Advise/Help with upgrading

[valkor]

Hi guys, this is a great forum. I'm upgrading/fixing my PC after my 3 years old motherboard died. I have some ideas about what every piece of hardware does but not anything dipper than that.

From new staff I want to buy motherboard, processor, and video card. Everything else I'd like to use what I have now to keep cost down.
Here is what I have:
-A little bit larger than mid size case
-Extra fan/cooler
-Power supply (700 watts), 1 year old
-8 gb of RAM (PC3 10666) 4 x 2gb.
-1 tb hard drive (1 year old).
-Radeon 4850 video card (cross fire ready)

Here is what I'm thinking I need:
-Intel Core i7-960 Bloomfield 3.2GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80601960

I can buy this processor currently for $199.99.

-ASRock X58 EXTREME6 LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

I hope this motherboard compatible with the processor and my memory. I can buy it from Newegg for $171.99.

-XFX HD-685X-ZNFC Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

This video card currently (till tomorrow) sold for $130 plus around $8 shipping after rebate and discount. I realize this is mid range card but I guess I'm an average gamer as well.

My budget is around $500 (+- $50 max).

One of my concerns: I used to have windows 7 ultimate installed. After everything set up I'm planning to connect my hard drive, turn machin on, and have everything (exept some drivers) works. Am I being too naive?

I appreciate any suggestions or comments.

 

[mfenn]

Not good choices on the CPU and mobo. The i5 2500K is about the same price and faster. I would grab:
i5 2500K $220
ASRock Z68 Pro3 $120
6870 $155 AR

If your old computer used an Intel chipset, there is a decent chance that everything will work after you swap. Otherwise, I doubt it.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Welcome to the Anandtech Forums

 

[valkor]

Thank you, mfenn. I like you options: actually faster processor and better video card AND chipper over all. Also, on MicroCenter the processor costs $180. It sounds better and better.

I did use Intel on my old machine. So, I guess, I have a chance. Thanks again.

 

[mnewsham]

Thank you, mfenn. I like you options: actually faster processor and better video card AND chipper over all. Also, on MicroCenter the processor costs $180. It sounds better and better.

I did use Intel on my old machine. So, I guess, I have a chance. Thanks again.

Microcenter has a 40 dollar instant rebate on a sandybridge CPU and motherboard purchase (go online select the 2500k and the motherboard you want) it might be cheaper.

 

[valkor]

Could any anyone please confirm that this http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0366193 mother board is compatible with i5, my memory, and the video card from above? It looks similar to what mfenn suggested but I think there are small differences in specs? Thanks.

 

[zi0n.]

Yes, it is compatible. They have pretty much the same features, Sata 6Gb/s and USB 3.0.

 

[valkor]

Thank you all, parts have been ordered.

 

[mfenn]

Thank you all, parts have been ordered.

:thumbsup: Be sure to update this thread to let us know how it goes!