Got that itch to update/build a new SOHO PC

YumaRed

Junior Member
Sep 5, 2010
15
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This Forum is just fantastic the advice and comments are just tremendously helpful.

I have a bad case of upgrade fever and could really use some honest advice from the super knowledgeable members of this Forum. Please look at my current PC specs, my typical usage/needs and my upgrade ideas combined with any Forum recommendations and tell me if I will see a significant performance boost over what I currently have? Esp. given that I am not a gamer, don't typically over-clock, don't do high end picture or video editing or other power hungry applications. Bang for the Buck... will I see it, is it worth it?

I currently have a 3 year old HP Pavilion M9047c desktop with only the RAM and Video card upgraded:
- Vista32
- 4G of RAM (2x 512m & 2x 1G DDR2-SDRAM 666MHZ)
- Intel Core2Quad Q6600 @ 2.4Ghz
- NVIDIA GeForce 9500GT
- Std HP 500G harddrive (50% full as most data on the server)


1. I am a full time consultant and trainer and I will be using this as my primary office desktop PC for the standard small office task: E-mail, MS Office 2010 Pro Suite(all modules but heavy PowerPoint with pics and videos), Non stop web browsing for research materials - many pics and videos to use in my PPT's, Peachtree Accounting software, Clould use and storage(Google Apps), video-conferencing and presentations.
1a. I use 2 - 24" LED monitors for my office work and also output to a 55" TV and/or projector to test and practice my presentations.
1b. Small office network with a Windows Home Server for backups and file sharing. Plus keep many presentations on the Cloud for when I am traveling or remote presenting)

So if I make these upgrades what will be my net improvement? **Stability over Speed, Performance over bells/whistles, work under constant deadlines so I don't like aggravation or surprises.

- Mid Range MOBO/CPU
- Windows7 64 vs. my Vista32 (Have/Like W7 on my laptops)
- SSD 64 for Windows, Office 2010, Peachtree, etc, but no data.
- 1 TB high speed HD (Need recommendations on kind and type)
- 6G of RAM (Need advise on kind and amount)
- USB3 vs. USB2?
- Integrated vs. ?? Video card (Want HDMI/DVI/Serial multiple monitor)
- Case/PSU

2. Budget? - Cheap as possible and practical.
3. Country - USA
4. Brand? - AMD or Intel, Mobo - like ASUS, Giga or majors, SSD/HD/RAM - Corsair, Crucial other majors.
5. New parts, combo specials, Net specials.
6. Read a lot of threads and sites but like the folks here :D
7. Don't normally overclock but I can. Looking for recommendations.
8. Resolution - Not concerned about games but still want good/accurate graphics.
9. When? - Very soon.
10. No thin skin here!

Thanks to everyone and I look forward to your comments and suggestions.
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
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www.mfenn.com
Your Q6600 is still a fairly powerful CPU, so you're probably looking at an i5 760 or so to get any sort of significant performance boost. I'd also recommend 8GB of RAM, due to the dual-channel nature of the i5's and because 2x4GB kits are becoming cost effective.

Wanting to drive 3 displays at once is a little tricky because that will either require (a) Radeon 5000 series and an active DisplayPort adapter or (b) two video cards. (This is assuming you're using DVI on both normal monitors).

i5 760 + Gigabyte GA-P55-USB3 combo $305
G.Skill DDR3 1333 8GB $160 Apromo
2x Radeon 5450 2x$41-$10=$72
Corsair Force 60GB $145
Samsung F3 1TB $60 Apromo
Antec Neo Eco 400W $30 AR Apromo
Antec Three Hundred + DVD Burner combo $73
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit $100

Honestly speaking though, your biggest improvement will likely be due to the SSD and Windows 7. You can probably simply buy those and keep your current system for a while longer.
 

