I've had Cisco Call Manager servers in RAID kick it because of the RAID controller, but never lost data so badly that you can't get it from a bitwise extract, like you'd have with a real forensics toolset (EnCase, if that's still around, is the only one I was ever trained on and competent with). That kind of catastrophe seems pretty unusual even in the realm of "highly uncommon things that go wrong".

But I've also never come down with a bad case of Mac. XD

Good luck with the climb ^_^

EDIT: forgot to reply to your question about testing. Cyberpower does either a 48 or 72 hour burn-in after they build the desktop. I forget which it is - they'll send you updates as they build and test it, though, so you'll see it go from "build complete" to "burn-in test". They'll also include the (halfway) used tube of thermal paste so you could theoretically go in and re-goo it if you want (but don't. Seriously. I see people use thermal paste like it's magic sauce. More is not merrier.)

Absolutely; I do the same. Parallels or VirtualBox or even VMware are excellent when you are not doing demanding 3D graphics (like games). You can even keep Windows XP around for applications that never got ported up to 7, using these for sandboxes; if it gets attacked, just reset it to a snapshot.

But DirectX wants its feet in the sand (not a virtual boardwalk) if you're using it for games.

Though I haven't answered everyone that has posted here, I genuinely appreciate each and every comment!

I was going to stealthily add a Winner #4 during the drawing tomorrow, but have instead come up with another way to say thanks.

If you would like:

INQUISITOR

drop me a line. First PM gets it.

One rule: you have already posted in this topic. And that includes you, genkicolleen.

If no one wants or needs Inquisitor, I'll probably play it when I get... my new PC. (Feel free to ask me for it after the drawing is complete. I won't redeem it for my shelf for a few weeks.)

The winners in the giveaway have been selected!

Thanks to everyone for their participation, help, and great suggestions. Inquisitor is still up for grabs (post 33) if any of the original respondents would like it. Games will be sent via PM as soon as I receive selections (at least during working hours when I currently have internet connectivity).

PC purchase is still pending, but I can't wait. :)

I didn't read everything posted, just the OP and I won't get into specifics but I'd suggest a TI card no matter which series you get (they are usually FAR better)

i'd also greatly recommend a solid state HDD. SO fast SO quiet. More money? Yea, smaller? yup... still worth it? My windows 7 starts in under 15 seconds from turned off to ready to go... You tell me!