Also, on newegg I couldn't find the minimum PSU requirements. Do you happen to know what that is for the 8600?From a similar card: "375W PCI Express-compliant system power supply with a combined 12V current rating of 28A or more" for a system with a Core 2 Duo X6800.
Get at least a 400W, and if you're planning on lots of equipment like optical and hard drives get more, but 400 or 450W should be sufficient.
You may find this helpful.Thank Calum! That website was very helpful. I added that to my favorites. He has a 430W PSU already so that sounds like it should work fine until he upgrades it later on. Thanks!Yeah, it should be fine.
Glad to help, you're welcome as always.Now he's wanting to raise his budget up to $350. He asked me about this one.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=3098215&sku=V261-2900

I told him it looked way overpriced to me. I think that 8600 would outperform it. So I don't know. I mean, when you start spending that much on a video is it REALLY going to make that much of a difference? It's a nice card and more powerful than the 8600.
However, the 8800GTS or GTX are much better value.
The 8800GTS shapes up nicely, for just $260 after rebate
Or, the highest clocked version I could find, $329.99
Of course there are many in between, and any of them would give great performance.
There will; be a large jump from the 8600GTS to the 8800GTS, he will notice a difference.
That card will play every game you throw at it, at good settings, for a while yet.
And to upgrade? Add another for SLI when needed.Thanks for that Calum! I'll let him know about it and see what he wants to do.Also, he's got a Pentium D 3.4 GHz PROCESSOR would u recommend upgrading to a dual core?Pentium D is a dual core CPU, albeit an older one.
If he has the cash, and the right parts lined up, I would recommend getting a Core 2 Duo CPU, otherwise that video card will be limited by the CPU in most games.
It's definitely worth it - even the lowest Core 2 Duo chip almost always outperforms the old top of the line Pentium D Extreme 965.Thanks Calum, I'll let him know and see if he wants to do that. Thanks for all your help!OK, you're more than welcome.While searching through tigerdirect I found this one.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=2583226&sku=P56-8802

It's the 8800GTS but it's a 640MB card for only $100 more than the one you showed me Calum. Would he notice any difference between the two?
The 640Mb version tends to be more pricey, but in most games is worth the extra cash. If he has the money for it, he won't be disappointed
Sorry about the link confusion as well, I messed it up and didn't see. There are now two links, but both are for 320Mb cards (no 640Mb cards under $350).
That's a good price you have there, Newegg offers a 640Mb GTS for the same price as well.Ok thanks so much! Once again I really appreciate all your help!And once again, you're very welcome. It's nice to be THANKED as well, doesn't always happen. Gives me a warm fuzzy FEELING, lol.
Logging off for tonight, you'll probably have another question or two tomorrow when I return, heh.