Random questions about desktop computers

[JohnDoH!]

I had a few questions and I thought i'd throw it into one thread instead of individual threads.

a) http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/graphics/core2_promo.jpg I've seen that little doll before, the third one in that picture, the one with space suit, what does it do?

b) Could anyone suggest some solid, always-good-quality certified companies for core 2 duo mobos's? So far i've been looking through intel, asus, evga, msi and gigabyte, any other that come to mind?

c) Other then intel Chipset (the 965 and 975) are there any other chipsets that I should possibly look into? for core 2 duo mobo's that is.

d) The difference between Oem window xp home and retail window xp home is just the box and manual, right? or if I purchase the retail version and at a later time I decide to purchase a new computer or replace certain parts of the computer like a HDD, CPU and mobo will I be able to install the window xp on it through the retail CD? without having to purchase a new one?

e) On new egg I noticed the free upgrade to vista with purchase of xp oem, does that mean I get the full version where in the future i'll be able to download sp packs like in xp? or is it just a beta test run?

f) For HDD, the difference between 7200 and 10k... is there a noticable difference? is it worth shelfing out the few extra bucks? Oem and retail hdd, other then the box is there anything else? I noticed I got a disk that protect the HDD or what not (a floppy) the last time I purchased retail HDD are those included?

 

[Jet]

a) I have no idea
b) Out of those, I wouldn't really recommend Evga or Intel. While Intel does produce good motherboards, they don't allow overclocking, which you will regret sometime in the future. I did regret my decision, and I was "never going to overclock" when I bought my computer. Now what? I overclock anything I can get my hands on
c) While Nvidia makes chipsets for Core 2 Duo, I really wouldn't recommend them until you get into the $175+ range. The Intel P965 and 975 chipsets are amazing.
d)With the OEM XP CD, you can install it on any one computer at any time. If you switch components, you can still use it
e)You get the full version of Vista when it comes out. However, you might want to wait a little until Microsoft irons security issues out
f)There isn't a noticeable difference. As long as you get a SATA2/7200RPM/16MB cache hard drive, you will be fine.

 

[JohnDoH!]

Thanks oh and apprently the doll on top is just some collectable thingy that microsoft gave out apprently.

 

[Xare]

So whats with the masonic symbolism in your avatar ?

 

[Warriorhazzard]

I had a few questions and I thought i'd throw it into one thread instead of individual threads.

a) http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/graphics/core2_promo.jpg I've seen that little doll before, the third one in that picture, the one with space suit, what does it do?

Wasnt it for promotion purposes. ???

b) Could anyone suggest some solid, always-good-quality certified companies for core 2 duo mobos's? So far i've been looking through intel, asus, evga, msi and gigabyte, any other that come to mind?

If you dont overclock Intel Like Jet said. I have always liked Asus or Gigabyte.

d) The difference between Oem window xp home and retail window xp home is just the box and manual, right? or if I purchase the retail version and at a later time I decide to purchase a new computer or replace certain parts of the computer like a HDD, CPU and mobo will I be able to install the window xp on it through the retail CD? without having to purchase a new one?

Im pretty sure you can install it again. Im not sure about that. But the difference is that it just doesnt come with the fancy blue box and the long..and boring manual. I recently bought the OEM version. Its just the CD with some scary (some really weird said) dirrections. ^^ Its all good though

f) For HDD, the difference between 7200 and 10k... is there a noticable difference? is it worth shelfing out the few extra bucks? Oem and retail hdd, other then the box is there anything else? I noticed I got a disk that protect the HDD or what not (a floppy) the last time I purchased retail HDD are those included?

If it is a 10k with a 16MB cache you will probably notice a slight difference. If it is a 10k with a 8MB you wont notice it much in some applications. Check HDD 101. They have some comparing