new card or computer ?

[guy93]

i was wondering if i should build a new computer , or get a single slot card because double does not fit, i have a dell dimension e520 right now with a pentium D 2.66ghz processor, 600 watt psu, 2 gb ram. any suggestions ?

Since this has become a CPU thread, I am punting it to General Hardware so that it can be better answered there.

-ViRGE

 

[ther00kie16]

Single slot would limit you to 4850 at best, if your power supply has enough to power it. You could get the 4850 and build a new computer around it whenever you feel that CPU isn't fast enough anymore.
I get the feeling that more people will recommend you to upgrade than not, especially if you have the money.

 

[Arkaign]

Depends on how heavy of a gamer you are? 600Watt PSU sounds unlikely. Anyway, with a Pentium D 2.66 (805), I wouldn't recommend buying anything more expensive than maybe a 3870 or 9600GT. Either of which will be totally bottlenecked by that CPU. You have DDR2, so a way to game for cheap :

Some decent AM2+ mobo
Something like an X2-6000
Re-use ram/hdd/dvd
Get 9600GT or so

win!

C2D is even better, but it costs more to get a decent s775 mobo, and the lower C2Ds (1000 and 2000 series) are not so great.

 

[guy93]

forgot to mention that the only game im relle into and take seriously is counter strike source, im not into all these new games like crysis . and im playing on an 19" monitor as well

 

[Denithor]

Be careful with making recommendations without looking at all the facts.

If I'm not badly mistaken, the Dimension e520 is an mBTX system so he's going to need a suitable motherboard.

I don't think there are many AM2 mBTX boards, or even Intel models for that matter.

The only one I had any luck finding for a recent rebuild job was the Intel D946GZTS. You can see the cpu compatibility chart here and it's for sale here (where I bought it) for $55 + shipping. Then you can add an e4600 ($120 at newegg) or try to find a listed cpu cheap on the FS/FT forums or at eBay.


But honestly, for CS: Source on a 19" screen just get a single-slot 9600GT or 9800GT for around $100 and you're done.

 

[adlep]

This is a great PC. Very easy to work on, parts are cheap, takes only few minutes to change the mobo...

His PC is upgrade ready. No motherboard replacing is necessary.

1. Quick Search on Dell Support Forums here indicated that your PC compatible with 1066MHZ Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs

2. The Official Dell Mobo specification confirms this here (it is Intel G965 based board btw).

3. Download and install the most recent BIOS Upgrade for your Dell
here prior the CPU upgrade.

4. Get the E6400 here, but I think that the Allendale core based C2D cpus will work as well available on Newegg No matter what they say, any C2D cpu is a significat upgrade over the Pentium D proc.

5. This Radeon HD4850 is a single slot type of a card. I know that the 8800GT will fit in this PC just fine, so I assume that this card should fit as well

Newegg Link + Rebate

If you are an Nvidia fan, there are some 9800GT cards that are available in a single slot configuration like this PNY

6. Your 600W PSU should support both HD4850 and the 9800GT

7. Your PC will support up to 4x1GB of DDR2 800 RAM

8. Don't forget to apply a thin layer of a thermal compound between the massive heatsink and your new CPU - I really like Artic Silver 5

 

[guy93]

will the 9600 gt or the 9800 gt run cs:s everything maxed out smoothly ?

 

[adlep]

Originally posted by: guy93
will the 9600 gt or the 9800 gt run cs:s everything maxed out smoothly ?

On your 19in monitor?
It will be very smooth AND you may be able to crank the AA up a bit...
What is your current card?

 

[guy93]

the Nvidia Geforce 7300 Le..

 

[adlep]

Originally posted by: guy93
the Nvidia Geforce 7300 Le..

Oh....
In that case, you will experience about 500% (possibly more) boost even with the 9800GT - but also consider changing the cpu.

