Vista Tutorial - Vista Newb..please help configuring new gaming PC

Hi everyone. I am currently in the process of configuring a new Dell XPS 630. I want the system to be primarily for gaming. I have yet to use a PC with Vista, so needless to say I am not familiar with it, let alone the difference between Vista 32-bit and 64 bit systems. The price difference between the 32- and 64-bit systems that I am debating between is very small. Anyway, my questions and concerns are..

Is there an advantage to having a 62-bit version over a 32-bit version of vista when it comes to gaming? Any performance problems/issues of one or the other?

If I get the 64-bit version, will 4GB of RAM be enough for gaming or do I need more?

Which processor will be better... Intel® Core™2 Q6600 Quad-Core (8MB L2 cache,2.40GHz,1066FSB) or Intel® Core™2 E8500 (6MB,3.16 GHz, 1333FSB)?

How much hard drive space does the OS take up? Would a 500GB hard drive be a decent size. (assuming I plan to remove most games after they are completed)

Here is the configuration Im looking at. Price with shipping comes to $1216 USD. Plus I have $550 worth of Dell gift cards I've been saving. Nice thing is 19in monitor is included. I would appreciate as much input as I can possibly get please. Thank you very much.

- XPS 630 Intel® Core™2 Q6600 Quad-Core (8MB L2 cache,2.40GHz,1066FSB)
- Operating System Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1, 64-Bit
- Memory 4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 4 DIMMs
- Monitors 19 inch SE198WFP Widescreen Digital Flat Panel Monitor
- Video Card nVidia GeForce 9800 GT 512MB
- Hard Drive 500GB - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache
- Optical Drive Dual Drives: 48x Combo + 16x DVD+/-RW w/ dbl layer write capable
- Sound Cards Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
- Office Productivity Software (Pre-Installed) Microsoft Works 9.0
- Security Software McAfee SecurityCenter with anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, 24-months
- Warranty & Service 2Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
- Datasafe No DataSafe NODTSF
- LABELS Windows Vista™ Premium
- DataSafe Online Backup Dell Remote Access, free basic service

Hello.

I'm no expert at all but I can tell you what I know!

- 64 vs 32? The main thing you will gain from the 64-bit Vista is the no RAM limit. You can take advantage of the full 4GB instead of 3.5GB(?) in the 32-bit Vista. I'm pretty sure that 64-bit is the future and more programs will be optimized for it in the future.

- A 500GB HDD is well enough for a normal gamer. I have one myself with games and over 30 movies and 10 seasons of TV-series and I still have plenty room left.

Everything looks good to me and I've heard nothing but good things about the 9800 GT from my friends.

Let someone else tell you about the CPU's as I have no idea, at all.

Well, when you said "Configuring", I thought you wanted to build your own system and I was about to tell you that, with that kind of money, you can build a better system than the one you'll buy form Dell but, if you can use those gift certificates towards an upgrade or towards the purchase, more power to you.

I would try to get a 22" instead of a 19 LCD but that's just for better gaming display than anything else.

I have heard people stating that for gaming, a dual core is better than a quad, they stated various reasons and others said no and also stated various reasons that, if you read between the lines, will probably mean nothing to you and me.

Quad Cores will probably be the way of the future just like x64 but, how long before everybody takes advantage of it for gaming? that is the Million dollar question, isn't it? your system will probably be ok for a year or so, by then, everything or, at least, some of those components will have to be upgraded.

You didn't say what kind of Motherboard Dell is giving you, most people tend to forget that this is a better and important part of having a good gaming rig and where Dell usually decides to go the cheap route.

I have heard nothing but good things from Dell owners but, the majority I know use their Dells for work and not gaming. I am not trying to discourage you, just do your homework and research that a bit more.

I agree with AstaLaVista, the motherboard is a big deal for gaming and future upgrades. You will notice that you dont have a choice of what mobo to get. They probably will give you a cheaper one.

The difference between 22" and 19" is huge, it is so nice to have a 22" screen compared to my old 19". But hey if the 19" is included than go for it, but if you have a choice go for the 22". I love mine.

Jeremy

Thanks for the help guys. I've been doing my research for quite a while. Most of the stuff I have read has been good regarding the XPS gaming systems. I'm long overdue for a new pc as I am still using a desktop with a Pent 4 2.4 GHz cpu and 2GB of ram. I have not been able to play any new games for quite a while.

My main concern was the amount of ram needed for the 64-bit system. I know the 64-bit OS can take advantage of the full amount, but does it require more than 4GB to run smoothly or will that be enough?

As far as the monitor goes, I can upgrade to a 22in for a $100 which I was considering doing. Right now I'm using a 19in CRT which isn't 19in viewable, so a 19in LCD would still be an upgrade.

4GB should be sufficient.

I have close to the same set up as the one you are looking at and run 4gigs of ram with no problems. COD 4 runs nicely, although I havent tried fallout 3 or one of the massive games. So yes 4 gigs would be enough.

Jeremy