Looking into building a new machine

If you aren't buying until then, your best bet is to not think about it until then. The new Intel chips will be out, or very close to it, and then you'll be able to make a good comparison of the latest tech. Also, price/performance numbers can change between now and then with regard to video cards. So your best buy now, might not be your best buy then.

When you are ready to look at reviews, I like Anandtech, Extremetech, SilentPCreview (not for your purposes), HardOCP, and ARSTechnica.

If I wanted to buy a top of the line gaming machine right now (which is never a good value), It'd be an Athlon FX60 machine (yes it's dual core). 2GB of Ram, a top of the line Gefore card (I can't bring myself to consider SLI etc.), a nice nForce motherboard (Gigabyte, Tyan, etc.). But this has no bearing on what would be 'best' in several month's time.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Locke

As long as it's idiot proofed enough that things only fit where they are supposed to go, I should be fine

Idiot resisitant really. You should be fine, and any specific issues will likely be readily available online when you do a query, or someone on GFF will have a hand for you.

How ya doing, buddy?