Help on new build

[TAKTAK]

Antec 300 is really a cutdown 900, cutdown not only in size but also in features.

well yes... because it is a smaller case so you have to lose some features to reduce the size, it is still a very good case overall though.

[Eddd]

Antec 300 is really a cutdown 900, cutdown not only in size but also in features.

What features has it lost? Less HDD space? Worse cooling? I haven't really heard alot about the 300...

[stavroshamster]

I can't justify an Antec 900 - way too expensive.
In terms of features, I am not really bothered about quick release fittings and all the rest of it, as I am planning on keeping this comp for at least 3 years without many changes.
I really just want to know if it is likely to have good airflow and enough space.
As I said, I liked the look of the antec 300 because of the removable air filters and also the fact that it can have up to 4 120mm fans (two are included).
It seems like this might be a good choice, especially given Antecs reputation?

[Thorsson]

What features has it lost? Less HDD space? Worse cooling? I haven't really heard alot about the 300...

Less space, less fans (and smaller on the top one), all requires screws. But for the money very good value, no arguments.

[stavroshamster]

Okay, I have another question.
I was going to get Vista 32 because my TV card doesnt run on 64. However, some people have been saying that now that Vista SP1 is out its not working on Vista at all now. The manufacturer has gone effectively bust and so wont be releasing driver updates.
Therefore, it seems I will only be able to use the current TV card with XP, and I am very reluctant to get rid of it because the software is very very good.
The way I see it I have four options:

1. Get Vista 64 and a new TV card.
2. Get Vista 64 and do a dual boot with XP
3. Get Vista 32 and take a chance that the tv card works
4. Keep XP and don't bother with Vista.

If I choose option 4 then I wont get the DX10 benefits of my new GPU, so that's not ideal.
If I choose option 3 then it might not work anyway, and I will be left with a system which is potentially less good than if i had vista 64.
However, I have never done a dual boot setup before so am not sure how good that will be.

Any thoughts?

[stavroshamster]

Clearly not

[Eddd]

Get Vista 64 and a new TV card.

Vista 64 is a more future proof option and I can guarantee that you'll be able to find a TV card as good as (if not better) to replace your current one.

[Thorsson]

Clearly not

Basically only you can decide. Myself I'd go Vista64 due to being the only OS not stuck in the past, and I can't be arsed with dual boot. But it's not something I feel comfortable with telling someone else to do when it costs them money.