Jeez, saying someone is wrong is different than "I have a different opinion."

I stand by all my comments, and they are comments made by a very informed professional (especially in the area of database development/optimization); just with different opinions.

Hehe, one would think this was a forum for C++ diehards with decades invested in their egos.

I respect your opinions, but they are just opinions, as are mine.

having said that, the Op got advice and he certainly made a more informed decision after the dust settled, so mission accomplished on that.

Thanks all for all the input.

So if I'm getting this right the consensus is the one thing i need to change is upgrading the RAM to 4gb and making sure it's matching pairs?

The thing is I only plan on keeping the 64bit vista for less than a month, then upgrading to windows7, should I still upgrade due to having matching pairs?

The place where I just got my new computer Mesh (UK btw) gave me an entitlement to a free upgrade from them to windows7 when its officially released. Is this what you're getting?

I've had zero problems as far as the 64bit operating system goes using loads of poker software.

8gb RAM, quad core, 2TB HD (7200rpm which can cope with HEM and 12 tables) seem to work for me

Yes it's a free upgrade when windows7 comes out, they say on Oct 22nd. So I'll probably upgrade as soon as it comes out.

I decided based on the replies to go with the 4GB RAM. I left the rep a message and email, hopefully it won't be a problem since I ordered after 6pm last night it's pretty soon after.

I don't really save too much stuff, when I say watching movies I meant streaming from the web. It's mainly for web surfing and playing poker, so the HM will be the biggest thing using memory and I have to stop the upgrades at some point or the price just gets out of control, also I'm going from 80GB to 320GB so for me it's already a big upgrade.

Out of date is relative I think, I'm going from a 5 year old Dell Dimension 3000 to this, it's at least 4 times as powerful in all aspects so for me it's already a big upgrade. Obviously there are faster computers out there but I'm not trying too spend too much.

Well after a couple of back and forth emails with the rep it turns out it's too late to change it, it's already in production and there's nothing they can do at this point.

Is this something I should try to upgrade on my own once I get the computer? (going from 3GB RAM to 4GB) I do plan to upgrade from the 64bit vista after less than a month to windows7. Will it matter, someone said earlier that it only really matters on programs that are heavily memory dependent. Will it still matter because its not 2x2gb but 1x2gb and 1x1gb? will this mean it won't preform optimally since it's not utilizing the dual channel? Also since it's already built as 1x2gb and 1x1gb will I even be able to add 1gb and have it as a matching pair of 2x2gb or will it end up being 1x2gb 1x1gb 1x1gb?

Don't worry about upgrading the memory now. 2X1 + 2X1 works better/faster than 2X1 + 1X1, but not by a whole lot, and I don't think you'll see a difference right now. Live with it.

Once you have some more money, programs become more memory intensive and you want to add a little boost to your computer, throw away the 1 gig stick and replace it with 2X2.

Right now a 1 gig stick sells for about $25, so it's not the end of the world.

---------------Kitty

^ +1

Also, you could always eventually get another 1 + 2 upgrading to 6gig total. But I'm guessing you're going to be pretty happy with the new computer for quite some time anyways. Enjoy...

First thing to do is uninstall McAfee when you get the software and replace it with something else. AVG, AVAST, heck even Microsoft's new offering will be out in October and I would it over McAfee or Norton's.

Thanks all for all the advice. I think what I ended up with I will be very happy with it as it's way better than what I have now.

I currently have Norton Antivirus and I plan on replacing the Mcafee with that due the recommendations against Mcafee, keeping that until it expires in about two months and I'll research then to see then what antivirus to go with from there on.

It's a new computer you should start off with good security, so forget about the last 2 months of Norton. The first thing I did when I got my new computer was install Mozilla, Avira Premium AV and the free version of Comodo firewall (of course also disabling Windows Defender and Windows firewall). Check out the Stickies in CTH for more info.