Help me spend 350 bucks

[Agentbolt]

So my current setup is an Athlon LE 2.2 GHZ single core processor, 2 GB DDR2-800 RAM, X1650pro video card, and an old Abit motherboard (can't remember the model) I also have a 400 watt Rosewill PSU (decent 12v rail, can't remember the specific amps) and a 250gb IDE hdd

So I'm thinking of upgrading the video card, processor, and motherboard. Currently I'm thinking of an Intel E5300 (to keep my memory, I believe this processor runs on an 800 mhz fsb) and a DFI Lanparty P35 motherboard. I'll combine that with an Nvidia 9600GT video card. It's a 32-bit operating system so putting in more RAM probably isn't a pressing need.

So would that be the best use of 350 bucks, you guys think? I think that'll give me the most bang for my buck in terms of gaming, watching HD video, and improving the overall snappiness of the system.

Any ideas? Thanks for any thoughts/comments.

 

[Jiggz]

It's probably is the best bang for the buck but to be honest you can get off the shelf C2D system for that amount and have a 2nd system.

 

[Agentbolt]

Originally posted by: Jiggz
It's probably is the best bang for the buck but to be honest you can get off the shelf C2D system for that amount and have a 2nd system.

Huh? For 350 bucks I'm going to get a better off the shelf C2D computer WITH a better video card than the 9600GT? Call me cynical but I rather doubt that

 

[DSF]

Any Intel processor will work just fine with DDR2-800. Your RAM is not a limiting factor.

 

[Boobs McGee]

The $250 E8400 and Asus P5Q Pro still going @ newegg? If so you could snag that and still have a hundred bucks for a video card, not counting shipping/tax if applicable.

 

[Denithor]

P35 boards are yesterday's news. Go for P43 or P45 instead.

And you can get a 9800GT for less than $100 now (XFX model, $95AR+FS) which is a better deal than the 9600GT cards for around $85AR.

 

[Agentbolt]

Originally posted by: Denithor
P35 boards are yesterday's news. Go for P43 or P45 instead.

And you can get a 9800GT for less than $100 now (XFX model, $95AR+FS) which is a better deal than the 9600GT cards for around $85AR.

Wow, good advice thanks. A 9800GT, Gigabyte P45 Motherboard and E5200 is still only about 330 bucks.

 

[heyheybooboo]

Combo Deal: $172
X2 6000+ & Biostar 790gx

SAPPHIRE 100245L Radeon HD 4850: $140 AR

Leaves you a little room to bump up your RAMs ...

 

[OCNewbie]

I've been pimping this motherboard in quite a few threads lately. It's a great one though, and at a very nice price ($99 after $20 rebate/$10 coupon code) at Newegg currently - Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P.

There are a couple 9800GT's for $95 after rebate currently on the egg too.

Or if you don't already have Call of Duty 4 and want it you can get an XFX (lifetime warranty) 9800GT with CoD4 for $10 more at ZZF - Link

Or if you prefer, a Radeon 4850 for $129.99 after rebate/coupon code.

Could always pick up an Intel E5200 while you're at it for $82.99.

Or you could toss all those ideas (except for the motherboard perhaps) and wait for Black Friday/Cyber Monday for a chance at some even better deals =)

 

[Denithor]

e5200 matches or beats X2 6000+ in games

At stock speeds. Once you OC that e5200 it becomes a joke comparing these chips. The only time I recommend AMD chips these days is when someone needs a dirt-cheap upgrade (and you're not in this category).

Go for the e5200 + MSI P43 motherboard ($75AR) and add a 9800GT and you're gtg. Well below your target price also (around $250 for this setup).

Otherwise, go for the e8400 + Asus P5Q Pro combo ($235AR) and the 9800GT and you're still below the $350 mark with even better performance.

 

[magreen]

BUY A NEW PSU DAMN IT. Why didn't anybody else catch that? He's got a 400w rosewill psu. He's going to get a LOT of bang for his buck if he doesn't replace that thing.

Ok, I'm done yelling. Sorry about that.

