New Gaming Rig

[Stormcrow]

For Step-Up, basically you buy the card and then register is on the Evga website. Within 90 days you can go to the website, and choose a better model under the Step-Up part of the site. 8800GTS-8800GTX, for example. You then fill out the information, and you pay the difference between the original purchase price of the old card with the retail price Evga has listed for the new one you want. If you got a 8800GTS 320mb for like, 300 for example, and Evga has a GTX for 500, you'd pay 200 bucks overall. After that you have to box up the card just like it came, including ALL discs, instructions, extra cables, etc. Then mail it out to them. In a few weeks you'll get the new card. Evga takes your old card and goes over it with a fine comb and resells it either as refurbished or B-Stock, which is why you need everything from the bundle.

For PSUs, you can check out several articles and recommendations, but this one seems to be the best pick overall for a stable PSU at a good price.
Newegg.com - OCZ StealthXStream OCZ600SXS ATX12V / EPS12V 600W Power Supply 100 - 240 V CB, CE, CSA, UL, FCC - Retail

[One4yu2c]

On a related note, make sure you register your EVGA or XFX card online within 30 days of purchase, or that lifetime warranty gets demoted to a paltry one year.

[_WBaS_]

About the PSU, I like my Corsair HX520. Modular cables, quiet, good regulation. If it isn't enough juice then there is always the hx620. I'm sure the other PSU's ur looking at are good too.

So on the evga cards... is it possible to register it on the 29th day, then get another 90 days for step-up totalling 119 days?

[XoRn]

Thanks for all the help guys. One last question. 2 guys in my LAN party circle already have the case I outlined. Anyone know of any other cases around $100 that will stand out a bit more? I'm a sucker for sleek and shiny cases. =D

[One4yu2c]

The 90 day step-up program is valid from the date of purchase, not the registration date.

[garetjax]

Originally Posted by XoRn

Well I went jobless for a few months and had to pay the price. I sold my machine in my sig to make rent. Well this of coarse inspired me to GET A JOB so I'm about 1 step away from becoming a Manager in Training at the local Radio Shack. I also noticed Newegg has a "No Payment for Six Months" deal going until the end of the month so if I do get the job, I intend to use the offer to its fullest.

Perhaps it's just me, and maybe I'm erring on the side of caution, but I would discourage you from buying anything on credit for the time being. Even though Newegg has a deal going on, things can quickly change in six months. I would wait until you are established in your new job, then think about getting a new rig. Yes, the lure of instant gratification of a new computer is strong, but it must be tempered with a little bit of common sense and paitience.

Just my two cents...

[Elysium]

Originally Posted by XoRn

Thanks for all the help guys. One last question. 2 guys in my LAN party circle already have the case I outlined. Anyone know of any other cases around $100 that will stand out a bit more? I'm a sucker for sleek and shiny cases. =D

Any Lian Li case. Very sleek, simple designs.

[Stormcrow]

Originally Posted by garetjax

Perhaps it's just me, and maybe I'm erring on the side of caution, but I would discourage you from buying anything on credit for the time being. Even though Newegg has a deal going on, things can quickly change in six months. I would wait until you are established in your new job, then think about getting a new rig. Yes, the lure of instant gratification of a new computer is strong, but it must be tempered with a little bit of common sense and paitience.

Just my two cents...

Words of wisdom he speaks. Didn't realize you were going to put all of this on credit. Not only that, but Neweggs credit system is a draconian beast. I can't get approved with my credit score, and it's flawless since anything I put on plastic is paid off by the time the bill rolls in.

[garetjax]

Originally Posted by Stormcrow

Words of wisdom he speaks. Didn't realize you were going to put all of this on credit.

To be fair, I assumed he was going to since he had to sell his other rig for rent money, and was jobless for a few months. Thus his new management position at Radio Shack. In any event, even having six months of no payments, this doesn't mean interest will not be accruing in the meantime, provided that Newegg is running some kind of credit-as-payment plan.

[Stormcrow]

From what I gathered with Newegg's credit scheme is that for 6 months nothing happens. You don't start building interest until after the 6th month comes and goes. It's not bad, and the interest rate is around 2%. Probably some hidden clause lurking in the contract, but it gives you a safe harbor for 6 months before starting on the interest. If you can pay it off before then, you don't owe any extra.