> Well I've had the same computer since 2007, and I think it's now time for an
> upgrade. I'd like to spend less than $750 if I can. I will probably be building
> the thing myself this time. Here are my questions:
>
> Should I go with a 32 or 64-bit system?

Definitely 64bit.

A few months back I upgraded to an AMD FX8350 and an nVidia GTX 650 for 
a pretty good price. Including a new case, PSU, motherboard and RAM it 

which helped keep the price down.

> Windows 7 or 8?

I stuck with Windows 7 as I already had that so just reinstalled it on 
my new machine without issue. At some point Windows 8 will become the 
"norm", but I saw no reason to upgrade yet as everything is still 
compatible with W7. Unless you fancy getting a touch screen, developing 
apps with the latest MS tools, or have some programs that are Win8-only 
then I would stick with Win7 for now.

> What kind of GPU should I get? I'd like something with CUDA, as I want to take
> advantage of Blender's support for hardware rendering. Besides, there are other
> things out there CUDA is good for (3D cellular automata, real-time raytracing
> engines, etc.). The card would also have to be good enough to play Minecraft on
> the "far" distance setting without any lag, possibly using the pixel shader mods
> out there without any slowdown, as well.

My 650 was the best value here in the UK at the time, it might be worth 
looking at something like http://www.cpubenchmark.net/ and figuring out 
the best performance you can get for your budget (this applies for both 
the CPU and GPU).

> What cheap (but good) AV software would you recommend? Are the updates huge?

I've been using the free MS one (Windows Security Essentials or 
something) since the launch of Windows 7 and never had any issues (but 
then before that for many years I never had any AV and never got 
infected, so not exactly statistically significant). I've never had to 
really do anything with the program, it just runs and updates completely 
silently in the background.

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