Buying New Computer

[CrimsonChaos]

I'm buying (no, not building) a new computer and want to know what you experts feel is the most important hardware to dump money into. I know you guys have an aversion toward buying, and would rather see someone build, but I just don't have the time to try that right now. Maybe my next computer.

Anyway, it is noteworthy that I do some casual gaming. Assuming the motherboard and PSU cannot be altered, I was considering these component upgrades available on the website. I list the original configuration, along with some upgrade options with the price to upgrade (assume you have $800 to use to upgrade):

Processor:
[Orig] AMD 3000+
[$400] AMD 4000+
[$800] AMD FX-55

Video Card:
[Orig] 256MB 6800 GT
[$150] 256MB 6800 Ultra
[$320] 512MB 6800 Ultra
[$522] 256MB 6800 GT SLI

Hard Drive:
[Orig] Single 160GB SATA
[$100] Dual 160GB SATA (one for storage or maybe Raid 1)

RAM:
[Orig] 1GB Latency: 2-3-2-5
[$100] 1GB Latency: 2-2-2-5

Between these, which do you feel is the best place to start upgrading? At first I thought I should dump the entire $800 into the best processor, since those are hardest to upgrade in the future (for people like me who don't know how). But I wanted your opinions.

So considering the best "bang for the buck" and the "difficulty to upgrade in the future", how would you spend $800 when configuring this machine? Remember I DON'T know how to replace a processor, but I DO know how to replace the other components listed.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Chosonman]

I just bought for my mom:

AMD 63 3000+ (754) + Chaintech MOBO + 1Gig Corsair DDR400 PC3200 RAM = $238

Total: $238 Shipped

Add a 6600GT AGP for $170.00

Grand Total: $408.00

You've got a kick ass system

Pricewatch.com

 

[Sentinel]

I wouldn't go with an FX, as it isn't the best bang for the buck as you say, also those are more enthusiast type procs, so instead if you are interested in going with a nice proc go with a 3500+ venice, 256mb 6800 GT, single SATA and standard PC 3200? DDR RAM.

 

[Cheesetogo]

Originally posted by: CrimsonChaos
I'm buying (no, not building) a new computer and want to know what you experts feel is the most important hardware to dump money into. I know you guys have an aversion toward buying, and would rather see someone build, but I just don't have the time to try that right now. Maybe my next computer.

Anyway, it is noteworthy that I do some casual gaming. Assuming the motherboard and PSU cannot be altered, I was considering these component upgrades available on the website. I list the original configuration, along with some upgrade options with the price to upgrade (assume you have $800 to use to upgrade):

Processor:
[Orig] AMD 3000+
[$400] AMD 4000+
[$800] AMD FX-55

Video Card:
[Orig] 256MB 6800 GT
[$150] 256MB 6800 Ultra
[$320] 512MB 6800 Ultra
[$522] 256MB 6800 GT SLI

Hard Drive:
[Orig] Single 160GB SATA
[$100] Dual 160GB SATA (one for storage or maybe Raid 1)

RAM:
[Orig] 1GB Latency: 2-3-2-5
[$100] 1GB Latency: 2-2-2-5

Between these, which do you feel is the best place to start upgrading? At first I thought I should dump the entire $800 into the best processor, since those are hardest to upgrade in the future (for people like me who don't know how). But I wanted your opinions.

So considering the best "bang for the buck" and the "difficulty to upgrade in the future", how would you spend $800 when configuring this machine? Remember I DON'T know how to replace a processor, but I DO know how to replace the other components listed.

Thanks for any advice!

none of that needs to be upgraded. Buying more would be a huge waste of money, as your computer is already plenty fast. I really think you ought to save money and not upgrade anything. If you have to upgrade, buy a xp-120 heatsink for your proccesor, and then overclock it to like 2.6 ghz (fx-55 speed). THat should be fairly easy if you have a winchester (90nm) 3000+. If it's a newcaslte, you should still be able to get 2.4ghz. Upgrading the hardware itself would be a terrible waste of cash. And if all you do is "casual" gaming, then the system you have now is already overkill.