Blain

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
23,643
3
81
Please look at my current PC specs, my typical usage/needs and my upgrade ideas combined with any Forum recommendations and
tell me if I will see a significant performance boost over what I currently have?
Esp. given that I am not a gamer, don't typically over-clock, don't do high end picture or video editing or other power hungry applications.
Bang for the Buck... will I see it, is it worth it?
:\ No
 

Sp12

Senior member
Jun 12, 2010
799
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Nicely done Blain :)

I will add that you may see a significant step up with an SSD.
 

YumaRed

Junior Member
Sep 5, 2010
15
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0
Thanks to mfenn, Blain and Sp12 for your replies. Your replies were exactly what I expected but I needed to get some expert input to be sure. I do have some questions on the SSD and RAM.

I am going to go ahead and move up to W7/64 and install the SSD. I have some questions about those.

- I noticed that mfenn recommended the "Force" level of SSD from Corsair. The "Force" is entry level with the "Legacy" as the top tier. If my plans are to migrate this when I eventually upgrade would it be worth the extra money to go top tier? Any performance difference at my use level? Got any special tips on making SSD's work better that I should use?
- Would you also advise that I upgrade to 6/8 G of RAM? If so which type that might work now and if I upgraded later?
- The W7 Upgrade Advisor reported that my HP is upgradeable to W7 after a fresh install which I would do anyway. If I understand correctly that would convert my machine to 64bit. Is that beneficial to me with this machine and application? Any other W7 suggestions?

Thanks again, I really appreciate your advice!
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
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www.mfenn.com
- I noticed that mfenn recommended the "Force" level of SSD from Corsair. The "Force" is entry level with the "Legacy" as the top tier. If my plans are to migrate this when I eventually upgrade would it be worth the extra money to go top tier? Any performance difference at my use level? Got any special tips on making SSD's work better that I should use?
I believe that you are a bit confused. "Legacy" is not a series of Corsair SSD's, it's simply a catch-all for all of their outdated ones. The Force series is the based on the Sandforce controller which is in the top tier of controllers on the market.

- Would you also advise that I upgrade to 6/8 G of RAM? If so which type that might work now and if I upgraded later?
It would only be worthwhile if you are currently running out of memory. Your system also uses DDR2, which you would not be able to carry over to a new machine.
- The W7 Upgrade Advisor reported that my HP is upgradeable to W7 after a fresh install which I would do anyway. If I understand correctly that would convert my machine to 64bit. Is that beneficial to me with this machine and application? Any other W7 suggestions?
I recommend 64-bit for all installs of Windows 7. I would enable you do upgrade past 4GB if you so desire.
 

YumaRed

Junior Member
Sep 5, 2010
15
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0
Blain, Mfenn,

You know how it is, you get the bug and it just won't go away till you do it.

So anyway, I decided to go ahead and build me a new system anyway just to amuse myself. Been looking and reading different forums and post to see who likes what and why plus the Bang/Buck factor.

As mentioned I don't do gaming never felt the need to over-clock out of fear that over-clocking would be at the expense of stability and longevity, not to mention that I have never done it before. I do want to be as close to "Current Technology" as possible and be practical for my small business uses and a reasonable budget 700-1000 or so.

Went to Fry's because I get to look, touch, study and always love their no hassle return policy. I picked up:
- Gigabyte GA-880GA-UD3H
- Corsair 6G Pack of CMX6GX3M3A1600C9
(RECOMMEDED BY CLERK & OTHER SHOPPERS)
 

YumaRed

Junior Member
Sep 5, 2010
15
0
0
OK, posted by error...

The Corsair does not list RAM as compatible but does not list as incompatible either??

- AMD PhenomII 955 Black ($110.00)
- CoolerMaster Extreme 600W PSU - Checked reviews after purchase and not good!
- CoolerMaster 690 Advanced(Refurb; 69.00)
- Hitachi 1TB sata/300 7200

Still need to order-
- Optical drive
- Maybe a video card if the on-board does not run 2 monitors with good results
- 15 card reader

So my hopes are that you guys can look this over, give me your thoughts and recommendations. As usual I appreciate your time and knowledge!
 

VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
56,570
10,200
126
To be honest, I somehow doubt that the PII 955 is going to be that much of a step up from a Q6600. And where's the SSD? That would have given you a much greater bang for buck, than a full rebuild that looks a bit too much like a sidegrade to me.
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
71
www.mfenn.com
To be honest, I somehow doubt that the PII 955 is going to be that much of a step up from a Q6600. And where's the SSD? That would have given you a much greater bang for buck, than a full rebuild that looks a bit too much like a sidegrade to me.

:thumbsup:

You're going to be disappointed I believe. I would probably take advantage of their no-hassle return policy right about now.

Also, I dunno why you would have been recommended you a triple-channel memory kit for a dual-channel CPU (except by people who have no clue). And a ridiculously expensive one at that! You can almost get an 8GB kit of G.Skill for that $140.
 

YumaRed

Junior Member
Sep 5, 2010
15
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Thanks Guys!

Going to take mfenn's advice and take advantage of their No Hassle Return Policy. As for the question about 3 channel vs. 2 channel ... that is precisely why I ask for and appreciate your expert advice, so that I don't make those kind of mistakes.

I will follow your advice to just tweak it up a bit with a F80 SSD, Win7-64 and possibly RAM. Can you give me some advice and recommendations on the RAM I have and what I might change to take full advantage of Win7-64?

Currently I have a total of 3G in 4 sticks- All 4 are Hyundai DDR2, PC2-5300-333. If I understand correctly Win7-64 runs best with either 6 or 8 G of Ram. Since I only have 4 slots would it be better to replace the existing 4 sticks with either 3 or 4 sticks of 2G RAM? If so could you give me some pointers on brand/type, not familiar w/ G.Skill but I do see good comments?

Case, PSU and Cooling: This is of course a stock HP Pavilion case. My problem is the current PSU fan is dying - starts/stops/struggles to run. Bought a Zumax ZU-500W to replace it with but have not yet installed. This PC is often exposed to 90 deg temps so I did add 1 small case fan (only 1 vent available). So far it has run OK as is. The CoolerMaster 690 Advanced case I ordered should arrive today, which of course has far superior cooling. So my questions are:
- Is the Zumax PSU an adequate replacement? Watts/Amps are higher than stock but not sure about power quality and dependability.
- Since it appears to be doing OK with the stock HP Case and fans should I just stay with that?
- I suspect that the MB, and other parts will not easily xfer to a non HP case.
- May be an option to mod the side pnl to accept a larger fan, but not sure that would actually create useful air flow.

As mentioned I have never done OC before but sure I could if need be. In this situation are there any useful purpose or gains to OC this machine?

As usual your comments are greatly appreciated.
 

fffblackmage

Platinum Member
Dec 28, 2007
2,548
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Currently I have a total of 3G in 4 sticks- All 4 are Hyundai DDR2, PC2-5300-333. If I understand correctly Win7-64 runs best with either 6 or 8 G of Ram. Since I only have 4 slots would it be better to replace the existing 4 sticks with either 3 or 4 sticks of 2G RAM? If so could you give me some pointers on brand/type, not familiar w/ G.Skill but I do see good comments?
One possibility is buying 2x2GB DDR2 ram and mixing it with the 2x1GB you currently have (6GB total). Though for the sake of simplicity, maybe mixing ram should be avoided.... 4GB is sufficient anyways.

I think any DDR2 ram running on the JEDEC standard timings and voltage will work just fine. Good brands that come to mind include: PNY, Crucial, Corsair, Mushkin, G.skill, Kingston... and I'm sure I'm forgetting a few more. OCZ is popular, but I've heard of some compatibility issues.

- Is the Zumax PSU an adequate replacement? Watts/Amps are higher than stock but not sure about power quality and dependability.
I've never heard of Zumax. D=

Many of us here recommend Corsair or Antec. Enermax and Seasonic are excellent choices too.

- Since it appears to be doing OK with the stock HP Case and fans should I just stay with that?
I suspect that the MB, and other parts will not easily xfer to a non HP case.
You should check to see if the mobo follows the ATX standard.
If it is ATX, then it's really up to you if you want to change cases. It doesn't sound like you have any problems with the HP case, so I'm not sure if it really matters.

