A bit torn... questions!

V

Vorret

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Aug 26, 2003
Messages
1,100
Hi,

Alright so I basicly built 2 computers (well, virtually so far!) and while one is cheaper, I wonder in the long run if the price difference will make a big difference. Note that I won't do some hardcore OCing and I'm reusing my old 9600GT for the time being, also reusing my hard drive + dvd burner.

All prices are in CAN dollars:

1st build (Intel) :
Core i5-750 for 214$
Gigabyte P55M-UD2 mATX for 109$
G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM Ripjaws for 122$
Antec Earthwatts 750W for 90$
Coolermaster CM 690 II Advanced for 90$

Total after tax + shipping : 691$

2nd build (AMD) :
AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition for 180$
Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-UD2H for 92$
OCZ OCZ3P1333LV4GK 4GB for 109$ (After MIR)
Antec Earthwatts 750W for 90$
Coolermaster CM 690 II Advanced for 90$

Total after tax + shipping : 618$

Money is tight (which is why I choose to not uppgrade my video card right now).
Also, my current rig is a first gen core2duo 2.13ghz (can't remember exactly) , 4GB DDR2-800.

Is it worth it to even uppgrade if I don't change my video card, let's say that I'll change it in the next 6 months when ATI prices are a bit more affordable?

Thanks!
 
You're upgrading your current machine for gaming only? You do other things on the pc? What is your max budget you will spend?
 
Gaming only.
Only game I'm playing regulary that requires some power currently is Bad Company 2.

I can run it a medium settings right now(with some lag), hope to bump this up a bit before release.
Also, I'd like to stay under the 700$CAN bar for now (for the 5 elements I've put up there so far).
 
Sorry, I should have asked what's the size and resolution of the monitor do you have?
 
Why can't you just overclock you existing Core 2 Duo? You could just buy a new video card, and hold-off upgrading the rest of the system for another year.

What is your Core 2 Duo model number? And is it already overclocked?

I wouldn't upgrade your CPU/mobo/ram right now if you're strapped for cash, wait until you've saved a few hundred more so you can do this right. Otherwise, you end up with weird situations where you have to upgrade more often (like buying a Core 2 Duo 2.13 GHz).
 
1680x1050 (20.1 inches)
My core2duo isn't overclocked but it's still on stock fan so not sure how big of a leap it could give me ?

I'll check the exact model tonight.
 
Let's start off with this build man. This should give you a pretty enormous boost in gaming performance

CASE - Coolermaster Elite 335 for $54.99
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119161

CPU - AMD Phenom II X4 955 for $179.00
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103674

MOBO - GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3 for $89.99
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128392

RAM - A-Data 4GB DDR3 1600 for $96.99
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211409

VIDEO CARD/PSU - XFX Radeon HD 5770 + Antec NEO ECO both for $230.48
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.339710

Total: $651.45 before shipping and taxes.

If you're going to reuse your 9600GT then just get the Antec PSU and total would be $490.96 before shipping and taxes.
 
Oh yah, I'm pretty sure you must have the Intel Core2 E6420 65nm cpu with 1066MHz FSB. But, defaultluser has a point though. If you can O/C that Core2 cpu, you just need to get a better video card and you should save more money by going this route. However, it depends also if you have a good PSU, you'll need an aftermarket HSF and if the mobo you have can O/C the cpu.
 
Thanks for the replies.
Alright,

1st step : I'll check my cpu to confirm what model it is and I'll take my mobo model as well to see if I have any chance to OC that thing.
2nd: I've already been told that my PSU blows in the Power Supply section (bit old). So I need to buy a new one for sure. Question, the one I posted is 750W for only 20$ more, wouldn't that be more futur proof?
3rd: Well if everything goes well I guess I just need to learn how to OC without frying everything :)

Thanks again!
 
Yah, cpu and mobo model would help for OC'ing. If you only have the stock cooler, you'll probably want something better. Let us know what you have and we can help you OC.

Either PSU would be fine for your needs (though the 750W is just overkill, lol).
 
Aight,

CPU : E6400 Core2Duo
Mobo : Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3

My PSU is a Enermax 460W Model EG465 ... I've been told it's not up to par for today's standard, but would it be enough to OC my system and add a 5770?

With that said, what are my odds as far as OCing goes with that Motherboard?
 
How old is your Enermax PSU? Actually, your EG465 has 32A on the +12V and should do fine with a Radeon HD 5770 video card.
 
It's 3 1/2 year old or so as is my whole system except my 9600GT.
It's running fine
 
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