 

[Chosonman]

Originally posted by: Chosonman
I just bought for my mom:

AMD 63 3000+ (754) + Chaintech MOBO + 1Gig Corsair DDR400 PC3200 RAM = $238

Total: $238 Shipped

Add a 6600GT AGP for $170.00

Grand Total: $408.00

You've got a kick ass system

Pricewatch.com

Performance wise this system will play HL2 and Unreal Engine 3.
And Unless you have a 20" monitor or bigger and some serious need to play at FPS games at 1600X1200 resolution (*squinty eyes to see*) You should be set for the next 2 to 3 years without a serious need to upgrade.

If you wanted to you could pay $60.00 more and get a 939 CPU instead. But I personally don't see the pont considering the 754 run at higher clock speeds and the difference between them when gamming is negelgable.

This is hands down the best combo for performce/value gamming system today.
Thank me later

 

[imported_Kensai]

That's a pretty rig with a fair ammount of power. You don't really need to upgrade.

 

[iseethemtoo]

Id dump money into:

Processor
RAM
Video Card
HDD

I thiunk you could learn to swap a processor pretty easily.

I know when I built my machine I was COMPLETELY green and dropping in the processor was not very hard at all (albeit you need ot be delicate). I dont predict it would be hard to replace one (save for maybe it would be hard to get at without taking out other components). All you do is align its pins and close the lever to lock it in place (i remember when i was doing this; my butcheeks were clenched the tightest while i was doin it)

Cant go wrong with the FX 55, my 53 has served me well indeed. Plus having the 55 is even more bragging rights than my 53 ;]
Youll love the 800 Ultra - cant go wrong with that.
For HDD get yourself something like the WD Raptor; something with high RPMs to read from as your playing your games.
RAM I wouldnt go too crazy on get the most expensive or anything, unless of course money is no object; in which case you could spend as much as you want. Especially since there are such large price differences between different kinds.

Rock on with your new PC!

 

[l Xes l]

i wouldn't change a thing. plentiful for any games..

 

[CrimsonChaos]

Thanks for the responses. But I guess what I'm asking is -- if you HAD to spend $800 on upgrades for this computer, which components would you upgrade first?

I realize upgrading isn't always necessary, but I'm trying to get a feel for what people think is the most important thing to upgrade (bang for buck) if they had to choose. Also keep in mind I want to avoid complicated upgrades later.

 

[aatf510]

Originally posted by: CrimsonChaos
Thanks for the responses. But I guess what I'm asking is -- if you HAD to spend $800 on upgrades for this computer, which components would you upgrade first?

I realize upgrading isn't always necessary, but I'm trying to get a feel for what people think is the most important thing to upgrade (bang for buck) if they had to choose. Also keep in mind I want to avoid complicated upgrades later.

3000+ to 4000+ ($400), should make quite a difference

GT to 256 Ultra ($150), noticeable difference if you play games @ 1600x1200 AA AF on
or 256 GT SLI, but don't do it without upgrading to 4000+ first

don't spent $100 on a 160GB SATA, you can easily put in a better extra harddrive afterwards

the $100 for 2-2-2-5 ram over 2-3-2-5, >0.5% difference performance wise

 

[Sonic587]

Originally posted by: CrimsonChaos
Thanks for the responses. But I guess what I'm asking is -- if you HAD to spend $800 on upgrades for this computer, which components would you upgrade first?

I realize upgrading isn't always necessary, but I'm trying to get a feel for what people think is the most important thing to upgrade (bang for buck) if they had to choose. Also keep in mind I want to avoid complicated upgrades later.

Can you be more specific as to how you are going to be using this PC?

 

[l Xes l]

game wise.. vid card upgrade will be the best choice..