need some opinion on upgrading my pc

[Tip3r]

I have an XFX GeForce 7900 GT graphics card which gives me hell in vista. I've decided to buy a new graphics card. I was thinking maybe I should change my CPU and add some RAM to improve the whole system while I'm at it. I don't want to spend too much money though and I'd rather not change my motherboard.

This is my current system:
CPU: Pentium D 945
Motherboard: ASUS P5B Deluxe WiFi edition
2gigs of DDR2 RAM
XFX GeForce 7900 GT graphics card
250 GB SATA Samsung H.D.D.

I assembled the computer about 3 years ago.

I'm thinking of spending a total of like 400 or so on it. like maybe get a Geforce GTS 250 card and some core2duo cpu (I have know idea what the prices are) and add 2gigs of ram. do you think it's worth it? I'd also like some advice about what graphics card to get. I prefer nvidia but I don't mind buying an ATI if it's got a better price.

 

[Barfo]

What do you mean the 7900 GT gives you hell, do you use it to play recent games? because otherwise it's perfectly fine for Vista.

 

[elconejito]

Yeah, please clarify what you mean by hell in vista. Is it a driver issue? There might be another solution other than buying new parts.

EDIT: Vista with 2GB of RAM is likely holding you back more than the vid card.

Having said that... That board gives me the warm fuzzies. Used one for a long time and it's been retired to my parents where it's still going strong. You can put in there any of the 65nm C2D or C2Q, and many of the newer 45nm versions, but make sure to check the compatibility list and get the right BIOS version.

If you get 2GB sticks of RAM, you're going to have a hell of a time overclocking it unless you get just the *right* type of RAM (see the "Official P5B" thread for details). So stick to 4 x 1GB sticks of RAM, or just accept a lower overclock. I had a Q6600 in the P5B-Deluxe, non wifi version, OC'ed to 3.2Ghz with 8GB of RAM.

You can get a CPU for well under $200. The GTS 250 is i think between $100-150.

 

[Tip3r]

When I first switched to vista every once in a while the screen would fill up with squiggly lines. It seems like it's quite common with 7900GTs. I've tried a milion different things I've read in different places and the only one that helped was overclocking (I really don't know why). now I don't get a whole screen of squiggly lines anymore but I get horizontal lines that come and go..

do you think GTS 250 is a good choice. I was thinking of paying around 150 for the graphics card.

 

[yh125d]

How do you use the computer? General use? Gaming? What games/what res?

 

[Tip3r]

I play games. Not real high res. I don't really care about it. I care about details more. I usually don't go higher than 1280x720. I currently have fallout 3, NBA 2k9 and Farcry2 installed.

 

[Eureka]

You have a rather mighty system, upgrade the ram and add in a 4850 and you'll be set. The 4850 is going for probably $50-75 after rebates, coupons, various deals, and performs very admirably against the GTS250.

 

[brblx]

if you're willing to pay 150 for a graphics card, i'd say 4870 1gb or gtx260 hands down if you can find the right deal. 4870 512 or 4850 would still be a really nice cheap upgrade, though.

proc is the bigger issue. is intel still making any 65nm's other than the q6600?

 

[Tip3r]

Is there a specific reason I should be looking for a 65nm processor? updating the bios isn't that a big a deal is it?

yeah I was starting to think 4850 or 4870 might be better choices.. this would be my first non nVidia card since my Trident 9750..sigh

EDIT: btw, I currently have two sticks of 1GB PC2-5300 (DDR2-667) kingston ram. will there be a problem if I add two sticks of 1 GB PC2-6400 (DDR2-800)?

 

[elconejito]

You'd want to look at the 65nm chips first because all 65nm CPUs should work on that board. The newer 45nm CPUs may or may not work, so you'd *really, really* have to check the CPU compatibility list. And some of the time there may be issues even if it's on the list, after you've chosen a CPU go google the CPU together with this board and see what comes up (as far as problems).

Updating the BIOS is usually pretty straightforward, I think I've updated the BIOS on that board quite a few times.

ATI is (IMO) current king of the hill in price/performance. Nvidia's not far behind, and certainly nothing is wrong with either choice.

The RAM will run at the slower speed. You might run into overclocking issues with two completely different sets of RAM though. It may be worth considering just getting a whole new kit (they aren't that expensive)

 

[Tip3r]

The CPU list at asus.com has alot of 45nm CPUs in there. I don't know which 65nm CPUs are still being produced, I guess I'll have to check that out..

I know ram is pretty cheap. I just hate taking out 2gigs of perfectly fine ram and doing nothing with it. btw, I'm using 32-bit vista will I have to get 64-bit with 4 gigs of ram? if I do switch to 64-bit, would it change anything? I mean for example would all of the softwares currently working on 32-bit work on 64-bit vista?