I did look at the HP when I was at Office Depot once and really liked it. However, I'm not a huge fan of the glossy screens, hence the Samsung. Plus two of my friends each got 24" Samsungs about a month before I got my 22".

No offense to anyone but I would not buy a bloated retail system. In my expierence they don't run as fast as one you would build either. It is totally up to you but if something goes down the line like the board or PSU you may not be able to replace it without finding the exact same one. If you build your own you will be able to run your ram at better timings like the sticks I posted. They have a better latency than regular RAM which helps speed up the system. You will also not be able to overclock the processor either. I think you will be better off building your own. Just my take.

Good points, but I'm not a hardcore computer user like some of you. I have no idea how to overclock and such, I just know the basics how how to put them together.

If I just upgraded my old system, I would maybe get $150 for all the old parts. If I bought the box system I would be able to sell my old computer as a whole, maybe even get $500 for it locally.

Well I just don't want you to get a nice new system and be unhappy with it. If you did build your own you wouldn't even have to overclock it and it would still run better. Oh and you wouldn't have to deal with Vista. Ok enough said. Take some time and think it over.

From the first post

I will take some time to think no doubt... but my gears are sure turning fast

Darn I missed that one. Lol! Well stick with 2GB or 4GB of memory and you will be fine running Vista.

Vista runs fine with 2gb and most wont notice a difference with 4gb me being on of them.

2gb is MORE than enough for vista.

As per the Screen, that came about from my chat

You don't need more than an included intel or AMD heatsink if you're not overclocking. Don't worry about buying one if your proc comes with one.

That 9500 is great though, i've been eyeing the larger 9700 myself...

I just saw that Tigerdirect was having a sale on the monitor I wanted! I snatched it up.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...9&Sku=H25-2200

Since I had the monitor, I decided it would probably be best to just upgrade my current setup. I just spend $405.82 at newegg on the stuff Blownville suggested.

I also bought tires today so I just spent like a grand. Apparently my balls grew back. Everything should be here by Monday.

Your making me want to pickup a 2nd HP at that price...

hrm.... I'll pass out on it..