Best upgrade option?

[cvstrat]

Right now I'm using the Intel D865GBF with a P4 3Ghz HT CPU. You might remember it from the Intel Retail Edge promo two years back. Well it still runs well and does ok in WoW (the only game I play so much anymore) but I'm beginning to feel the need to upgrade.

The video card I'm using is an ancient ti4200 and I'm trying to push 2 20" dell LCDs and the second one connected through the VGA port looks like total crap. I'm guessing a better card w/dual DVI outputs might help solve that problem.

Anyway my main interest is getting a better video card but I need a PCIe mobo but I typically upgrade CPU/mobo/vid/RAM all at the same time. I havent' been able to keep up on everything as much as I used to so I have a few ?s.

I think a new mobo that supports core duo CPUs will still run my older P4 right? If I wanted to just swap mobo and video. I have 1 gig (2x512) dual channel ram and I'm not totally sure how it all works with a dual core supporting mobo. The thing is the new board I get I want to be compatabile with the new CPUs for when I upgrade that later on. So if it means I really need new everything I'd rather do that. Also keep in mind I can sell my current setup to a friend if I get all new stuff.

Any suggestions on the best upgrade path?? Thanks in advance!

 

[CalvinHobbes]

One option would be to just upgrade to a better video card. Almost anything would be an improvement over a ti4200. A 6800 Ultra, 6600GT or 6800GT would be a really cheap way to go.

 

[cvstrat]

That might be a good idea too. Do you think I should invest in an AGP card? You don't think it's better to go ahead and bump up to PCIe?

 

[CurseTheSky]

You have a few options.

#1 - Buy a new graphics card. This is the cheapest option, but it's also throwing money into an outdated platform (AGP).

#2 - Buy a semi-new system. This would allow you to reuse your current processor and memory, but require you to buy a new motherboard and graphics card (PCI-E). The motherboard will probably be useless when / if you upgrade to Core 2 Duo and DDR2.

#3 - Do a complete system overhaul. This would be the most expensive option, but also offer more future proofing. No components will become worthless in the near future.

 

[mcurphy]

Originally posted by: cvstrat
Right now I'm using the Intel D865GBF with a P4 3Ghz HT CPU. You might remember it from the Intel Retail Edge promo two years back. Well it still runs well and does ok in WoW (the only game I play so much anymore) but I'm beginning to feel the need to upgrade.

The video card I'm using is an ancient ti4200 and I'm trying to push 2 20" dell LCDs and the second one connected through the VGA port looks like total crap. I'm guessing a better card w/dual DVI outputs might help solve that problem.

Anyway my main interest is getting a better video card but I need a PCIe mobo but I typically upgrade CPU/mobo/vid/RAM all at the same time. I havent' been able to keep up on everything as much as I used to so I have a few ?s.

I think a new mobo that supports core duo CPUs will still run my older P4 right? If I wanted to just swap mobo and video. I have 1 gig (2x512) dual channel ram and I'm not totally sure how it all works with a dual core supporting mobo. The thing is the new board I get I want to be compatabile with the new CPUs for when I upgrade that later on. So if it means I really need new everything I'd rather do that. Also keep in mind I can sell my current setup to a friend if I get all new stuff.

Any suggestions on the best upgrade path?? Thanks in advance!

Well the "best upgrade path" is of course to go with the Core2 Duo, and compliant mobo and RAM, and a whole new system. Not sure what your budget is, so that will be a big determining factor for you. If you had the cash, you could get a really nice system for $1,000 or less that will blow your current one away. That video card is really getting ancient fast!

If you really want to try to replace specific components and try to use as much of what you already have, you have a lot of research to do. Your RAM may not be compatible with many new boards depending on the speed and such. Your power supply may not be sufficient for new components, video in particular, and so on. Of course you will also have to research a new build, but IMO it would be easier than going about figure out which socket boards fit your current CPU, can also fit a Core2, will run your current speed RAM etc...

Try to narrow down exactley what you want to do, and it will be easier for people to respond. Your intentions didn't seem very clear to me in your post, but that may just be my interpretation.

 

[cvstrat]

I'm leaning sort of towards option 3. Any suggestions on a decent but not ridiculously expensive setup? CPU/mobo/Ram/Vid

 

[bluestrobe]

Upgrade the video card and you should be good. Pushing two 20" monitors with that card is probably reaching out there a bit for it. The specs are on your system are fine for what you do. If you wanted to go further you could upgrade to 2gb but that might not be needed in your case.

 

[mcurphy]

Originally posted by: cvstrat
I'm leaning sort of towards option 3. Any suggestions on a decent but not ridiculously expensive setup? CPU/mobo/Ram/Vid

Mobo: Biostar Tforce965PT - $105
CPU: Intel C2D E6300 - $190
RAM: G Skill PC6400 (2 x 1GB) - $210
PSU: Enahnce 5150GH - $69
Video: Pick one! There's a ton of options out there at all prices better than what you have. Really depends on your budget.+
Case, DVD, etc... all up to you

 

[cvstrat]

I've got a new thermaltake PSU so I know that's good, I have a Sony 18x dvd burner, 200 and 120gb hd.

My roomie has a 1ghz Athlon system so he'd dying for an upgrade but is short on cash. I figure I can sell him my old setup...

I wonder what I should sell it to him for?

 

[mcurphy]

Originally posted by: cvstrat
I've got a new thermaltake PSU so I know that's good, I have a Sony 18x dvd burner, 200 and 120gb hd.

My roomie has a 1ghz Athlon system so he'd dying for an upgrade but is short on cash. I figure I can sell him my old setup...

I wonder what I should sell it to him for?

One thing to consider with those parts is that I assume they are all IDE. Most of the new mobo's for Core2 only have one IDE slot supporting 2 devices, at least this is the case for any of the budget boards. I think the 650i and 680i will support 4 devices with 2 slots, but they are much more expensive. There is supposed to be a budget 650i Ultra coming out in the budget price range if you wanted to wait for it. Otherwise, you can only use 2 out of the 3 components listed above. If your hdd's are SATA, then you are all set. Otherwise, you can only use 1 and the other spot I'd put your optical.

Also, I think it's against the rules to ask for prices to sell, so I can't comment on that.

 

[cvstrat]

Yeah I was noticing that. All devices are IDE I have SATA in my current rig, maybe I can snag a new hard drive to and copy everything over and sell him the older drives as well.