New System Build?

[eits]

current:

pentium core 2 duo 6300
4 gb pc2-4200 (iirc)
crappy asus m-atx mobo
8800gts 340mb
sff case


upgrade:

your advice



i've got about $500 to work with. i'm definitely getting a new case, but should i also get a new cpu and mobo too? what about the gpu?

 

[theAnimal]

Please read the thread at the top of the forum and post your answers.

 

[DSF]

If you do get a new graphics card, make sure you hold onto that rare 340MB GTS. It could be a collector's item some day.

Seriously though, it depends entirely on what tasks your system performs and whether any of them are currently running too slowly for your liking.

 

[eits]

Originally posted by: DSF
If you do get a new graphics card, make sure you hold onto that rare 340MB GTS. It could be a collector's item some day.

Seriously though, it depends entirely on what tasks your system performs and whether any of them are currently running too slowly for your liking.

i'd like to be able to play farcry 2 on it without single digit fps

 

[Denithor]

Have you overclocked your e6300 or not? If not, that's the first thing to do. 2.8GHz (7x400fsb) should be doable with stock cooling.

There have been some great deals on the GTX 260 recently, check out the hot deals forum for specifics (I think an MSI model for like $160AR).

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: Denithor
Have you overclocked your e6300 or not? If not, that's the first thing to do. 2.8GHz (7x400fsb) should be doable with stock cooling.

I agree, but his RAM will need to be upgraded.

Regardless what he does he's likely to need a RAM upgrade anyway though.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: DSF

Originally posted by: Denithor
Have you overclocked your e6300 or not? If not, that's the first thing to do. 2.8GHz (7x400fsb) should be doable with stock cooling.

I agree, but his RAM will need to be upgraded.

Regardless what he does he's likely to need a RAM upgrade anyway though.

RAM is so cheap......
G.Skill 4GB DDR2 800 $39.99
CORSAIR 4GB DDR2 800 $19.99 AR

Since he has a SFF case, I don't really know any powerful gfx cards that would fit.

 

[eits]

Originally posted by: Denithor
Have you overclocked your e6300 or not? If not, that's the first thing to do. 2.8GHz (7x400fsb) should be doable with stock cooling.

There have been some great deals on the GTX 260 recently, check out the hot deals forum for specifics (I think an MSI model for like $160AR).

i'm thinking:

- e8500
- evga gtx 260
- a new case

i'm going to need recommendations on a new motherboard... preferably around the $100 area.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: eits

Originally posted by: Denithor
Have you overclocked your e6300 or not? If not, that's the first thing to do. 2.8GHz (7x400fsb) should be doable with stock cooling.

There have been some great deals on the GTX 260 recently, check out the hot deals forum for specifics (I think an MSI model for like $160AR).

i'm thinking:

- e8500
- evga gtx 260
- a new case

i'm going to need recommendations on a new motherboard... preferably around the $100 area.

E8400 $159.99
$30 cheaper than E8500 and you won't notice a difference between the two
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L $84.99 AR
Great overclocker that won't break the bank
Antec 300 $49.99
Good, inexpensive case with good cooling
MSI GTX260 $158.88 AR/Live Cashback
Follow the Hotdeals link for a MIR and a code to make it really cheap
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2254848&enterthread=y

 

[eits]

damn this reply button...

 

[eits]

ugh... i ended up spending more than i wanted to...

Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

GIGABYTE GA-EP43-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail

EVGA 896-P3-1264-AR GeForce GTX 260 SSC Edition 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

XIGMATEK XSF-F1251 120mm Case Fan - Retail

Rosewill RFA-120-WL 120mm 4 White LEDs LED Case Fan - Retail x2

Rosewill 18" Serial ATA II External cable Model RC-18"-SA2-90-BK - Retail x3

total damage: $645.79

 

[zerocool84]

What about a power supply???

 

[eits]

shit, i thought i linked it

RAIDMAX HYBRID 2 RX-530SS 530W ATX12V V2.2/ EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Modular Modular LED Power Supply - Retail

 

[DSF]

Bleh. Raidmax is not a name to trust in power supplies.

The PC Power & Cooling 610W PSU is only $55 after rebate with free shipping. Much better unit without a doubt.

 

[eits]

i wanted a modular psu. i also hate mail-in rebates because i never see a check.