Computer Upgrade

[Andres3605]

After 2-3 years with my computer (signature), I got the upgrade itch again, i use my computer for web surfing, moderate gaming (eve online, whatever new game is good, Medieval II...), and from time to time light video encoding and Photoshop use.

My major hold back is my aging AGP board, and if i upgrade i would like to get a quad core, have used AMD in my last 2 builds A64 and X2, but I'm no fanboy, and at this moment i see Intel offerings very attractive, I'm open to all suggestions.

I already have a psu (Antec Tru Power Trio 650w), and a Case (Cooler master Centurion 590), my budget is not defined but i tend to never buy anything bleeding edge, and stay attached to bang for the buck. this is what i was drafting so far:

CPU:
Intel Q6600 (what are the advantages of a Q9300, is it worth it?)
Mobo
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L
Or
MSI P45 Neo3-FR
Ram
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066
HD
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM
Video Card
Ati 4850 Based Video Card

 

[DarkRogue]

I don't really see any advantage going quad core over a dual core if what you stated as your uses for the PC are true. Go for a cheaper E8400 or E7200.
The 4850 is a good choice if you can afford it, although I don't think you need that for those particular games, but it's always good to have headroom there for future games.

The rest look fine, although you may save some money and go DDR2-800 instead.

 

[Blain]

What video encoding app. do you use?

 

[Andres3605]

Originally posted by: Blain
What video encoding app. do you use?

TMPGEnc 4.0 XPress, Ulead Video Studio 7 and Sansa media Converter mostly.

Originally posted by: DarkRogue

I don't really see any advantage going quad core over a dual core if what you stated as your uses for the PC are true. Go for a cheaper E8400 or E7200.
The rest look fine, although you may save some money and go DDR2-800 instead.

I already have a dual core @ 2.4, want to go the next level now with a q6600@ 3.0 or so, also im fairly sure that ram is better tan ddr2-800.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Andres3605

I already have a dual core @ 2.4, want to go the next level now with a q6600@ 3.0 or so, also im fairly sure that ram is better tan ddr2-800.

To take a Q6600 up to 3GHz, you aren't even pushing DDR2-800.
To run DDR2-800 at it's rated speed, you'd need to be running a Q6600 at 3.6GHz.

Q6600 > 9 (multiplier) x 267MHz = 2.4GHz
Q6600 OC'd > 9 (multiplier) x 333MHz = 3GHz
Q6600 OC'd > 9 (multiplier) x 400MHz = 3.6GHz

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: Andres3605

I already have a dual core @ 2.4, want to go the next level now with a q6600@ 3.0 or so, also im fairly sure that ram is better tan ddr2-800.

To take a Q6600 up to 3GHz, you aren't even pushing DDR2-800.
To run DDR2-800 at it's rated speed, you'd need to be running a Q6600 at 3.6GHz.

Q6600 > 9 (multiplier) x 267MHz = 2.4GHz
Q6600 OC'd > 9 (multiplier) x 333MHz = 3GHz
Q6600 OC'd > 9 (multiplier) x 400MHz = 3.6GHz

+1.

As long as you have the headroom you need for your overclocking, which DDR2-800 gives you, faster RAM doesn't have much but a placebo effect.

 

[Andres3605]

My cart is ready to place the order, any last minute advices?

Cart

 

[cusideabelincoln]

Looks pretty good. The only thing I'd consider is going with an Asus P5QL-E (P43) because it seems to be more feature-rich and performance should be identical do the MSI board.

 

[Blain]

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3R

 

[Andres3605]

Changed the motherboard for an Asus P5Q Pro and added a XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 as well, right in my budget max, should be fun when it arrives 😀.

Never really liked Gigabyte but did considered the board. Thanks.