If you filter all server with no players you can easily find a good match in any game.

As for which version of the game to pick up.  Any updated version released for the game simply had additional content that you can download for free from the game's official website.  So it doesn't much matter what version you get, as you can download any content that version might not have.

[QUOTE="AstraNoString"]Is the new hard drive SATA? If so than you'll need to hit F6 when WinXP first starts to install so that you can install third party drivers. Older IDE drivers did not require drivers to partition and install an OS, but newer SATA drives do.PikaPichu

Does MS include the needed drivers on the install CD? Or do you have to have a floppy drive and load the drivers from the manufacturer's disc?

If the computer still shuts down, it could be a bunch of other things too. (part(s) not seated properly, incorrect BIOS settings, bad memory, improper cooling, etc)

On a sidenote, I'm happy to report that Vista needs no such step to install in a SATA HDD.

It would depend on the HDD and the drivers that need to be installed.  In most cases you'll need to use a floppy drive and install 3rd party drivers.  If the drivers are not installed windows shuts down and restarts.

It sounds like you should really look into purchasing a new computer.  Depending on your motherboard you may, or may not be able to install a new video card.  If your motherboard does not have an AGP slot you won't be able to install a new Video card.  You could get on old PCI card in that case, but that wouldn't get you the performance you'll need to play current games.  Your current computer is also in need of more memory, which you should be able to upgrade, but unless you can get a new video card installed more memory will not do you any good.

For $700 you should be able to get a decent computer to play games on.  What types of games are you looking to play?

www.ibuypower.com is a good site to check out for getting budged gamming computers.  If you already have a monitor, speakers, keyboard, and mouse than you can simply choose to not puchase them and spend your money on purchasing better computer components. 

I've noticed I can get an Athlon 64 3500+ online for around $50 off eBay. Would this be a noticeable improvement over an Athlon 64 3000+ or is it neglible? Should I save my money for an X2 instead? Thanks!GTZ2k3

If you upgrade to a 3500+ you would not see an increase at all.  Deffinetly save your money and get an X2 dual core chip instead.  

Hello all, this is a two part question:

First, does anyone have any experience with the fanless, heatpipe technology? Does it work well? Its not really a big issue for me, but my 7600GT is definately the loudest part in my PC and I was just wondering if it would be a worthwhile purchase.

Second, concerning the 8600GTS, how many of you would consider the extra 50 or dollars well-spent if I bought an 8800GTS. I am a college student so it is absolutely necessary that I get what I pay for, and I cant really afford "luxury" items. I am more than happy with my 7600GT and while I am sure an 8600GTS would be sufficient, I want to upgrade for longevity and if an 8800GTS is worth the 50 bucks down the road, I Will get that.

mrbojangles25

Heatpipes and silent coolers typically work well, it depends on the model.  If you have sufficient air flow in your case, and do not plan to overclock than a silent cooling system is the way to go.

Deffinetly spend the few extra bucks on the 8800GTS!!! 

thanks, sorry, like I said, easy, simple (aka, im a moron)seabiscuit8686

Don't worry about it, memoy can get complicated.