I built most my system a few years ago, got my TV/Monitor just over a year ago and my speaker system was an early Christmas gift from my wife. I think now is a good time to upgrade. Prices are low and quality of available components is good.
Here's what I have currently:
Mobo: GIGABYTE EP45-DS3L
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 w/ 3rd party HSF
RAM: 8 GB (4x 2GB) PC2-6400 DDR2-SDRAM Kingston
Input: Logitech Cordless Dual USB Mouse & iTouch Keys
HDD: Seagate ST31000333AS 1TB
Optical: LITE-ON iHBS212 (BD-RE)
PSU: 450W (Good quality, but I forget the name)
Video: XFX Radeon HD 6750 HD-675X-ZDFR (HDMI to TV)
Monitor: SONY BRAVIA KDL-46NX711 w/ 3D glasses
Audio: Philips HTS3541 (5.1 Home theater 3D Blu-Ray) via HDMI ARC
Case: Generic full size tower i.e. whatever was on sale at Fry's when I built
1. What YOUR PC will be used for.
Currently using it for some gaming, I don't have time to play every day but when I do play I want the highest settings I can get while maintaining playable FPS. I was using it as light media server until I moved it into my bedroom when I got the Sony. I will probably start using it as a light file server soon, I just bought my 2 pre-teen kids laptops for Christmas.
2. What YOUR budget is.
$1,000 to $1,200 (maybe a bit more if needed)
3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
USA, most likely from new egg since I have a preferred account, however if Fry's has any good specials I can use I might go there.
4. IF YOU have a brand preference.
I have no real preference usually, but I am leaning towards a AMD/Intel set up after reading some performance comparisons of various CPU/GPU configurations with regard to Hitman Absolution
5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts,
I plan on using as much of my old system as possible. Here's what I have on the keep list currently:
Input (KB and mouse), HDD, Optical, Case, Monitor/TV, and audio system.
7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
If I can overclock I want to, but don't want to spend more than necessary to justify the return on investment.
8. What resolution will you be using?
Since I'm using my Sony as a monitor 1920 x 1080.
9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
This month is the plan, but no later than mid January.
X. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system?
I have all of my software needs covered.
I looked at the build dated 12/2/2012 in this thread with the suggested optional TPC 812 HSF, but I'd like to have a larger PSU for any upgrades down the line. I was considering this one from new egg?? I would also like at least 16GB of RAM. My other concern about that build is that I don't need some of the componets listed since I've got them already, so there is the possibility that I could use those savings to improve say the CPU, GPU, and/or mobo.
Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Here's what I have currently:
Mobo: GIGABYTE EP45-DS3L
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 w/ 3rd party HSF
RAM: 8 GB (4x 2GB) PC2-6400 DDR2-SDRAM Kingston
Input: Logitech Cordless Dual USB Mouse & iTouch Keys
HDD: Seagate ST31000333AS 1TB
Optical: LITE-ON iHBS212 (BD-RE)
PSU: 450W (Good quality, but I forget the name)
Video: XFX Radeon HD 6750 HD-675X-ZDFR (HDMI to TV)
Monitor: SONY BRAVIA KDL-46NX711 w/ 3D glasses
Audio: Philips HTS3541 (5.1 Home theater 3D Blu-Ray) via HDMI ARC
Case: Generic full size tower i.e. whatever was on sale at Fry's when I built
1. What YOUR PC will be used for.
Currently using it for some gaming, I don't have time to play every day but when I do play I want the highest settings I can get while maintaining playable FPS. I was using it as light media server until I moved it into my bedroom when I got the Sony. I will probably start using it as a light file server soon, I just bought my 2 pre-teen kids laptops for Christmas.
2. What YOUR budget is.
$1,000 to $1,200 (maybe a bit more if needed)
3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
USA, most likely from new egg since I have a preferred account, however if Fry's has any good specials I can use I might go there.
4. IF YOU have a brand preference.
I have no real preference usually, but I am leaning towards a AMD/Intel set up after reading some performance comparisons of various CPU/GPU configurations with regard to Hitman Absolution
5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts,
I plan on using as much of my old system as possible. Here's what I have on the keep list currently:
Input (KB and mouse), HDD, Optical, Case, Monitor/TV, and audio system.
7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
If I can overclock I want to, but don't want to spend more than necessary to justify the return on investment.
8. What resolution will you be using?
Since I'm using my Sony as a monitor 1920 x 1080.
9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
This month is the plan, but no later than mid January.
X. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system?
I have all of my software needs covered.
I looked at the build dated 12/2/2012 in this thread with the suggested optional TPC 812 HSF, but I'd like to have a larger PSU for any upgrades down the line. I was considering this one from new egg?? I would also like at least 16GB of RAM. My other concern about that build is that I don't need some of the componets listed since I've got them already, so there is the possibility that I could use those savings to improve say the CPU, GPU, and/or mobo.
Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited:
