just need the base

also heard (conflicting views) that Windows7 64 bit may not be backwards compatible, but 32 bit will be – is that correct?

Thanks

try the apple website

try the apple website

😆

+1 though!

Websites such as

Scan
Aria
Overclockers
Dabs

Call their sales numbers and tell them what you want, you'll get a good system. Better than some all-in system from Dell or whoever.

Windows 7 64-bit is compatible with anything else, afaik.

Define what you mean by backwards compatible? Windows 64bit will run 32 bit programmes. May not guarantee running every 32bit programme though 🙂

Windows7 64 bit may not be backwards compatible

If you've got any older specialist hardware there may not be any 64 bit drivers for it. I recently fell foul of this with a video capture card. Otherwise it should be ok.

great, thanks.

will look at those sites (Dell outlet was all I could think of).

not really sure about backwards compatible, just heard there could be some issues with older software.

try the apple website

What is it with you Apple fan boys? Do you conveniently forget that buying an equivalent spec PC leaves more money left for bike bits? 🙄

…and don't give me that reliability nonsense and that they "just work". Heard it all before and it's cobblers. I've had my PC for 7 or 8 years and it's still going yadda yadda yadda *yawn* 😆

This looks good…
http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/special_buys3_15471.htm?WT.mc_id=2010-09-03-12-28

just heard there could be some issues with older software

True of nearly all versions of Windows – not really specific to 32 or 64 bitness.

As Rio suggested, the most common cause of problems for 64bit Windows has traditionally been drivers for hardware and devices. The story is significantly better now – mostly because 64 bit computing is becoming more mainstream and manufacturers have had a few years now to get the hang of it.

Been running 64bit Windows 7 for quite some time now and not had any issues with drivers or software. But that's me. YMMV.

What is it with you Apple fan boys? Do you conveniently forget that buying an equivalent spec PC leaves more money left for bike bits?

My Mac Pro was about £1000 cheaper than the nearest equivalent specced Dell, which left plenty of money left over for bike bits. 🙂

Compatibility aside, 64-bit is pointless until you go well beyond 4Gb of RAM, and more than 4Gb of RAM is pointless unless you've a specific reason to do so; ie, you're running something particularly heavy-duty like manipulating video or rendering Autocad. Even gaming, last time I looked there were about a dozen natively 64-bit games.

Everytime someone goes "I have 4Gb and need 64-bit Windows to use it all," god kills a kitten.

My Mac Pro was about £1000 cheaper than the nearest equivalent specced Dell, which left plenty of money left over for bike bits.

Ladies and Gentlemen we gotta a biter!

Back on subject there are a number of very good ebay sellers with thousands of sales worth a look.

I like Dell, so long as they're on sale.

Compatibility aside, 64-bit is pointless until you go well beyond 4Gb of RAM, and more than 4Gb of RAM is pointless unless you've a specific reason to do so

True dat, but everything is headed 64 bit and there is no upgrade from Win7 x32 to x64 so the OP would still be best advised to go x64 as he's probably getting the OS thrown in with the box.. it buys a bit more life for no extra hassle or cash I'd have thought.

You won't get all 4Gb under x32 either – see here

just took delivery this very morn of all the bits required for a new-build, as advised by my colleague who looks after the IT for work.

He specced the parts to suit my budget and requirements, and next weekend we shall build it.

Suppliers were:
Overclockers
Scan
as mentioned above.

i have one for sale if you look in my recent posts

You won't get all 4Gb under x32 either

I know this; however, (simplifying) it's a false economy because you lose more than you gain by moving to 64 bit.