Upgrade suggestions?

Crestwood

Junior Member
Feb 8, 2011
2
0
0
My main system is now a couple of yeras old and I have been thinking about making a few upgrades where warranted. Below are my Q&A's:

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

I mainly VPN in and remote control; convert and organize music lossless music files; download media from Usenet and BitTorrent; but do little to no gaming.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread.

<$750 USD.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.

USA. NewEgg probably...

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.

I tend to like Intel over AMD, but am not adverse to going back to an AMD. No other prefs. on other non-CPU parts.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.

I have two 2TB hard drives I will re-use, my BENQ CD/DVD burner still works well, and I will re-use my monitor. My OS is already purchased and will not need rebuying. It's 64-bit.

I would also re-use my PSU which is a modular 750-watt unit.

My current Windows Experience Index is 5.9, limited by the disk data transfer rate. I jump from there up to a 6.9 and a bunch of 7.0's.

My case is some old aluminum KingWin thing that looks OK. I do not like lighted or transparent-sided cases with bliking lights. Do not like color or flash. Would consider switching the case out.

I will also re-use my NIC and maybe my separate soundcard, an Audigy, and speakers/subwoofer.

My current mobo is an ABIT IP35 Pro LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX.

My current GPU (I think) is an ASUS EAH3870GHTDI512M Radeon HD 3870 with 512MB.

RAM: I have 4GB of Corsair XMS2 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400).

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

I overclock my Intel E8400 Core2Duo (3.0GHz) to 3.60GHz. I use an after-market cooler.

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with.

I don't play games really.

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?

Sometime in the next month or so?

10. Don't ask for a build configuration critique or rating if you are thin skinned.

I can take any criticism.

Thank you.
 

fffblackmage

Platinum Member
Dec 28, 2007
2,548
0
76
My main system is now a couple of yeras old and I have been thinking about making a few upgrades where warranted. Below are my Q&A's:

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

I mainly VPN in and remote control; convert and organize music lossless music files; download media from Usenet and BitTorrent; but do little to no gaming.

And your OC'ed E8400 isn't fast enough for that? I'd just stick with what you have. I mean, you're free to spend your money however you like, but if the most demanding task you do is just convert some lossless audio files....

If you haven't already, consider getting an SSD.
 

Numenorean

Diamond Member
Oct 26, 2008
4,442
1
0
I agree, it sounds like your system is just fine for what you do. There is no point in upgrading especially if you aren't gaming.

Spend your money on an SSD or extra storage or a nicer monitor, but your other stuff is fine.
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
71
www.mfenn.com
I agree with the other posters, your current system seems fine for what you do. What specifically is the computer (not) doing that makes you want to upgrade?