System Specs: The Best and The Worst!

So very true. Really, newer models of CPU's haven't been about performance -- largely, the performance issues we hit are due to I/O bottlenecks, and not really CPU -- but more about efficiency of power use. Thats really the only thing those of us with newer machines are gaining, performance wise , since we're not running monster relational databases on these machines. The machine I'm playing on was a new build, but it was mostly because the wife needed a computer too (2 years ago) -- so she got my old gaming machine, and I built the machine I listed above, for about 700 bucks. And other than games on steam, thats all I've put into it. My consoles all collect dust because I got tired of all the run-around you describe there -- and I've already written off the next generation for myself. Why waste the money?

I totally agree. I built my desktop pc four years ago (or so) and it is still running AAA titles in high settings. I did upgrade the graphics card and that was actually a small revolution. My old graphics card (ati hd4700 i think) was fast enough but it was noisy. Man, things have really changed with cooling/noise for graphics card. My gtx gtx 650 TI runs cool and I never hear the fan. I also consider buying an ssd but I am in no hurry. I will probably buy a next gen console to play with friends who don't do pc gaming but I would prefer if they all bought a desktop!

A pepple watch on the other hand! I need that!