Ordering a computer - Need help with specs

[Kensei]

I get a 12% discount if I order through the Dell website, which means I have to get a dell computer which I have no problem with.

I'm getting this computer for school and to play a next-gen MMO which means I'll need an awesome graphics card.

So far I've gathered that I need the following:

-Graphics Card (Not sure which to get)
-At least 4 Gigs of Ram
-Duo Processing Unit at least 2.7 GHz (Certain kind?)
-Power Supply at least 600 wats (Certain kind?)
-Motherboard
-Intel something
-Windows 7

I have roughly $1,400 to spend as a budget. I don't really want to order single parts as I can't get a discount. If I must, I can go over the price limit a little.

I have no idea if I'm missing anything else. Hopping some experts can help me, especially those who are planning on playing FFXIV like I am.

I have to order off Dell.ca.

 

[Kensei]

Looking at this:

http://www1.dell.com/ca/p/studio-xps-8100/pd?oc=dsx8100_f_2e&model_id=studio-xps-8100

 

[mike_n_herrin]

i just build a quad core with an AMD cpu for right at 400 bucks (i already had windows 7 so i wasn't out more money for a operating system). Are you sure you want to go name brand? it will be cheaper to build it your self if you are techy at all. Personally i think for that kind of money you should be getting more than just a dual core.

when you say "at least 4 gigs of ram" are you going to be running a 64 bit windows version? if you are not your 4 gigs of ram will do nothing for you.

here are the specs on the one i just built.
http://www.justusboys.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309009

 

[hotatlboi]

when you say "at least 4 gigs of ram" are you going to be running a 64 bit windows version? if you are not your 4 gigs of ram will do nothing for you.

just to clarify, it seems as though 2 gigs is the standard max that 32 bit windows supports.

 

[Spiffy]

I thought the max for 32bit windows was 3gb. It was last time i checked with my PC. It would show 3gb under system spec in XP Professional

You would definitely need a minimum of 4GB ram, I would suggest a cpu with a little more power not too much more though really. One thing that would DEFINITELY NEED UPGRADING is that video card for a game like FF14 which looks gorgeous. You want a graphics card that will be able to play FF14 smooth on high settings.

If you have time i would suggest like mentioned by someone else, It would be more efficient to build your on rig. It would be more powerful for around a lower or similar price. Besides you really do want a quad core....

 

[SilverSurfer]

The amount of RAM supported for Win32 is dependent upon the motherboard. Many dual processor boards support 4-8GB.

 

[mike_n_herrin]

The amount of RAM supported for Win32 is dependent upon the motherboard. Many dual processor boards support 4-8GB.

That's not entirely accurate, but neither is what i said

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778(VS.85).aspx

With Windows 7 ulitmate 32 bit i had 4 gb of ram installed. my motherboard could see all 4 gb. Windows however only saw 3, one of which was allocated to the video card. When i upgraded to windows 7 ultimate 64 bit, windows could see all 4 gb of ram, one of which was allocated to the video card.

 

[Spiffy]

Yeah thats what i was trying to say. I thought windows 32bit could only identify up to 3gb ram, regardless if you had 3 or 8 on your motherboard.

 

[Corny]

^ correct, you cannot address more