[QUOTE="CleverUser"][QUOTE="General_X"]You don't even need an activated copy of Windows to use an upgrade install. My copy of Windows 7 is a Home Premium upgrade version, so whenever I need to reinstall I just bust out one of my old Windows Vista discs and install it first, then when it prompts me for the serial key I just skip that step and use the 30-day grace period. Then I just go ahead and install my Windows 7 over the top of the Vista install (XP works too, I've done it both ways) and everything's good to go.ionusX

You don't even need an activated copy of Windows to use an upgrade install. My copy of Windows 7 is a Home Premium upgrade version, so whenever I need to reinstall I just bust out one of my old Windows Vista discs and install it first, then when it prompts me for the serial key I just skip that step and use the 30-day grace period. Then I just go ahead and install my Windows 7 over the top of the Vista install (XP works too, I've done it both ways) and everything's good to go.General_X

if you can get a ahrdcopy of windows XP professional i would happily give you my cd-key (it has limitless uses)ionusX

Download the Windows 8 release preview. It still lets you use it for a while and will support all your games without unnecessary compatibility programs like WINE.

The_Stand_In

With the games you say you play not for awhile. 04dcarraher

Here's a full new pc and gpu to add to it

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1553701&CatId=2726

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5247876&CatId=7387

04dcarraher

[QUOTE="04dcarraher"]I didnt know you wanted to build your own Pc.ionusX

here is what i would do with a build for $670 (about the same as 04carr's build)

amd phenom II x4 965 BE (newegg)

ASrock icafe am3+ motherboard

8gb ddr3 ram (likely a 2x4gb kit from kingston or g. skill)

rosewill challenger-U3 (if it has the bundle i would get the 630 watt stallion or 530watt green series PSU in a combo)

dvd-rom

amd hd 7770 ghz ed. (sapphire or powercolor)

windows 7 64-bit OEM

and then a hard drive with the remainder

the trade-offs to the pre-built above is this:

pro's: the gpu would come with either a free game or a free magazine issue, the case is better as is the pwoer supply and the quality of the ram, and motherboard. the graphics card would also be superior in terms of power consumption and preformance

con's: the processor would be significantly weaker though still capable of playing games in todays PC gaming market.

if i am lowballing for the budget the next thing i would do is replace the phenom II x4 for likely a phenom fx-6300 but this would only reduce how far behind your cpu would be from the machine above. if you want to go this route you say the word but essentially youd wind up at the same place you would be getting the pre-built and adding the videocard.

Here's a full new pc and gpu to add to it

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1553701&CatId=2726

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5247876&CatId=7387

04dcarraher