config thoughts, wait or jump?

Hiya! Unlurking.

 

I've been futzing around with the configurator for a few months now as my 2003 2500xp Ati9600 256m "gaming" system is beginning to show its age.

 

Questions:

 

Given I am intending to use the presumptive new system for 3+ years, am I better off getting an ultra case for the better airflow, or is it just overkill? round cables important?

 

Should I avoid even the nominal stage 3 overclock since longevity/stability is my main goal?

 

What if anything about the nov 12 (or slightly thereafter) releases changes the system optimization in terms of price/performance?

 

There had previously been a cheaper option with a higher FSB speed... was that removed for instability? Why the sudden switch in power supplies?

 

I am guessing that vista and 4 GB is the way to go given the long term character of the upgrade... but I still have my xp disk... is it better to wait and save the 100$, or is not letting DSO test the OS asking for pointless hell?

 

Sound card/standalone ethernet card not cost effective for non extreme performance setups?

 

Gaming keyboards/mice worth it? (hate cordless/battery nightmares) Mostly RPG/TBS/MMORPG use

 

What am I not considering that I should be?

 

 

Thanks for all replies and advice

 

Dave

 

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You should consider an Ultra or Extreme case for airflow. Remember that if you want longevity, no matter what case you pick, you will need to clean the dust every once in a while.

You might want to avoid overclocking for now if you feel that whatever processor you pick will be fast enough. Start overclocking when you feel that you need more performance out of the processor.

Things change every month so if you keep waiting, you will never purchase. There is a new product coming out every month of the year. November, December, January, February, March, ... and stops maybe in the summer I can name atleast two products coming out every month up until May..

If you think you can live with XP than stick with it. If you want change than go Vista... Remember for Vista x64, your drivers must be 64 bit compatible. 32 bit drivers do not work on 64 bit operating systems.

For any product to be labeled "Gaming", THEY MUST BE WIRED. (MX518, G5, G9, G15).

Whichever keyboard/mouse makes you feel comfortable is worth it. If you think a $5 keyboard/mouse is comfortable than thats cool.

What are you not considering? There are infinite possible answers to this...

And the change in power supply is for the better. Silverstone has better PSUs than thermaltake =)




Edited by skyR - 08 Nov 2007 at 3:59pm