For exterior walls I've used these with good results.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/DRYLINE-DOT-N- ... B0118KQ2D4
They're really solid as you're fixing through the board into the block wall behind. Not much use for internal stud walls though.
I have a Hive, it's nice - you get full programming from your phone and the ability to bump it on and off out of schedule from your phone as well. I have the timer set conservatively then just flick it on before leaving work for instance.
I have some recently purchased Polyvine cascamite and when mixed to the correct ratio it's very thick, similar to a stiff icing. Seems to work fine though.
I also use DMT stones, no complaints. I use them with a bit of window cleaner spray for lube (cleans up easily).
My favourite marking gauge is an old wooden marples off eBay, but there's a lot of junk on there too.
I would expect to see raytracing picking up a lot in the next year or two. Unlike sli it doesn't need a specific expensive setup, all graphics cards going forward will have it, much like everything has shader model 5 now. It's early days, but unless you're buying a stopgap it's not worth getting...
Bear in mind that we call it all epoxy, but there are various different formulations out there which may have different storage characteristics. If you can check the manufacturer's spec that would be best.
Downside of Windows 7 is no directX 12. That may be an issue or not depending on the type of gaming. If buying an RTX card bear in mind that raytracing in directX requires DX12 which means Windows 10.
Standard is 4 cores (8 threads), no? That's what the steam hardware survey says at least. 4 or...
I have used some pretty old epoxy from tubes without issue, but it does degrade, so I'd probably not risk it. It also degrades through UV exposure as well as moisture absorbance, so if its in clear containers that will be a factor.
I have a cheapy jig, I mainly use it for rehabiliting my collection of ebay chisels, which have some fairly abused ends. It's nice to establish a correct angle on the bevel initially.
Depends where you are to some extent (e.g. London is more expensive than oop north). We paid £27 per sq metre for labour with 40x60 porcelain tiles, plus a little extra (think it was £100 or there abouts) to have the floor levelled first.