I've been planning a build for a while now, but I don't think I will pull the trigger for a good 8 months or so (going to be epic btw). However, I do want to upgrade my desktop a bit in the meantime. As of now, it is a pretty standard Inspiron 530 with a 2.4ghz Intel Core 2 Duo Quad Q6600, 4gb ram (ddr2..), and some ridiculous integrated graphics. I added a wireless adapter to it due to constraints with the cable modem. My next steps should run me about 300 USD and consist of upgrading the ram to 8gb (Corsair XMS2), adding an ASUS GT640-2GD3 video card, and upgrading the power supply with a 600W Thermaltake W0388RU TR2. It is also running Windows 7 32bit, which will more than likely be upgraded to Windows 7 64 bit or Windows 8. This should add a considerable amount of power for minecraft and background applications. I found that I like to run Outlook, Minecraft, Firefox, Spotify, and sometimes even Skype at all times, so the dual screen implementation should allow me to keep minecraft going on one screen and the other screen for various other applications. I would like to know what you guys think of this upgrade, and maybe share info on windows 8... I'm currently in love with Windows 7, but I can't help but wonder what mysteries windows 8 holds.
dual screen mode is flaky at best. granted it does work if everything is set up the same (IE 2 of the same monitors, same resolution) and the video card allows for dual screen mode. (I do believe the 640 does allow for it.). make sure the size of RAM is compatible with the motherboard and that it isnt Dell proprietary RAM. Windows 7 Pro and even windows 8 would be good, albeit windows 8 is newer. not a bad thing...but I usually wait around 8-12 months before getting said new OS (same goes for Linux). Overall, not too bad a build
Well with my luck, both monitors are almost splitting images of each other, minus a few years and glossy/anti-glare screens. I'm mainly looking for something to keep my browser open while I play MC. As for the RAM, it's just your ordinary Hynix brand cheap DDR2. It isn't difficult to upgrade, and 8gb should let me run smoothly. PS, you should see my future PC build... $1330 for a pretty beastly machine, peripherals, plus monitor. The only thing it would lack would be the TV tuner, which I guess I can do without... for now at least.
as long as they both have the same resolution should be fine. the lowest I ever find seems to be corsair or crucial
I use 3 "screens" Main display, 1920x1080 secondary display - 1280x1024 tv (only for movies etc) -- 1920x1080 no problems here, i dont duplicate the screen though, i only "extend" the desktop
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116501 Core i7 3.5ghz 3.9-4.0 on Liquid , 3rd gen Quad Core
