So I've been saving up for a gaming PC for a long time now and I finally have a bit over 1,000 dollars gathered up. Below are the specs for a 1,080 dollar computer (give or take a bit) that I'm planning on buying. I want to know if this computer will be a good gaming PC and able to run large programs and if it's worth my money. Keep in mind that I do want my PC to be relatively powerful. Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium Service Pack 1 (64-bit) Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Quad processor Q9300 4GB DDR2-800MGz dual channel SDRAM (4x1024) 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9500GS and TV Tuner Card/PVR 500GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio

The 9500GS is a lower clocked version of the 9500GT. The 9500GT sells for about $60, so that should give you an idea of how much it's worth. It's an OK card but it's far from the high end...you could do much better if you know how to do you own upgrades. Same goes for the sound card. Try the onboard sound 1st, you may find that it's adequate for your needs. If you want the X-Fi Xtreme, it sells for about $60 at newegg.com. $1000 is too much for what you're getting. "If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions" - Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) in Pulp Fiction

Thank you, Jam. I feared as much. I spoke with some other people about this and came to the conclusion that my computer setup is more geared toward programming than gaming. I just so happen to be a computer programmer (part of the reason I want to upgrade to Vista) and so I'm going to take your advice and keep upgrading it as I get closer to going to college. I'll get a gaming PC some other time :)

Just ran across this 9600 GSO for just $50 after rebate w/free shipping. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ... "If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions" - Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) in Pulp Fiction