Need help choosing a new desktop

[CanalDigger]

Well, the only thing ordering in the next 1-2weeks would do for me is the Newegg deals.
But I really didn't plan on buying immediately, I need check my expenses and think about how to pay.

On a side note, will all the connector cables and what-not be included? I dont have to solder anything right?

I think the only problem will be going from a copy of Win XP(but no product key) to Win 7 Ultimate(upgrade disc). I think I can manage that though.

[kitamesume]

i don't think Win XP can be upgraded to Win7 with an upgrade disc, they're totally different.

if incase of you still cant decide, for a temporary OS you might wanna look up Ubuntu, its free and... well, free.

[CanalDigger]

I've looked around to find out if I can.
This person is in the same situation I am, but I got Win7 Ultimate for free.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/32928-63-upgrading-ultimate

[kitamesume]

based on that QA link you posted it seems like the upgrade kit can be used as a stand-alone installer, if that is the case then you're in luck.

well seems like you've pretty much settled everything, sorting them would be whats left for you to do. but do try waiting for a few weeks more to see if the i5-3330 would be worth it, i assume it'll start at around 180$ which is about 20$ cheaper.

[CanalDigger]

Everything looks good so far, though I hope I don't need to update to WINXP SP3, it'd be a real waste of time.
Assembly sounds fairly simple from what I've read. I always thought building a computer would be harder.

[kitamesume]

assembling it is easy, its only nerve wrecking for your first few builds specially if you just shelled your pocket money into it.

why are you clinging into that XP disk anyway? the upgrade disk wont be able to upgrade the XP because XP itself is its own package, the upgrade disk should work as a stand alone, worse comes to worst you'll just have to download windows 7 trial and use the update disk on it.

Edit: the motherboard you chose btw wont be able to fit on the case, the motherboard is a full ATX with 7slots while the case is a mini tower m-atx case with 5slots.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157294 this would be the equivalent in an m-atx form factor.

[CanalDigger]

Haha I already noticed that about the motherboard and switched it with the equivalent Micro-ATX.

Also, the upgrade disk usually requires windows be already on the computer, since its not a full copy(MS wouldn't make money off only selling upgrade disks).

That Win XP disc is circa 2001 when I had my Dell, I was able to get a product key so I don't mind the going from XP to 7 Ulti.

[Freedom Kira]

AFAIK you can't upgrade from XP to 7 using a Windows 7 upgrade disc. They're built on different kernels. I could be wrong, though.

[CanalDigger]

This is straight from the website and it sounds like the upgrade disc is meant for people with xp or vista.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/upgrading-to-windows-7-frequently-asked-questions

[Freedom Kira]

Nope. That FAQ page links to this page.

In case you didn't know, a "custom installation" is basically a clean install, using a Windows 7 install disc, not an upgrade disc. Users going from Vista would choose "upgrade" instead, or use the upgrade disc.

Close, but no cigar.

[CanalDigger]

I knew I would have to do a custom installation, it doesn't matter since my comp won't have anything on it.
I'm pretty sure I can use the upgrade disc though.

[Freedom Kira]

Isn't the Win7 install disc is different than an upgrade disc? The complete install disc has exactly two options (at least, mine does) - upgrade or custom install. If you could perform a custom installation with an upgrade disc, how is it any different from a regular install disc?

Edit: Anyway, just remember that a custom install is equivalent to a clean install, which means that you are not really "upgrading" from XP to 7. I'm merely confused that the FAQ claims that the upgrade disc can do that. Note that a custom install does not require a previous version of Windows to be installed. It does not mention this anywhere.

Not interested in arguing this further - why don't you just try it out and tell us what you find?

v By the way, reading your "XP, vista, even NT" part directly contradicts the "Note" under the first section in your screenshot above.

[CanalDigger]

I think the only thing different is that no prior version of windows or any OS is required with a regular install disc, it would be for people with a Mac or new computer but no Vista or XP access.

The upgrade is for people that have a prior version of windows(XP, vista, even NT). Any who bought a full version when they had any prior version of windows got ripped off. If the upgrade could be used by anyone, then the full version would never sell.

[vuzedome]

Just wipe the drive and do a fresh one, it isn't hard at all.
Grab a Windows 7 ISO like how you would grab anime from here and you're on your way.
Once you're satisfied with the Windows 7 experience, then you consider buying an authentic copy.
Wipe the drive again and put that shiny and blingy Windows disc you ordered in and repeat the whole process.
At the end of it, you'll say it was a wonderful experience.