OK, so despite MS warning against it, an upgrade might be doable. I know from working with Windows Server that they can detect the OS version and disable the option to upgrade. In the case of Beta 7077, they apparently allow the upgrade. In the case of the last public-released Beta (7000?), they may program the RC not to allow the upgrade.

A heatsink + fan is required. If this is a name-brand system, one will already be installed for you. If you are putting it together yourself, check the processor you bought to see if it comes with one (as mentioned before, all retail-boxed procs will have one)

You'll have to reformat if you want switch from the beta to next week's Release Candidate.

To that effect, you'll also have to reformat to move from the beta or release candidate to the retail version when it becomes available.

Intel makes the worst integrated graphics. Can you play TF2? Dunno - I never tried it, but even a cheap ATI/Nvidia add-in card is far superior to Intel graphics.

If this is a laptop PC, I suggest you keep looking until you find something/anything with an ATI or Nvidia integrated graphics controller.

As mentioned above, wireless G has a max transfer speed of 54mbps, which is several times greater than your 7mbps Internet connection - a limit your service provider sets and no router is going to exceed. Wireless N will only benefit you if you have several computers and want to increase the speed of file transfers between them.

That burining smell is your key indicator that something inside your system was just fatally damaged. Although it's always possible the power supply blew, all signs point to the video card. whichever it is, the part must be replaced.

no no! dont buy another case yoyu've spent enough for graphics card and power supply ight. yo just try to take out the optical or HDD drive thats blocking the card from fitting, then remove it, and angle the card in.

Tagerh

That's assuming the OP can move or remove those items. If it's a micro-ATX board and case, the 9800GTX might simply be just too big for it