I've been simming since the early 80's, and my hardware has always been a little short of the task. Rather than go out and get a sports car to curb a mid-life crisis, I want to build a machine where I'll be able to run with all sliders wide open. I've been pricing Conroe systems -- due to budget-- the E6400 mainly. I'm trying to come in around $1,700 for the rig and a good LCD monitor, and haven't had much luck thus far. A few questions:I read a single story on building a budget gaming rig that indicates the on-board sound on most new PC's is good enough that a sound card is no longer an automatic need to boost FS performance. Any comments? Also -- is it REALLY that much cheaper to buy the components and assemble yourself? If you buy components from multiple outfits, do the savings get eaten up in shipping costs? What's the best one-stop-shop for component shopping? Are there any web-retailers that provide the fairly easy to use on-line configurators who don't assemble? (to make it easier to compare prices with those who do the assembly). I know I'll skimp on the video card now and upgrade to Vista and a DX10 compliant card down the road. Any comments are appreciated.

I just can't pass this one up. :) Rather than go out and get a sports car to curb a mid-life crisisTrust me, do the sports car thing. No PYT's are gonna be interested in your new computer, but the sports car may very well catch their eye.I want to build a machine where I'll be able to run with all sliders wide open.Order your Cray today.Now to get serious...A few questions:I read a single story on building a budget gaming rig that indicates the on-board sound on most new PC's is good enough that a sound card is no longer an automatic need to boost FS performance. Any comments?It really depends upon the system (most notably, the motherboard and sound chip). Not all are created equal. I always use an add-on sound card because I don't like any on-board peripherals hogging gaming resources. Others use on-board sound and have no problems. Best solution is to build the system using on-board sound and then add a sound card if the on-board doesn't perform as you wish.Also -- is it REALLY that much cheaper to buy the components and assemble yourself?Yep, until you start factoring in the cost of software. That can get expensive, but I still prefer to build my own. I'm in control of what goes into the system (and onto the hard drive), plus I know the little bugger inside out. It's a great education. And once you build your own chances are you'll never buy another store-bought computer again (that's how you'll know you've attained geek nirvana).If you buy components from multiple outfits, do the savings get eaten up in shipping costs? What's the best one-stop-shop for component shopping?Yeah, it can happen that way, especially if you buy from a seller in your state and your state has sales tax. Also, when making such purchases online it's sometimes a good idea to stick with the minimum number of sellers just to simplyfy your life, and as well generally the larger the purchase from a seller the lower dollar/shipping cost ratio you'll deal with.Are there any web-retailers that provide the fairly easy to use on-line configurators who don't assemble? (to make it easier to compare prices with those who do the assembly). I know I'll skimp on the video card now and upgrade to Vista and a DX10 compliant card down the road. Any comments are appreciated.Try Newegg. Don't know that they offer a configurator option, but they are the one-stop-shopping mall for... oh, I just can't resist: GEEKS! I buy most of my stuff from them (there, now I feel better having admitted to my geekiness).Hope this helps and have fun,Greg

If you are in the USA, Monarch computer offer a PC configuarator. They will even build it for you for a small fee. I have used them in the past. Very good.In Canada, I find NCIX to be the best.onboard sound can lead to upto 25% FPS loss in some games. It just depends. Personally, the first thing I do is disable on board sound and stick my Terratec EWX 24/96 in.I am also looking at building a new rig with Conroe. After looking at the short supply situation and lack of working motherboards (even some 'Conroe Ready' boards are shipping with incompatible BIOS), I have decided to wait until the end of September and see how the situation looks then.E6400 is a great choice if you overclock. If not, I would save a little more and get the E6600 with the extra 2mb cache.Good Luck!Glenn