board I am looking at will support. I would not want to buy RAM that would not work. If I have the wrong RAM listed I would certainly appreciate knowing this.

From the absolute cheapest model (1d) to the most expensive model (8a) there is a $395 price difference. Within each model family (1+2, 3+4, 5+6, 7+8 or "whatever processor is labelled") there is a $255 difference from the most expensive model (a -- 5870 edition) to the cheapest model (d, standard edition)

OPTION #1: Phenom II x4 955 3.2ghz

Option 1a:-- $920 -- 3.2ghz quad core / 890fx / 5850 / 8gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II 955 Black Edition 3.2ghz processor -- $180
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5850 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

Option 1b:-- $865 -- 3.2ghz quad core / 890gx / 5850 / 8gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II 955 Black Edition 3.2ghz processor -- $180
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $145
ATI Radeon 5850 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

Option 1c:-- $830 -- 3.2ghz quad core / 890fx / 5850 / 4gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II 955 Black Edition 3.2ghz processor -- $180
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD3H motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5850 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $110

Option 1d:-- $765 -- 3.2ghz quad core / 890gx / 5850 / 4gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II 955 Black Edition 3.2ghz processor -- $180
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD3H motherboard -- $145
ATI Radeon 5850 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $110

OPTION #2: Phenom II x4 965 3.2ghz 5870 Edition

Option 2a -- $1,020 -- 3.2ghz quad core / 890fx / 5870 / 8gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II 955 Black Edition 3.2ghz processor -- $180
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5870 graphics card -- $430
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

Option 2b -- $965 -- 3.2ghz quad core / 890gx / 5870 / 8gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II 955 Black Edition 3.2ghz processor -- $180
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5870 graphics card -- $430
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

Option 2c -- $930 -- 3.2ghz quad core / 890fx / 5870 / 4gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II 955 Black Edition 3.2ghz processor -- $180
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5870 graphics card -- $430
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

Option 2d -- $865 -- 3.2ghz quad core / 890gx / 5870 / 4gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II 955 Black Edition 3.2ghz processor -- $180
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5870 graphics card -- $430
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

OPTION #3: Phenom II x4 965 3.4ghz

Option 3a: $940 -- 3.4ghz quad core / 890fx / 5850 / 8gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x4 965 Black Edition 3.4ghz processor -- $200
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5850 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

Option 3b: $875 -- 3.4ghz quad core / 890gx / 5850 / 8gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x4 965 Black Edition 3.4ghz processor -- $200
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD3H motherboard -- $145
ATI Radeon 5850 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

Option 3c: $830 -- 3.4ghz quad core / 890fx / 5850 / 4gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x4 965 Black Edition 3.4ghz processor -- $200
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5850 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $110

Option 3d: $785 -- 3.4ghz quad core / 890gx / 5850 / 4gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x4 965 Black Edition 3.4ghz processor -- $200
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD3H motherboard -- $145
ATI Radeon 5850 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $110

OPTION #4: Phenom II x4 965 3.4ghz 5870 Edition

Option 4a: $1,040 -- 3.4ghz quad core / 890fx / 5870 / 8gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x4 965 Black Edition 3.4ghz processor -- $200
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5870 graphics card -- $430
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

Option 4b: $975 -- 3.4ghz quad core / 890gx / 5870 / 8gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x4 965 Black Edition 3.4ghz processor -- $200
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD3H motherboard -- $145
ATI Radeon 5870 graphics card -- $430
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

Option 4c: $970 -- 3.4ghz quad core / 890fx / 5870 / 4gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x4 965 Black Edition 3.4ghz processor -- $200
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5870 graphics card -- $430
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $110

Option 4d: $885 -- 3.4ghz quad core / 890gx / 5870 / 4gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x4 965 Black Edition 3.4ghz processor -- $200
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $145
ATI Radeon 5870 graphics card -- $430
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $110

OPTION #5: Phenom II x6 1055T 2.8ghz

Option 5a: $960 -- 2.8ghz six core / 890fx / 5850 / 8gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x6 1055T 2.8ghz processor -- $220
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5850 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

