Upgrade current system or buy a new system?

E

eltron

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Mar 10, 2010
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6
Hello,

I just started browsing around here today and the depth of knowledge on this forum is amazing! I’d like to tap into some that with my current situation. I searched around the forum and haven’t found a relevant topic so if I’m reposting something, please direct me to the right thread.

So here’s my situation; I was given a Dell Inspiron 530s from a friend for doing work for him. I use it primarily as a gaming machine but also do a lot of web design, graphic design/photo manipulation. Anyways this machine has actually worked really well for a whole bunch of years; I’ve had it for probably around 2-3.5 years, I can’t remember the exact date.

I am noticing that on most newer games my system is starting to show it’s age, most games I can get away with medium graphics settings at my native resolution of 1650x1080. But these newer racing games: NFS:Shift and DiRT2 have really started to show my systems age. Or the new BFBC2 I probably get an average FPS around 20fps in battle! :p

Here are my Dell’s current specs [nothing is overclocked], I’ve upgraded only the video card, RAM, CPU [mild upgrade]:

OS: Windows 7 64bit
CPU: Intel E5200 @ 2.50ghz
RAM: 4GB Crucial Ballistics
Mobo: Dell FoxConn G33/P35
Video: EVGA Geforce 8800GT 512MB
Audio: Creative XFI Xtreme Music
PSU: OCZ StealthXStream OCZ500SXS 500W

Basically I’m looking for the best bang for my buck. Should I either buy a few new pieces better CPU or video card? Or build a new system and start fresh? I’d rather not start fresh if I don’t have to as I would probably need a new case and things tend to add up quickly. ;)

My budget depends on what’s your guys answer, I don’t mind at all dropping $250 for a Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 processor and $350 for a new video card if will allow me to keep up with the current generation of games. //edit my location is I'm in BC in Canada ///edit my total budget for parts would be around: $500-600 CAD

Thanks for your guys help!

-eltron
 
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If your close to microcenter, pick up new q9550 for $179 and try to find used hd4890 ($140) or gtx 260 ($135).

My idea of your best bang for the buck, in your case.
 
Awesome thanks troisanh, sorry I forgot to state that I'm in BC in Canada. I'll correct my post. :)
 
Find out what PSU you have.

Also $250 CAD for a Q9300 is a total and utter ripoff considering that you can get the Core i5 750 for $235 CAD. You can also get the Q9400 for $217.

BF:BC2 is CPU and GPU heavy. So a CPU and GPU upgrade is in order. Now what's your max budget for these upgrades?
 
Good point! I'm thinking with the CAD/USD conversion is quite good now I should be able to get a good deal from places in the USA.

I'm thinking my budget should be around $250 +/- for a CPU and around $300-350 for a graphics card; $500-600 total.
 
eltron said:
Good point! I'm thinking with the CAD/USD conversion is quite good now I should be able to get a good deal from places in the USA.

I'm thinking my budget should be around $250 +/- for a CPU and around $300-350 for a graphics card; $500-600 total.
Click to expand...

Just to be clear: That's $500-$600 CAD right? not USD?

Also please find out your exact PSU as it determines what GPU and CPU to get.
 
Arg sorry, yes CAD. It is really comparable to USD right now so I won't mind the difference :) And my PSU is a OCZ StealthXStream OCZ500SXS 500W.

Gawd I thought I had all the information in my post but I guess not. :(
 
eltron said:
And my PSU is a OCZ StealthXStream OCZ500SXS 500W.
Click to expand...

Yeah that definitely changes my recommendations. The highest GPU I'd recommend with that PSU is the XFX HD 5770 1GB card. Highest CPU I'd recommend is the Q9400.

EDIT: If you did have the Antec Earthwatts EA500 500W PSU that you thought you had, then I would have recommended the HD 5850.
 
Danny Bui said:
EDIT: If you did have the Antec Earthwatts EA500 500W PSU that you thought you had, then I would have recommended the HD 5850.
Click to expand...

So it seems that it would be worth it to invest a better PSU to squeezea little more out of my system. I'd like to have components that are slightly future proof
 
eltron said:
So it seems that it would be worth it to invest a better PSU to squeezea little more out of my system. I'd like to have components that are slightly future proof
Click to expand...

For now, don't bother upgrading the PSU unless you know with 100% certainty that you will be upgrading to a GPU that uses more power than the HD 5770. There's not enough room in your budget to get a new CPU, PSU, and a HD 5850.

However if you still want to upgrade your PSU despite the fact that your current PSU will be enough for a HD 5770 like card, then go for a Corsair 750TX or Antec Truepower New 750W PSU
 
Thanks Danny!

Checking out NCIX I can get a HD5770 for $179.99 CAD right now for a special, and it seems I can get a Q9400 for about $221.27; putting me under budget! woohoo!
 
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