Update - apparently the ship date is automatically setup based on building a unit. I checked later that day and it said it had been shipped. Received it around 9:15 the next morning!

Will begin building my PC this weekend and, if all goes well, will give an update on the monitor.

That's too bad to hear. I think I read about someone else having the same problem and not being able to find it online or to get Dell to understand what was going on.

Do you have Vista or XP? Have you contacted Dell? Anyone else on the site with the same problem?

I just installed the HD 2600XT 256mb on my Mom's system and am having the same trouble. The sound properties are showing as ATI HD Audio rear output, with no other option, so I'm assuming this is the issue. So I've gone to the HP site to redownload the driver update and see if that will fix it.

BTW, it was a real chore getting this thing running. I had to restart and install (never uninstalled because it kept popping up as new hardware and install disk) 5-6 times. Everything seems to be fine except for the sound issue - unless I try the SimCity Societies (that required low resolution with the poor card that came with the system) - then it crashes! That said, I've paid $60 for a card that makes things worse! At least before I could play it!

Sapphire has a forum that is dedicated to the HUGE issues this card has - too bad I didn't check that first as I would not have bought the card. I'll work on it another day or two but, if I can't fix it, I'll return it.

Help - I feel like such a moron asking this but I'm getting ready to install a new graphics card on my Mom's computer and am not familiar with XP. I read a post a few weeks ago about creating the startup disk but, for the life of me, I can't find my notes on it. This person used a program and then copied a few additional files to the disk. It was also clear that this needed to be updated whenever changes were made to the computer. Any idea what this might have been?

I know I can create a restore point so that, if something goes wrong, I can back out of it but not sure of the boot issue. (I used that when I removed Norton AV and it removed her internet connection as well!) The guide that came with the computer talks about creating System Recovering Discs and that being a one time thing (don't know if she did this). There is also information on creating a Recovery Tools CD.

Sorry for such a silly question but I appreciate any help given.

I did look at this online the other day. Looks terrific but it's a bit pricey too! Dell has it for $600 - which is discounted $100.

Pros: Great monitor with lots of connectivy. I think I can get an additional 10% discount (AAA) and shipping is free.

Cons: Still at the higher end of the price range. Flat black, flat screen. I know, silly but I still consider it, even though not giving it a great deal of weight. :-)

So, while I'm considering it, OP - looks good and pretty good deal from Dell.

(Thanks for reminding me of this one - it's on my list now!)

Good Luck! My parts for my new build should be arriving today - but that is "sans" monitor. I'm also in the market for a 24" and need lots of connectors as I'll also be using it as a TV. I've narrowed the field down to 5:

Samsung 245T (But only if i can find a good deal on it - pricey) $660 NewEgg

Samsung 2493HM - $500 BestBuy

NEC ASLCD24WMCX - $430 NewEgg

Gateway FHD2400 - so/so reviews by experts and alot of talk about backlight bleeding but people who own it love it in general. Glossy screen, which is gorgeous even if it is designed to make a cheaper monitor look better! Also has the black piano finish I like. Runs $480 but has a 1 year warranty. Addn'l warranty would boost price to around $570.

ASUS MK241h - my favorite of them all but new so hard to find reviews. $530 at NewEgg and coup for Free Shipping, which expires tomorrow. 1yr part/3 labor so extending warranty will also add to price.

I'm wary of purchasing my monitor from NewEgg because of dead pixel problem. Also, if I decide it doesn't met my needs, I can't return it for a refund. While I can find the Samsung and Gateway locally, it does make that ASUS a bit out of touch.

So, I'm in the same boat and still looking for direction. After spending $1700 on the rest of the machine, I'm maxed out in the stress and decision-making department. First time builder so I've enough worries without having to worry about making the "wrong" decision regarding the monitor. Even though everyone has been so helpful here, still hard to let go of that buyers remorse!

The video cards say they are 64-bit and 128-bit. Since I'm looking at an AMD 64 and not an AMD 64X2, does it make a difference? (Just like the 8800 GTS is 256-bit)

PSU is 300W

The link worked for me...but generally it was 8400 GS, 7300 GS and HD 2400Pro.

If the "bit" doesn't matter, and based on 300W, what card should I get?