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[BFEL]

So looking at this I seem to understand the basics, but what about installing an OS?
How would you even get online to download it without having it in the first place?
Or would you have to do the "put it on a flash drive and transfer it" thing?

Curious because when this computer eventually goes in a few years I want to build a PC and be prepared for that.

At the (small) risk of hijacking someone else's thread, here's a short reply:
Yes, installing an OS on a newly assembled PC may initially sound like a catch-22 situation (need internet to get OS, need OS to get internet). There are at least 2 ways around it though: 1, as you suggested, use a flash drive as an installation disk; or 2, you could transfer the OS from your old PC onto the hard drive before you bolt everything into place.

Ok well good to know.
Relatedly, what would you guys say about Linux? Particularly in relation to gaming? It sounds like something I would rather support then Microsoft but I would just go for windows if Linux would make all my games unplayable.

[crazysheep]

Given that SteamOS is supposed to be the next big thing in gaming, and is based off Linux.. I'd say it's worth looking into, but at present Linux doesn't support many games. Most people run Wine to get their games running, but I don't know how the performance compares.

[wierd]

SteamOS has additional requirements that might make it unsuitable, especially on a budget build.

Specifically, the bootloader ONLY works with UEFI bios implementations, and not with traditional bootsector bios implementations.

It might be possible to bypass that on non UEFI systems with a software UEFI implementation loaded on the MBR, (UEFI partitioning keeps a legacy MBR area to keep old tools from nuking the volume) but I have yet to see such a thing in the wild. If you know of one, I am interested as my i7 lacks UEFI, and I would like to try SteamOS. (Already have a mint install.)

[crazysheep]

Well.. BFEL is looking for futureproof plans, so I'd assume that UEFI is going to be standard issue in the near future.. or am I wrong in making that assumption?

[wierd]

Yes. Intel has wholeheartedly embraced UEFI, but there are some software freedom issues with UEFI, which can make MBR bootsector systems remain attractive, despite their warts.

[JoshuaFH]

Would it be possible to get a few benchmarks?  A mate of mine wants me to build him a PC and has a similar budget.

Can you instruct me how to do this?

http://www.fraps.com/download.php

This software will display your framerate.  Leave recording off for accurate results.

Alright, sorry for taking so long to actually getting around to doing this. I've had this computer up and running for a few days now, and I've barely had any time to actually play on it.

The most graphically intense game I own is Saints Row IV. Playing the game in 1080p on ultra high setting lets me cruise around 30-40 fps, depending on how action packed things are getting.

I'm really loving it so far.

[lordcooper]

That's actually a fair bit better than I expected

[jaass]

Do not use the SteamOS it is not ready for inexperience Linux users for installation you are better off with other Linux Distros that have a more user friendly installation.