While I'm still planning and saving for my computer, I took the step today to order Windows XP Professional x64 Edition (for the nice Athlon 64 I'll be getting). I've done some research on the pros and cons of going to 64 bit, and while the cons do stack up, and might not even outweigh the pros, there's one big reason I want it - for the enthusiast in me. I read an article while at work today about whom (I think that's the correct grammar) the x64 edition is designed for. It's not for the standard user, but rather the enthusiast. The one who wants to be on the cutting edge, playing around with the most advanced system. So yes, I'll probably not be able to run everything I want to run, I might have to upgrade some of my peripherals (printer, scanner), but in the end, I'll be able to play with x64 far before the mainstream.

To get the x64 edition, I had to install my copy of XP Pro on an older computer (used the old MAME computer) to get a Product ID code to plug in for the free "Technology Advancement Upgrade." Microsoft now deactivates my version of XP Pro and they are sending me a free copy of XP Pro x64. Just one little problem. Apparently, it's REALLY expensive to send a CD to someone. So you've gotta pay $12.00 for shipping. And then, they charge you tax on the shipping charges - what kind of bunk is that? So I'm getting x64 for $12.93. Considering XP Pro cost me $0.00, it's still a fair bargain, but really...$12.00 for shipping a CD?

Oh yeah, here's the basics of the computer as it stands now - Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego Core, 2 GB Corsair XMS RAM (easily expanded to 4 GB when I have another $200 to spare), ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe motherboard, nVidia 6600 GT graphics card, new Lian-Li case, Western Digital 74 GB 10k SATA Raptor Drive and a couple other odds and ends. But it's still hovering around $1500 though my savings are starting to get dangerously close to the price point.

On another unrelated note, on Friday I built a new computer for my dad. Budget: $500. Ended up getting a sweet little Shuttle case bundled with an AMD Sempron 3000 for $279 at Fry's. Threw in a $20 DVD-ROM, 512 MB of RAM for $25 (after $25 MIR) and a wireless card and he's set for $440. So now my dad has a faster computer than me in a smaller case that runs about 10 times quieter. My new computer will trounce his though.

Note to self: remember northbridge heatsink to replace fan.

Note to self part II: go with ASUS A8N-SLI Premium - just $6 more right now at Monarch. Look for new case - PC-V1000B not an option at this time. Bah.

Note to self part III: Premium has no northbridge fan - just heatink + heatpipe. Sweet.

URL: Exchange Windows XP Professional (32-bit) for Windows XP Professional x64 Edition for a limited time