Option 5b: $895 -- 2.4ghz six core / 890fx / 5850 / 8gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x6 1055T 2.8ghz processor -- $220
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD3H motherboard -- $145
ATI Radeon 5850 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

Option 5c: $870 -- 2.8ghz six core / 890fx / 5850 / 4gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x6 1055T 2.8ghz processor -- $220
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5850 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $110

Option 5d: $805 -- 2.8ghz six core / 890gx / 5850 / 4gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x6 1055T 2.8ghz processor -- $220
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD3H motherboard -- $145
ATI Radeon 5850 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $110

OPTION #6: Phenom II x6 1055T 2.8ghz 5870 Edition

Option 6a: $1,060 -- 2.8ghz six core / 890fx / 5870 / 8gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x6 1055T 2.8ghz processor -- $220
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5870 graphics card -- $430
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

Option 6b: $995 -- 2.8ghz six core / 890gx / 5870 / 8gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x6 1055T 2.8ghz processor -- $220
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5870 graphics card -- $430
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

Option 6c: $970 -- 2.8ghz six core / 890fx / 5870 / 4gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x6 1055T 2.8ghz processor -- $220
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5870 graphics card -- $430
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

Option 6d: $905 -- 2.8ghz six core / 890gx / 5870 / 4gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x6 1055T 2.8ghz processor -- $220
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5870 graphics card -- $430
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

OPTION #7: Phenom II x6 1090T 3.2ghz

Option 7a: $1,060 -- 3.2ghz six core / 890fx / 5850 / 8gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x6 1090T 3.2ghz processor -- $320
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5850 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

Option 7b: $995 -- 3.2ghz six core / 890gx / 5850 / 8gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x6 1090T 3.2ghz processor -- $320
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD3H motherboard -- $145
ATI Radeon 5850 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

Option 7c: $970 -- 3.2ghz / six core / 890fx / 5850 / 4gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x6 1090T 3.2ghz processor -- $320
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5850 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $110

Option 7d: $905 -- 3.2ghz six core / 890gx / 5850 / 4gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x6 1090T 3.2ghz processor -- $320
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD3H motherboard -- $145
ATI Radeon 5850 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $110

OPTION #8: Phenom II x6 1090T 3.2ghz 5870 Edition

Option 8a: $1,160 -- 3.2ghz six core / 890fx / 5870 / 8gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x6 1055T 3.2ghz processor -- $320
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5870 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

Option 8b: $1095 -- 3.2ghz six core / 890gx / 5870 / 8gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x6 1055T 3.2ghz processor -- $320
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD3H motherboard -- $145
ATI Radeon 5870 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $200

Option 8c: $1,070 -- 3.2ghz six core / 890fx / 5870 / 4gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x6 1055T 3.2ghz processor -- $320
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD5 motherboard -- $210
ATI Radeon 5870 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $110

Option 8d: $1,015 -- 3.2ghz six core / 890gx / 5870 / 4gb 1333 RAM

AMD Phenom II x6 1055T 3.2ghz processor -- $320
GIGABYTE 890FXA-UD3H motherboard -- $145
ATI Radeon 5870 graphics card -- $330
8GB (4x2) 1333 G-SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 RAM -- $110

***

HDD, Optical, Wireless and O.S.: $260

Nothing all too shocking to see here. A nice solid setup that should work just fine regardless of what setup I decide to put with it:

Western Digital Caviar Black 640gb / 64mb cache / 7200rpm -- $70
dvd burner -- $30
wireless card -- $50
Windows 7 Home Premium -- $110

Power Supply and Case

Antec EarthWatts Power Supply 650W ($80) (Fine if I am using one or two 5870s or one 5970)

Antec EarthWatts Power Supply 750W ($120) (Needed if I ever do decide to get 2x 5970. They are $700 plus right now so I don't see this happening soon.) (EarthWatts power supplies claim to be good for the environment, consume less energy reducing hydro bill, and still have excellent performance, according to the manufacturer. I will need to do research.)

All I am missing from my equasion is a case. Once I have that figured out this all becomes wonderfully simple, a matter of following the data here and finding an acceptable price point. Of course this all assumes that I am keeping my mouse and keyboard, otherwise I'll need to add another $50 or so.