As mentioned I have never done OC before but sure I could if need be. In this situation are there any useful purpose or gains to OC this machine?
Since this computer is for work, I would not recommend OCing. The benefits do not outweigh the risk.
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
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www.mfenn.com
I agree with blackmage. That Zumex PSU may be sufficient, but I would never fully trust a PSU that shares its name with a juicer company!
 

jae

Golden Member
Jul 31, 2001
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Do not buy DDR2.. If you don't get the performance gains you're looking for from the SSD and Win7, either settle for now or start building a new system.
 

jaydee

Diamond Member
May 6, 2000
4,500
3
81
Another vote for SSD + Win7-64 only upgrade. Just the other day there was a 90GB OZC Agility 2 for $143. I'd recommend checking the hot deals forum (or Bensbargains.net) every day until you see another deal for ~$1.50/GB on a modern (SandForce) drive.

I'm hesitant to suggest buying more RAM, because the return won't be great now, won't carry over to a new build and will have very little resale value in a year or two. The SSD will be a huge upgrade now, will carry over into a new build nicely, and still have decent resale for a long time (if you decide to upgrade it later).
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
2
81
Zumax is a lower end Topower, so barely adequate. Not utter crap like Deer, but doesn't compare to good mid-range stuff IMO.

YumaRed, I see two paths for you. One is the SSD & Windows 7 upgrade (fresh install), and the other is a full system upgrade. Think of it this way. You don't need either of them, but you might want one or the other. The last time you bought a new car, was it because the old one couldn't be fixed or because you wanted a new car? Decide which path to take before finalizing choices.

BTW, I used to live in El Centro, not too far from Yuma.
 

YumaRed

Junior Member
Sep 5, 2010
15
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ZAP, Trust me I know where you are coming from. This is much more a want than a need but I will give the SSD & Win7 a shot and then if I'm still not happy those can always be used in a new build.

I am just going to shopping for all the components as they go on sale and when I have all the pieces I will get it done.
 

Davidh373

Platinum Member
Jun 20, 2009
2,428
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Also, I dunno why you would have been recommended you a triple-channel memory kit for a dual-channel CPU (except by people who have no clue). And a ridiculously expensive one at that! You can almost get an 8GB kit of G.Skill for that $140.

I remember when I didn't know what I was talking about and the guy at our local computer shop recommended the Corsair HyperX which they priced out at $350. Even not knowing much, I knew that was a horrible deal lol.

I would do SSD/ Windows 7 X64 as well.
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
2
81
I will give the SSD & Win7 a shot and then if I'm still not happy those can always be used in a new build.

You may want to consider not activating Windows yet. You can install it without the key and it will work fine for 30 days before it starts nagging you. This way if you change hardware in the next month or two you won't have any hassles getting it activated on a new motherboard. If it turns out you won't go to a new system, then you can always put the key in the existing install and activate it.
 

Davidh373

Platinum Member
Jun 20, 2009
2,428
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71
You may want to consider not activating Windows yet. You can install it without the key and it will work fine for 30 days before it starts nagging you. This way if you change hardware in the next month or two you won't have any hassles getting it activated on a new motherboard. If it turns out you won't go to a new system, then you can always put the key in the existing install and activate it.

Great Idea!
 

YumaRed

Junior Member
Sep 5, 2010
15
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Zap, that was a great idea.

Starting a new thread about equipment I would need for a small businees center. Hope all of you will look it over and give me the same excellent advise I got on this thread! Thanks to everyone, it has been a HUGE help.
 

crucibelle

Senior member
Feb 21, 2005
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You may want to consider not activating Windows yet. You can install it without the key and it will work fine for 30 days before it starts nagging you. This way if you change hardware in the next month or two you won't have any hassles getting it activated on a new motherboard. If it turns out you won't go to a new system, then you can always put the key in the existing install and activate it.

I have to echo the others here and say that this is a GREAT idea. I had no idea one could do this. Thank you for posting this information. :)