Can you guys look at this list and tell me if it looks like a good combo?

[Kayin]

Well, having had an X-Fi, as well as most other Creative cards, and now listening to things on my board's ALC889 onboard, yes, there is a difference, but it's not that vast any more. Yes, I prefer the warmer X-Fi sound, but for casual listening or gaming it's VERY capable. It is all down to the codec, though.

Xonar is a better music card, X-Fi is the better gaming card. Choose accordingly.

Another +1 for Pro vs Ultimate. Just not enough there to justify, unless it's an "I want it all" mentality.

Of course, there's always the spanner in the works of suggesting going Phenom II for the fact there's practically no gaming difference...

[x88x]

I have heard that the Xonar is better for music than the X-Fi, and I will say it depends a lot on the ear of the listener whether it's worth it or not to buy a dedicated sound card. I've never used a real X-Fi, so I cant' really comment on the difference. One thing though, do not get the "X-Fi Extreme Audio" card...it's a load of crap (and doesn't even have an X-Fi chip on it). Basically, I think it was an attempt by Creative to snag cheap people who want to say they have an X-Fi. And when you can get a Xonar DX or X-Fi Platinum for just $20-40 more (depending on sales/etc), there's really no reason to get the thing.

[jdbnsn]

I have an X-Fi now but I don't want to use any more sound cards made by Creative Labs, every single one of them have had problems and I am ready to leave them behind. Otherwise, I'm not sure it makes that much difference to me. As for the video cards, I was going to take the advice and go with a Radeon 5870 but I can't find any for sale. It seems like ebay is the only place to get one, I might wait or just go with the 295. Thanks for the tips everyone.

[x88x]

Try contacting NewEgg (or whoever your preferred supplier is) and see when they're expecting the next shipment to come in. I would hope that at least larger retailers (like NewEgg) are doing all they can to get more.

[Collinstheclown]

You could save a good chunk by going with an OEM copy of Win7. I know that the OEM Win7 Ultimate is $180 as opposed to $300. You don't get 32 and 64bit so you'd have to decide, and based off your RAM choice I would assume your going 64bit.




-CollinstheClown

[x88x]

Unless the 'medical student' status in your profile is still valid, and you still have access to a '.edu' email address. If that's the case, then you can get it for $30

[jdbnsn]

Hehe, nope can't use student status. But this PC is being covered by continuing medical education fund so it's okay.