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Upgrading current rig

C

cstrife32

n00b
Joined
Jan 4, 2010
Messages
13
Hey guys, I've been out of the loop for a while regarding computer parts, but I think my rig is in need of an upgrade so I figured this would be the best place to come.I'm not a 100% sure on what parts I want, but that's only because I have some questions about the new stuff that's come out since I've looked into computer hardware.

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Mainly gaming, but not too intensive, just the best I can get for the money.

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
like $400-600 including tax and shipping

3) Where do you live?
New Jersey(Paying tax form newegg sucks)

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific.
I need a new Motherboard, Processor, RAM, and a new HD. I currently have an EVGA 8800GT 512MB DDR3 Videocard so I don't think I have to upgrade it, but tell me what you guys think.I don't know how good it still is.

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
I'll be reusing my Antec 900 Case and my 250 GB Western Digital SATA II HD. My power supply is an Antec Earthwatts 550 Watt, I plan on reusing it. Possibly my graphics card depending on the feedback from you guys.

6) Will you be overclocking?
Nope

7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
17 inch lcd

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Whenever I can get the part list finalized along with the budget

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? etc.
I guess USB 3.0 and Sata 3 would be nice. I would like one that's somewhat future proof.

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? 32bit or 64bit?

I currently have a copy of Windows XP Pro SP 2 OEM that 's 32 bit and legit. I can always get a copy of pretty much any Windows OS I need later, consider that outside of my budget.


Oh and I have some questions for you guys too.
1) How is the E8400 vs the new core i3/i5/i7 models? From what I've looked at the E8400 seems to be better for gaming at the mid level price range.

2) How does AMDs new line of 6 core processors hold up to intel's line up?

3) I know 64 bit OSes have been out for a while, but are they still problem filled like they used to be? Regarding compatibility, program availability (especially games), etc.

4) Can I use a SATA II HD on a SATA III MB?
 
I've had very few problems with Windows 7 64-bit. I think when I tried to install Pirates I had an issue, but that may have been a Steam thing. I've had no issues playing more recent games.

Is a monitor upgrade in the near future too? And if not, what's the resolution of your 17" LCD? I would think an 8800 GT could drive that fairly well assuming it's a 1280 x 1024 resolution.
 
Nah, no monitor upgrade in the near future. Yeah, I run most things at 1280 x 1024. I'm not worried about running things at high resolutions, I'm more worried about dealing with textures and lighting and other special effects.
 
  1. E8400 is great, but unless you're just upgrading the CPU, I wouldn't recommend buying parts for such a setup, since it would require DDR2, which is overpriced right now and wouldn't be as easily upgradable in the near future as DDR3.
  2. No real reviews out yet, that I've seen, so wait for it's release first.
  3. Nope. What programs do you run that you think would have a problem?
  4. Yup.
What are the specs of your current rig?
 
Double check your PSU: there was never a Earthwatts 550W PSU.
 
Yeah it was 500W my bad. Must have pressed that 5 instead of 0 on accident.
Oh and my current rig setup is this. (it was my first build and I took some real bad advice but here it is.)

MOBO: Intel 945PVS
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 640 Prescott 3.2GHz
RAM: CORSAIR 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200)
Graphics Card: EVGA 8800GT 512MB DDR3
Harddrive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
Power Supply: Antec Earthwatts 500W
 
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How old are all of your parts? If they're more than two years old, you may be better served by going with an entirely new system altogether.
 
Well it varies, some are 1 some are like 5. I pretty much am building a new system. I want a motherboard, CPU, RAM, and hard drive. Graphics card I already have, and it's only like a year old.
 
Ok so after doing some research I decided to go with this motherboard/cpu combo:

Motherboard is the GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD3:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128412

CPU is the Intel Core i5-650 Clarkdale 3.2GHz 4MB L3 Cache: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115220


Tell me what you guy guys think. I'm not sure where to go with memory. I've always been a fan of corsair XMS series but that's really pricey compared to the other brands. What other brands are reliable and solid now besides corsair xms? Plus I'm not sure with what speed of RAM I should go with. I was looking at DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 that is PC3 10666. Is that the best ram to sync with my processor choice?
 
May I ask why you are going with the dual-core i5 650 when the quad-core i5 750 is only $15 more? Is it because the 650 is faster (in terms of raw speed)?

Pick up this kit of RAM: the G.Skill Ripjaws 2x2GB DDR3 1600 dual-channel kit. While we often recommend it for overclockers, it will run at the board's stock settings (IIRC, it's DDR3 1066 speeds) and it runs at a lower voltage than other kits around that price range. If you're really trying to minimize the money that you spend, however, there is the Crucial DDR3 1333 kit for $6 less.
 
I chose it because it's dual core and for gaming I thought the general consensus was that dual core was better because most games can't take advantage of 4 cores. I thought 4 cores was more for like video editing and the like. As for the ram, thanks for the suggestion, I'll definitely pick that up. Is my mobo choice good?And I was looking at this HD:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319 seems solid to me.
 
cstrife32 said:
I chose it because it's dual core and for gaming I thought the general consensus was that dual core was better because most games can't take advantage of 4 cores. I thought 4 cores was more for like video editing and the like. As for the ram, thanks for the suggestion, I'll definitely pick that up. Is my mobo choice good?And I was looking at this HD:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319 seems solid to me.
Click to expand...

That's no longer the consensus. In the past year or so, there have been many games out there that takes advantage of quad-core CPUs. I.e Supreme Commander 2, Bad Company 2, Assassin's Creed 2, L4D2, etc, etc. So don't waste your money and get the crappy Core i5 650. Get the Core i5 750. The extra cores will help out a whole lot more than the extra 600Mhz clock speed of the Core i5 650.

Mobo choice is good. If you don't need the extra 140GB of space, you can get this faster 500GB drive for $20 less:
$56 - Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
 
Looks good. That PSU will be enough for that setup + the 8800GT, second HDD, and a ODD.
 
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