Final Upgrade Questions

[pseudocajun]

Hi,

I currently have the following in my box. Keep in mind, that I do not game, but use the computer daily for 'work' and rendering movies.

Mobo: Abit KN8 Ultra
CPU: 64x2 4600
Hard Drives: 4 (2 x 74 GB, 1x 200 GB, and 1x 200 USB)
DVD/ROM Drives: 1x Plextor DVDR PX-716A and 1X Sony CD-RW
Sound Card: Creative SB X-Fi
Video Card: Nvidia GeForce 6600
Tuniq Tower 120 Ultra Silent CPU cooler

I am thinking of replacing much with the following:

mobo: Abit IP35 Pro
CPU: Q6600
RAM: Kingston HyperX DDR2 800 (PC6400) - 4 gig
Video Card: Asus GeForce 8800GTS 512MB (not sure if this is the best choice).

I also intend on 'reusing" the hard drives, sound card, the DVD/ROM Drives, and the Tuniq Tower 120 Ultra Silent CPU cooler, unless I am given a reason to replace them as well.

Any guidance and/or ideas are greatly appreciated.

by the way - Happy New Year to all!

 

[BlueAcolyte]

Don't see a problem with that... Are you sure your new mother board has enough SATA or IDE ports for your drives? Maybe you should replace your PSU as well...

 

[pseudocajun]

Hi,

I'll check into the SATA/IDE connections - didn't even think of that - just assumed! As for the PS, I currently have a 650W - think I need more?

 

[DSF]

650W is more than plenty, especially since you don't need that 8800GTS if you don't game. If all you do with your PC is 2d work and movie viewing, you could shoot a lot lower on the video card. Avoid the 8800 series completely, and look at something like an 8500 or 8600. On the ATI side, something like a 2400.

Do you use any 3D applications at all?

 

[pseudocajun]

On final question (I hope *grin*): best mobo - P35 or X38 chipset:

mobo: Abit IP35 Pro or ASUS P5E

 

[DSF]

Go with the P35 chipset. X38 will be extra expense and extra heat for no gain with what you're doing.

Honestly, you could probably save yourself some money on the motherboard even if you go with the P35 chipset. The IP35-Pro has a lot of features which are unnecessary for most users. Compare the features on the Pro version against the IP35-E and see if the IP35-E has everything you need. Look also at the Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L and Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3P.

By the way...you might consider selling off those older drives and buying a new 500GB hard drive. It'll reduce the power usage and heat generation of the computer, and a quality 500GB hard drive can be had for $120 or less.

 

[Captante]

Ditch the 8800GTS & a quality 500 watt psu is plenty.