Upgrading tomorrow

[Haui]

Ok guys. I have had it with a slower system. I currently have the following specs:

Dell Optiplex GX260
P4 2.4GHZ 512KB 533mhz
1gb pc2100
Geforce FX5200 128MB (YEA I KNOW)
500GB hd space
16x Pioneer Dual Layer DVD-RW
Gateway FPD1960 19" 8MS LCD (GREAT LCD)

Basically the only thing I am going to carry over is the LCD and HD. Now, I will be going to Fry's tomorrow. I most likely will be purchasing a cpu + mobo combo (core 2 duo), 2gb ddr ram, PCI-E video card and a new case.

Now, we mostly will use the pc for email, internet, downloading (10mpbs download / 1mbps upload), watching DVD's (which the current specs suck at it), ripping dvd's, and possibly getting back into gaming (BF2). I will also get back into creating websites, photo editing, and video editing.

Now, do I need to get a Core 2 Duo system? I don't plan to go to Vista for at least a year. What do you guys suggest I do in this situation? Any suggestions on specs?

 

[crossrode]

Originally posted by: Haui
Ok guys. I have had it with a slower system. I currently have the following specs:

Dell Optiplex GX260
P4 2.4GHZ 512KB 533mhz
1gb pc2100
Geforce FX5200 128MB (YEA I KNOW)
500GB hd space
16x Pioneer Dual Layer DVD-RW
Gateway FPD1960 19" 8MS LCD (GREAT LCD)

Basically the only thing I am going to carry over is the LCD and HD. Now, I will be going to Fry's tomorrow. I most likely will be purchasing a cpu + mobo combo (core 2 duo), 2gb ddr ram, PCI-E video card and a new case.

Now, we mostly will use the pc for email, internet, downloading (10mpbs download / 1mbps upload), watching DVD's (which the current specs suck at it), ripping dvd's, and possibly getting back into gaming (BF2). I will also get back into creating websites, photo editing, and video editing.

Now, do I need to get a Core 2 Duo system? I don't plan to go to Vista for at least a year. What do you guys suggest I do in this situation? Any suggestions on specs?

Socket 775 offers so many processors. Looking at your description of things you plan to do with your new system, a C2D (e6300/e6400) would serve you well. I think you would at least want a dual core Pentium D processor, no single core. I am currrently building another high end socket 775 system and I may just by a $50 Celeron processor to put it together, update the BIOS and have it working while I wait for the huge (hahahahaha!) yes humonguous price drops on the Intel quad core's in a few months. 8) HTH.

 

[0roo0roo]

cannot go wrong with c2d. but really any 2 core processor is fine.

 

[Haui]

Well, for $500, what can I do?

 

[crossrode]

Originally posted by: Haui
Well, for $500, what can I do?

The problem with Fry's is their stores do not have the same prices as their Frys.com website. If you are going to the Fry's on La Palma they have their flyers posted on the wall as you come in the door. Been shopping there for 15 years. Still have my 100 Mhz. pentium complete with 16 MB Matrox video card I bought there 8). Newegg sells the e6300 C2D for under $200. Fry's surely can get you in a e6300, 965/975 chipset board and 2 GB of DDR2 memory for $500. I was over there 2 days ago and that store has so many boxes of new inventory stacked up in the isles you would think tey are giving it away. I used to hang out at the service/warranty desk and watch the chicks bring in their computers for service. Every single chick who ever walked up to that service counter with her broken computer had at least 28 thousand instances of spyware! Tells you a lot huh.. 8)

 

[herbiehancock]

Originally posted by: Haui
Well, for $500, what can I do?

Going to Fry's with $500 and wanting all those parts.........you'll end up with:

One of the C2D/ECS cpu/mb combos for $160

A generic type case for $40-$50, or the FAR $40 Ultra case

$60 power supply

2 x 1GB DDR2-667 RAM will run around $130 or so

So, now you're left with getting a video card and about $100.


But, I wouldn't limit myself to one day and to Fry's............


Personally, up your limit $100 or so and do some online purchasing spread over a few weeks and watch sales in HD section.

A C2D cpu will run $160....less if you can wait until next month......a lot less.

Buy the FAR Ultra case from Fry's

Get an Enhance ENP5140GH or 5150GH power supply from ewiz.com for $57 or $69 respectively.....excellent power supplies for the money. Good, clean, strong and stable rails....and these are the OEM versions of the Silverstone Striders, but without the modular cables.

Enhance 5140GH for $57.68

Enhance 5150GH for $61...on sale right now.

Watch the HD section for sales on DDR2 RAM......Fry's had some 2 x 1GB DDR2 Corsair 667 value ram for $110 after rebate. Newegg runs specials like this a lot, too.


Video card.......up to you what you like and want.

For instance, ClubIT, for example, has an EVGA nVidia 7600GS video card, 256MB, for $66.99 after $20 MIR.

7600GS



EVGA 7600GT 256MB video card for $95.99 after $10 MIR at ClubIT.


MSI Radeon X1650 256MB video card for $79.99 after $10 MIR at ClubIT.



Motherboard is again personal choice, but I wouldn't buy an ECS/cpu combo from Fry's to save my life.

Rather, I'd mosey over to Newegg and look at the Biostar 965PT motherboard or the GIgabyte DS3......around $100-$115. Much better choices.


Just IMHO anyway.


If you have to buy in one day, typically you're going to pay more.

 

[Haui]

Well - lets say I wanted to go cheap and worth waiting for. If I shopped online tomorrow, what would you guys suggest?

 

[herbiehancock]

Newegg:

E4300....$169

Gigabyte 965-S3 motherboard......$105


Fry's:

Ultra mid-tower case.....$40 w/$40 MIR....free shipping


eWiz:

Enhance ENP-5150GH power supply.....$61



ClubIT:

EVGA 7600GS......$67 after $20 MIR




Memory can be found, speaking of 2 x 1GB DDR2-667, for around $130 anywhere. Newegg has G.Skill, PNY, Transcend, and others in that range.


After rebates......around $540.