Help on upgrading my current system.

2

2004raptor

Limp Gawd
Joined
Oct 21, 2006
Messages
178
I need to replace some components of my current system and would like some advice.

Current System
eVGA 680i (need to replace)
Intel E6400
eVGA 7950GT KO Superclocked 512MB video card
2GB Crucial 667 (need to replace)
Tuniq Tower
WD 74GB Raptor (OS)
WD 250GB SATA (Data)
Corsair 620 watt PS
Lite On DVDRW w/Lightscribe
Samsung DVD-RAM w/Lightscribe
WinXp Pro (need to replace)


1. I need a stable mobo. The 680i has been far from stable. Thinking of going with P35 and would like to stay ~$150. Gigabyte has a few that look good as does the Abit P35 Pro. I'm open to all suggestions. Need to re-use the tuniq so I want to make sure it fits, etc.

2. I would like 4GB DDR2 800 PC2 6400 RAM (4x1GB). I have an issue now having to run the crucial at 2.2 volts and would like to be able to run the new RAM lower or the board not need to remove all but one stick when flashing BIOS. I'll explain that more if that didn't make sense.

3. Mild overclocking is possible but not sacrificing stability. I have in the past gotten my e6400 to 3.2 and stable so I believe the chip can do it. Just had other issues with the mobo so I backed off. Is it possible to do this with another mobo? I really do not want to change cpu's.

4. I would like to go Vista Ultimate 64 bit. Not sure if it's a good idea but I have been seeing alot more positive things recently than when it first came out.

PC might be used for some light gaming but not hardcore. Most intensive it will be used for is video/photo editing, encoding dvd's.
 
1) The GA-P35-DS3R is a pretty good choice for around $130 on newegg.
2) Why 4 x 1GB? Also, are you sure that the Crucial RAM thats the problem and not the mobo?
3) It's possible with another mobo. Any P35, 650i, 680i, G33, P965, or P945 chipset mobo can OC that E6400 to 3.2Ghz. It's ridiculously easy to OC a C2D CPU. So no worries there. Just raise the FSB to 400Mhz, raise the CPU voltage just a tiny bit and you're set.
4) No comment here

Now I have a few questions for you:
- How is your 680i board unstable?
- Have you tried to RMA the board back?
 
Thanks for the reply Danny.

2. I've read the 2GB vs 4Gb debate and it might be overkill but for encoding videos and large pictures I thiknk I can get away with 4. No, I'm not 100% certain it's the crucial. But I do know every time I set to defaults/flash bios I have to only run one stick until I bump up to 2.2 volts. Then I could run 2 sticks. Crucial recommends 2.2 volts so I just want to make sure I don't have to pull out RAM for situations mentioned above.


I could go on for a hwile about instability issues but I've been dealing wiht it for months. Long story short is that I had the original 680i and had zero problems. Swapped out for the A1 version (quad core fix) and have had 2 different sticks of crucial RAm die. Numerous BSOD's and a host of other issues. Point is, I'm done with the board and want to get something else.
I will RMA it and when I receive the new one I will sell it sealed.
 
evga 680i should be one of the better mbs around. maybe you got a bum board(uhm i made a funny):D i am putting mine together right now.parts in sig.
 
Once you get the system stable, you shouldn't need to flash your BIOS too often, so you shouldn't need to pull out the RAM too often either. If you still want new RAM, just get the A-Data DDR2-800 or G.Skill NQ kit. If you want 4GB, go for a 2x2GB kit.
 
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