Opinions on upgrade

[mwalt2]

I am wanting to update some components of my main computer. I currently have an Intel Q6600, Abit IP35-Pro, 4GB DDR2 RAM, Cooler Master Real Power Pro 750 PSU, and a BFG 8800GT OC. I haven't kept up on hardware since my last build 2 years ago. I'm going to reuse my current case, PSU, and possibly the video card. I want to keep the cost down, so cheaper is probably better. I'm also not as much into gaming as I was 2 years ago. My monitor is 1680x1050 and about the only game I play currently is TF2 (though that could obviously change). Compiling andriod from source would probably be one of the more taxing things I would do in the short term with the new build.

My main question now is about the processor/motherboard. Since I've started trying to educate myself about current hardware, it looks like Intels new Ivy Bridge will be out at the end of the month and pricing will be inline with current Sandy Bridge processors. Normally since it's only a month (or less) away, I'd wait and get the newer parts (CPU+MB). However, Microcenter has a pretty good deal on the i5 2500K and Gigabyte GA-Z68AP-D3 for $215, which is $100 less than Newegg prices and presumably ~$100 or more less than the equivalent IB cpu and MB. Is that correct thinking? I haven't found as much about pricing of IB and new motherboards in my recent attempt to learn about current generation hardware. I'm leaning towards buying now and saving $100 or more and putting that towards a new monitor or video card down the line.

Also, where would an 8800GT fall in terms of performance with respect to newer graphics cards?

Thanks.

 

[DSF]

An 8800GT is way back there - it's almost 5 full years old at this point. Nvidia is starting to release its GTX600 line, which is coming after several generations of improvement since the 8800GT. The newer cards are several times faster.

 

[lehtv]

By all means, get 2500K + Z68 from microcenter. It is an awesome deal.

8800GT is probably about 3 times slower than a current mid range card like 560 Ti or 6950/7850.

 

[Ken g6]

Did you know that the 8800gt is in Bench? (This comparison with a GTX 680 is just to shock you; try other cards to see how your GPU fares against something you might actually buy.)

 

[lehtv]

Wow. It's not in GPU 2011 bench but it sure is in GPU 2012... that's a bit upside down.

 

[mwalt2]

Did you know that the 8800gt is in Bench? (This comparison with a GTX 680 is just to shock you; try other cards to see how your GPU fares against something you might actually buy.)

No, I didn't know it was there . I looked at a different one and didn't see it. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[mfenn]

By all means, get 2500K + Z68 from microcenter. It is an awesome deal.

8800GT is probably about 3 times slower than a current mid range card like 560 Ti or 6950/7850.

Agree. The 8800GT is probably fine as long as the OP's interest is primarily Source engine games at 1680x1050 though.

 

[mwalt2]

Thanks everyone. Does my thinking of getting Sandy Bridge instead of Ivy Bridge seem right? I'm not really sure if a 10-15% increase in performance would really be worth spending over $100 more, escpecialy when both will be a significant increase coming from a Q6600.

 

[mfenn]

Thanks everyone. Does my thinking of getting Sandy Bridge instead of Ivy Bridge seem right? I'm not really sure if a 10-15% increase in performance would really be worth spending over $100 more, escpecialy when both will be a significant increase coming from a Q6600.

I agree, there's no real reason for you to wait. MC will probably do a variation of their i5 2500K + mobo deal for Ivy Bridge, but who can say when that'll start?

 

[mwalt2]

I agree, there's no real reason for you to wait. MC will probably do a variation of their i5 2500K + mobo deal for Ivy Bridge, but who can say when that'll start?

Thanks. I think either SB or IB will be a big upgrade for me. Apparently I looked at the wrong date as to my current computer....I guess it's really almost 5 years old.


So far I've got a Crucial M4 128 GB SSD and 16 GB G.SKILL Ares Series RAM ordered. I'll pick up the i2500K and Gigabyte GA-Z68AP-D3 soon. I'll probably just keep using my 8800GT until I get a game that requires an upgrade.

How long do PSU's usually last? The COOLER MASTER Real Power Pro 750 I bought back in 2007 was rated pretty well (reference), but it looks like Cooler Master hasn't done too well lately from reading comments here. Also, are there any good budget/mid-range cases that people like? My case is ok, but missing a couple of plastic tabs and now that I realize I didn't just build this thing 2 years ago, I don't feel so bad spending some more money .

 

[Termie]

By the way, the closest thing to an 8800gt today would be the HD6670, which is an $80 card. Either would be fine for basic needs and older games. There's a great deal right now on a 6870 at Newegg for $130AR that you might just want to jump on, though: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150561.

It's 2.5x faster than your card, giving you power to spare for the future when you try out some new games. Bonus is lower idle power consumption: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/521?vs=540

 

[mfenn]

Thanks. I think either SB or IB will be a big upgrade for me. Apparently I looked at the wrong date as to my current computer....I guess it's really almost 5 years old.


So far I've got a Crucial M4 128 GB SSD and 16 GB G.SKILL Ares Series RAM ordered. I'll pick up the i2500K and Gigabyte GA-Z68AP-D3 soon. I'll probably just keep using my 8800GT until I get a game that requires an upgrade.

How long do PSU's usually last? The COOLER MASTER Real Power Pro 750 I bought back in 2007 was rated pretty well (reference), but it looks like Cooler Master hasn't done too well lately from reading comments here. Also, are there any good budget/mid-range cases that people like? My case is ok, but missing a couple of plastic tabs and now that I realize I didn't just build this thing 2 years ago, I don't feel so bad spending some more money .

A five year old PSU is probably starting to really show its age in terms of output, especially a Cooler Master. It's also probably considerably less efficient than a newer unit, but that is a secondary concern. The Antec HCG-620M is a good deal at $56 AR AP assuming that you will eventually upgrade the GPU.

As for cases, there is a lot of choice out there depending on your budget and what you like. The HAF 912 is a perennial budget favorite.