Is this a good upgrade?

Nope, all prices include VAT.

Some more comparisons, but a little more relevant ;) - comparing with the i7-860 rather than the i7-920.

The picture is similar, but just for accuracy sakes...

Anandtech: http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets...spx?i=3641&p=7
Guru3D: http://www.guru3d.com/article/phenom...review-test/16

Sure, the Intel is the facster CPU, but then again everyone knows that. The point is what you get for your cash. The budget option comparison is the most accurate here, as the i7 option only has a budget mobo. ON that basis, you're looking at a >20% cost reduction, for a <10% performance reduction.

I'd still probably go with the high end mobo paired with the Phenom. Strong system platform, and gaming performance that's close enough to not make a difference in terms of actual game experience.

Also, all of these reviews will be using high end graphics cards (They use either a GTX280 or a HD5870). If you put a mid range GPU into both systems (I assume that Paul isn't planning on buying the best GPU that there is), the performance delta would be even less.

Paul, there are specials on all of the time, and prices can fluctuate daily. Let me know when you're ready to buy, and we'll see what things cost at that time...

So it looks like my bonus will cover most of this, Jarrod can you please do a quote for me, for this system

Phenom 965 BE CPU: R1936.86
ASUS Crosshair 3 Formula Mobo: R2278.86
2x2GB Corsair XMS3-1333 CL9: R1480.86
Total Price: R5354.85

Paul, this is your quote mate. When you want to order, either myself or Denis will place the call to Frontosa and order up the stuff for you. If prices have increased more than R100 at that time, we'll check with you again before ordering. Once ordered, we'll give you the bank account details to pay into, and once you've done the EFT, print out the proof of payment and you can take it through and collect.

Simple really. If of course there are any daily specials that would save you some cash, we'll let you know.

Ok cool, order it and give me the details. Get paid on Monday only though then I will have the cash

Wanting to get it sorted before Jackie changes your mind for you? :p

Okay, I'm going to leave this one with Denis, coz I'm not going to be around for the whole time this week. You guys may need to liaise over the phone. I assume that everyone has their contact details in the pryfart section of the forum?

LOL no, Jackie is cool with it. Dennis has already emailed me so the Ball, she is rolling

I got my stuffs last week wednesday but could only install on Thursday/Friday. Manage a few minutes of play on BC2 saturday morning before I left. Got a whole chunk of gaming in last night though.

What can I say, this thing runs like a demon!!! I thought, what the hell and chuck everything on high except of
2 settings I switch off I forget the names HAOO what ever and bloom. I average about 75-80FPS, it runs smooth and it is crystal clear

So just a recap

Phenom 965 BE CPU: R1936.86
ASUS Crosshair 3 Formula Mobo: R2278.86
2x2GB Corsair XMS3-1333 CL9: R1480.86
EN8800GT 1Gb

All equals runs BC2 like a dream!

Except one thing, it seems like their is something wrong with my mic input because no one can hear me on TS (much to their delight). Admittedly I haven't done much research, I was just keen to play. I have checked the jack is in properly, I have gone to the sound control and made sure the MIC is not muted and that the level is all the way up.

When I go into TS --> Settings -->TEST VOICE, it does pick it up but the "bar" goes about a 1/5th of the way.

Any suggestions?

i know in vista there is an option for sound to only be controlled by ONE application, OR all apps.
you have set the PTT corectly in TS?
does the mic work in other apps?

I know vista has this ussue with some audio input devices.. u have to set the volume control and apply the voice boost/db boost options to yes and then set the mic boost to max..

I struggled back in the day when i first installed TS and asked round - this one worked for me