In need of some PC input

[Flattus]

Im looking into getting an Inspiron 530 from Dell to do some gaming on, (Mainly FFXI.)
http://i39.tinypic.com/2ymjfgx.jpg

Thats what ive got picked out right now, my budget isn't all too big, so i picked what I can afford at the moment, I did plan on getting a new videocard from Newegg (I was told to get a GeForce 9800)

I'm just looking for some input on what i should do.

Thanks in advance.

[Olo401]

- The GeForce 9800's been replaced by the GTS250, which is basically the same card with the new model number format and $20 added to the price. And smart move not buying it with the machine, since Dell will charge you double-retail for a 9800.

- DO NOT get Vista Home Basic. If anything get Home Premium 32-bit, 64-bit if you can manage to get it without an added charge.

- OK this one really ticked me off - How in the hell are they getting 3GB of RAM on 4 DIMMs?! And in Dual-Channel too?! That's either a misprint, or Dell is retarded, or Dell is screwing you deliberately because they assume you're dumb like most of their customers. Make them correct that to say 4GB in two DIMMS, and don't let them give you any crap about charging you more either because one 2GB DIMM costs less than two 1GB DIMMs.

[Cephius]

It's crap. Go for the lower end XPS models.

[Flattus]

- OK this one really ticked me off - How in the hell are they getting 3GB of RAM on 4 DIMMs?! And in Dual-Channel too?! That's either a misprint, or Dell is retarded, or Dell is screwing you deliberately because they assume you're dumb like most of their customers. Make them correct that to say 4GB in two DIMMS, and don't let them give you any crap about charging you more either because one 2GB DIMM costs less than two 1GB DIMMs.

I had to add like $60 to upgrade to the 3GB of RAM deal, I can get 4GB but its like $90..

[Olo401]

Wow man.. what a ripoff.

[Flattus]

I'm guessing i'd be better off building my own, huh?
Ive only got about, $500 to spend.

[mootsfox]

Build your own. Olo401 posted a thread with a $500 "supa" gaming rig. That should give you a good estimate of how much power you can get for $500.

Do you need a monitor too?

[Cephius]

Just remember you get what you pay for. That 500 dollar gaming build has some really cheap parts.

[Flattus]

Build your own. Olo401 posted a thread with a $500 "supa" gaming rig. That should give you a good estimate of how much power you can get for $500.

Do you need a monitor too?

Nah, ive got my own monitor that works good enough.
I'll probably upgrade in the future.

Thanks for the help guys.
Appreciate it.