Cheap update with leftover parts

[Citizen86]

Hey guys, I don't hang out much around these parts anymore, I haven't used a desktop in years now. Been using this Gateway P-6831FX for close to 3 years now as my main computer.

Here's the thing, I have some hard drives, and a half-working old Gateway desktop which contains in it a Q6600. If I were to make the least amount of upgrades necessary to get a functioning computer, what would you suggest?

I'm thinking about a cheap motherboard (the one I currently have I believe has given problems. Fan would rev up on the CPU for a few seconds, and then the computer would shut off, despite temperatures being normal). So a cheap motherboard, but then some DDR3 ram that could be transferred to a new rig in the future, since DDR3 is cheap now.

This is what I've found at Newegg. Is it reasonable? Will it be fine for 1680x1050? I think it looks like a pretty sweet upgrade for ~$350. This shopping cart is from Newegg

Also, is that Tuniq Tower still a decent heatsink?

HIS H685FN1GD Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16
$15.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$159.99

CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 V2 430W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
$44.99

Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model KHX1600C9D3X1K2/8GX
$48.99

BIOSTAR P43D3 LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX Intel Motherboard
$59.99

Tuniq Tower 120 Universal CPU Cooler 120mm LED Cooling Fan and Fan Controller/Heatsink
$26.99

Tuniq CR-BP1156-T120EX LGA1156 i5/i7/i3 Backplate Set
$4.99

Subtotal: $345.94

Thanks for any comments/suggestions!

 

[Dangman]

The Tuniq Tower is still a good HSF but not a good buy though. Once you factor in shipping and the cost of the backplate, the total cost for that HSF is $43 shipped. Not a good buy at all considering that this $13 cheaper HSF actually cools a little better than the Tuniq Tower 120 while being quieter too:
$30 - Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus HSF for LGA 1366 and LGA 1156

So go with the above Coolermaster HSF.

RAM wise, that RAM isn't too good of a choice considering that its rated voltage is 1.65V, which is the max RAM voltage for Intel Core i series CPUs. We generally recommend RAM rated at 1.5V to lessen the chance of CPU failure as well as for overclocking headroom. Go with any of these RAM instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233192
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231424

GPU wise, once you factor in shipping, that GPU costs $168 shipped. That's a bit too much for it considering that you can get the faster HD 6870 1GB for $12 more with free shipping:
$180 - XFX HD-687A-ZNFC Radeon HD 6870 1GB PCI-E Video Card

PSU wise, if you go with the above HD 6870 recommendation, I recommend a higher wattage/amperage PSU:
$70 - Antec NEO ECO 620C 620W PSU
$70 - Antec High Current Gamer Series HCG-620 620W PSU

 

[Citizen86]

Thanks for the suggestions Danny. I really appreciate the help. I had no idea about the RAM voltage. Last time I put together a computer it was an AM2 socket with an 8800 gts.

One question though, would a 6870 be too much for 1680x1050 res? I play games and do some 3d modeling, and I like my graphics turned up, but its not a dealbreaker for me. I guess, what would be considered the next step down? From what I read, the GTX 550 ti is slower than the 6850 for similar prices.

One more q as well... I will most likely purchase this and have it sent to my parents in San Diego. Is there a better retailer than Newegg who wouldn't charge tax?

 

[tonytnnt]

Amazon doesn't collect sales tax in California.

I would go for the 6870. It's not going to be too powerful, but it would leave room if you upgraded to 1080p.

Are you using the Gateway's case? Will a Hyper 212+ fit?

 

[Citizen86]

I have an old Thermaltake Tsunami case I would use

 

[Dangman]

One question though, would a 6870 be too much for 1680x1050 res? I play games and do some 3d modeling, and I like my graphics turned up, but its not a dealbreaker for me. I guess, what would be considered the next step down? From what I read, the GTX 550 ti is slower than the 6850 for similar prices.

The next step down in terms of performance would be the GTX 460 1GB (not the SE version) and the HD 6850 1GB. However as tony pointed out, the HD 6870 is not overkill for that res.It's just right.

One more q as well... I will most likely purchase this and have it sent to my parents in San Diego. Is there a better retailer than Newegg who wouldn't charge tax?

Amazon.com and Tigerdirect do not charge sales tax to CA residents.

That case should work.