Graphics card

Recommended – A minefield, this. DirectX 10 requires DX10-specific cards to work at its best, and currently only top-end nVidia efforts are available. If you’re on a budget, it’s best to play the waiting game.

Elite – There are no DX10 games yet, but nVidia’s two new cards still mean awesome performance for existing titles. Alternatively, ATI’s potentially superior R600 is due early next year.

Recommended part – nVidia GeForce 8800 GTS

Elite part – 2x nVidia GeForce 8800 GTX in SLI