 

[guy93]

thats the thing, if i need to change the cpu, might as well just build a new pc, new mobo and stuff. right now im busing an btx motherboard, they are not very great lol, i was thinking of spending 1500 tops on a new computer, or just change the video card, 2 options, one would obviously just cost alot more

 

[adlep]

Originally posted by: guy93
thats the thing, if i need to change the cpu, might as well just build a new pc, new mobo and stuff. right now im busing an btx motherboard, they are not very great lol, i was thinking of spending 1500 tops on a new computer, or just change the video card, 2 options, one would obviously just cost alot more

That is not necessary IMO

$82.00 CPU + $119.00 Graphics + about 2 hours of your time to do these upgrades will translate into a very fast box that will do everything you require.
So it is $1500.00 for a new PC vs. $200.00 to upgrade the old one....
For me the choice is clear
Edit: FYI, you will see significant gains in your gaming experience even without upgrading the CPU...

 

[guy93]

haha alright adlep, thanks, u may have jus saved me a bunch of $$

 

[adlep]

Originally posted by: guy93
haha alright adlep, thanks, u may have jus saved me a bunch of $$

Seriously...
I would do maybe a step-by-step approach...

At first just order the video card and install it, see if you like the gains and the overall experience of "upgrading" your PC.
Chances are that everything will be just fine so upgrading the cpu in the 2nd step won't be a big deal anymore...

 

[Denithor]

But your current motherboard already supports the C2D processors.

You can get an e6600 from eBay right now (auction 270293481413) for $115 + $8 shipping. If you use the Microsoft cashback program that comes to $94.25 shipped.

Then just add a 9600GT/9800GT and CS will absolutely glide.

 

[guy93]

alright sweet, ill try getting the video card first then

 

[ther00kie16]

All you really need is a 9600gt or 9600gso (they are pretty cheap now with the gso being as low as $50 after rebate). If you want a better card to hold on to when you upgrade to C2D in the future, get a 4850 for $140 after rebate or 9800gtx/9800gtx+ if it's less than the 4850.

 

[adlep]

Originally posted by: ther00kie16
All you really need is a 9600gt or 9600gso (they are pretty cheap now with the gso being as low as $50 after rebate). If you want a better card to hold on to when you upgrade to C2D in the future, get a 4850 for $140 after rebate or 9800gtx/9800gtx+ if it's less than the 4850.

This is essentially what I just said and also 9800GTX will not work because it is a dual slot design that will not fit in OP's computer

 

[guy93]

should i be looking at the 9800 GT or 8800 GT. I heard the 9800 GT overheats alot

 

[Insomniator]

Source will glide without a CPU upgrade...

 

[legcramp]

Originally posted by: guy93
should i be looking at the 9800 GT or 8800 GT. I heard the 9800 GT overheats alot

You just saved a bunch of money on your computer insurance by switching to adlep.



Get the 9800gt, basically the same card and it does not overheat, the HD4850 will be great too, but these cards are overkill for source. 7900/x1900xt runs through source like butter.

Pentium 4 struggles in source in big servers fact, so the Core 2 Duo is as mandatory as the video upgrade.

I would go with adlep's advice.



Insomniator, source will not glide without a cpu upgrade ( unless you meant glide as in choke to death on big servers )

 

[guy93]

will the 9600 or 9800 GT overheat though? ppl told me to get the 8 series

 

[guy93]

but will the 9800 GT or 9600 GT overheat ? ppl told me to stick with the 8 series

 

[guy93]

since i cant overclock cpus since i have a dell pc, what core 2 duo should i get, different speeds, 2.33 ghz, 2.6 , etc. suggestions ? and also i dont even kno wut socket my mobo uses, 775 or sumtin ? i have a btx botherboard im pretty sure ? http://ncix.com/ <-- thats the website for the place i would go to buy something for pcs. its the only good shop close to where i live, i do not want to buy anything online, if its no problem cud sum1 please post links here to the video card of wut 9800 gt i shud get and wut processor ?

 

[happy medium]

Grab the e5200 cpu and 98oogt. heres some links

http://www.ncix.com/products/i...5200&manufacture=Intel

http://www.ncix.com/products/i...8GYDLH&manufacture=XFX