You must get a quality make. Look in the hot deals forum for: Corsair, pcp&p, antec earthwatts, maybe ocz. Minimum 500W.

 

[magreen]

Oh, and bfg makes good psus too.

 

[DarkRogue]

Originally posted by: magreen
Minimum 500W.

Oh noes, my PC is teh expload.

Minimum is definitely NOT 500W, especially for a relatively low power system. Get a quality 430/450W PSU and you're good to go for a couple years. My 380W can and will run that system just fine.

I'll also add Seasonic for good quality PSUs.

 

[magreen]

Originally posted by: DarkRogue

Originally posted by: magreen
Minimum 500W.

Oh noes, my PC is teh expload.

Minimum is definitely NOT 500W, especially for a relatively low power system. Get a quality 430/450W PSU and you're good to go for a couple years. My 380W can and will run that system just fine.

I'll also add Seasonic for good quality PSUs.

Fine, I'm sure you're right that you could go lower than 500W. I wasn't trying to imply that 400W isn't enough for him, I was saying a 400W Rosewill will do him in, since it will be running somewhat close to its rated capacity. I just wasn't trying to cut it close, esp since he's considering/people are recommending a 4850.

Bottom line, it's the quality that counts.

 

[DarkRogue]

Originally posted by: magreen
Bottom line, it's the quality that counts.

Right. I'm not sure how reliable those Rosewills are, but don't they simply rebrand certain things? I also recall somewhere stating Rosewill and Newegg were related, but I don't know.

Either way, can't go wrong with the companies mentioned.

 

[magreen]

Originally posted by: DarkRogue

Originally posted by: magreen
Bottom line, it's the quality that counts.

Right. I'm not sure how reliable those Rosewills are, but don't they simply rebrand certain things? I also recall somewhere stating Rosewill and Newegg were related, but I don't know.

Either way, can't go wrong with the companies mentioned.

Sure they rebrand, everybody does. So that doesn't really show anything either way.

There was one particular 500W Rosewill that jonnyguru reviewed surprisingly well. But that doesn't mean the rest are reliable, and the rule with cheaper psu companies has to be guilty until proven innocent on every single model. Especially if you're going to run it anywhere near its rated capacity -- sometimes even certain models from fancier outfits (e.g. OCZ 700W ModXStream Pro) fail when run at their max rated capacity.

Edit: I just found one more Rosewill with a good review on jonnyguru: Rosewill XTREME 750W & 850W. I'm actually quite surprised.

 

[Agentbolt]

Originally posted by: magreen

Originally posted by: DarkRogue

Originally posted by: magreen
Bottom line, it's the quality that counts.

Right. I'm not sure how reliable those Rosewills are, but don't they simply rebrand certain things? I also recall somewhere stating Rosewill and Newegg were related, but I don't know.

Either way, can't go wrong with the companies mentioned.

Sure they rebrand, everybody does. So that doesn't really show anything either way.

There was one particular 500W Rosewill that jonnyguru reviewed surprisingly well. But that doesn't mean the rest are reliable, and the rule with cheaper psu companies has to be guilty until proven innocent on every single model. Especially if you're going to run it anywhere near its rated capacity -- sometimes even certain models from fancier outfits (e.g. OCZ 700W ModXStream Pro) fail when run at their max rated capacity.

Edit: I just found one more Rosewill with a good review on jonnyguru: Rosewill XTREME 750W & 850W. I'm actually quite surprised.

I've never had anything but good luck with the Rosewill PSUs. I had the same 500W one back in my beloved, departed C2D system that was reviewed well, and the 400W is the same PSU, just less power output. Maybe a bigger Rosewill is called for, but I don't think my system requires an Antec or Corsair.

 

[mrSHEiK124]

Corsair usually has sweet combo deals on NewEgg for 4 GB RAM + PSU, as does OCZ, but OCZ's rebates can be more of a pain in the ass. There are usually combos on P45 motherboards and power supplies as well. When you're trying to save that last $30 and you're buying a lot of parts, NewEgg's combo deals can be your best friend.