New PC with some old bits

[generalstore]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: This weekend
BUDGET RANGE: £1000

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, programming, surfing the internet

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor, sound card, speakers, nVidia Gtx 260, 2x160GB SATA HD (All from my current pc which had its cpu and motherboard die)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: no preference

PARTS PREFERENCES: CPU = i7 920 , Motherboard = Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD3R X58, Case = Antex Twelve Hundred

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe in the future. SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I have a Windows XP version for my dead pc, but I am keen to go to windows 7 when it comes out.

Do my current preferred parts look good?
What psu should I go for?
How should I handle the OS problem?

Thanks
GS

 

[TonCharr28]

Hey general, your choice of CPU and mobo are good. Just make sure to get only 3GB of RAM if you'll be using a 32-bit OS.

Speaking of which, those who buy Vista now will get a free upgrade to Windows, at least in the US. Basically, product keys for Vista copies bought now until 7's release will also count as valid Windows 7 product keys. So I wouldn't worry too much about your OS problem.

Last, for your video card, get nothing lower than a GTX 275 (or its ATI equivalent) if you want decent power for your display.

 

[mindless728]

Just make sure to get only 3GB of RAM if you'll be using a 32-bit OS..

don't listen to him
download Windows 7 RC 64bit
get 6GB of memory (do this even if you stay with xp, then you could buy win7 x64 later)

having more memory isn't going to hurt your performance and, with the 6GB of memory you will see 3.25GB (about) in xp 32bit and when you switch to a 64bit OS you will have access to all 6

 

[generalstore]

Thanks for the advice guys

I am already stuck with the GTX 260, I had bought it before my current system went booom! The other parts all look fine though?

I was considering going for the Windows version 7 RC, but I wasnt sure if I wanted to go through all the missioning of new unstable drivers, unsupported this and that, if you know what I mean?