To upgrade or not, that is the question!

[mfenn]

Voltages tend to go down over time and Sandy Bridge gets next to no benefit from faster RAM, so not it is not odd at all. And no, you can't run mixed voltage RAM in the same system unless you can find a way to get your 2.0V RAM stable at 1.5V (not likely).

 

[Dannar26]

Ok, so anything I stick in my machine will drag down the voltage, making my current sticks angry. Get new RAM, and be done with it. Got it.

Somebody said something about getting an awesome monitor. What's the reccomendation for that? I would want something at least 1080p (not sure if using TV specs is correct) for gaming. As for running dual monitor, do you think my current card can hack it? It would be a bit odd, I think, to have one monitor at 1080p while the other is still at 1600x900. Or is running the two differently not an issue?

Just polling opinions, would you guys drop the extra bank on a retail license, or just stick with the OEM stuff?

Let's say I had 600 coming to me for a new rig. If I keep the case and psu, would this be enough to make something new and worthwhile?

Duely blundered from my thunderdolt

 

[mfenn]

Yes, your Core 216 will handle two monitors no problem. It's also fine to mix and match resolutions. As for the monitor itself, the sky is the limit. My idea of "awesome" is a $1200 30" IPS 2560x1600 panel, but somehow I don't think that's what you had in mind. You can realistically drop anywhere from $175-$300 and get something pretty decent.

As for your other question, yes $600 can get you something decent if you can also reuse a few components. I probably would reuse the HDD before I reused the PSU that you've got though.

i5 2500K + P8Z68-V LX $250 @ MChttp://redirect.anandtech.com/r?url...duct.aspx?Item=N82E16820178333&user=u00000687
Crucial DDR3 1600 1.35V 8GB $38
7850 $250
Reuse HDD and ODD $0
Rosewill Hive 650W $72 AP
Reuse case $0
Total: $610

 

[Dannar26]

Thanks for all the suggestions folks, you've given me a good deal to think about, which is why I came here in the first place!

Special thanks to you Mfenn for all the Q & A. You're right about the IPS being just a tad bit too salty for me. So, why not keep the power supply?

Duely blundered from my thunderdolt

 

[mfenn]

Thanks for all the suggestions folks, you've given me a good deal to think about, which is why I came here in the first place!

No problem.

So, why not keep the power supply?

I suppose there is no harm since it is working, but generally speaking Thermaltake power supplies are terrible. Assuming that one is of the same vintage as the rest of the system (~4 years), it is probably time to replace it.