Which is better?

[TheNiceGuy]

Wow, you guys are good! Got me thinking!
I was looking at this thread:
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2194271&enterthread=y
And I could just swap out my MB, GPU, RAM, and CPU and have a current mid range system, for mabey $600.
Is the upgrade worth it? Or could I simply swap out my GPU and have roughly decent performance? Is it true DX10/Vista is no real improvement over XP for games?
Thanks again all!

 

[Jakeisbest]

Originally posted by: TheNiceGuy
Wow, you guys are good! Got me thinking!
I was looking at this thread:
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2194271&enterthread=y
And I could just swap out my MB, GPU, RAM, and CPU and have a current mid range system, for mabey $600.
Is the upgrade worth it? Or could I simply swap out my GPU and have roughly decent performance? Is it true DX10/Vista is no real improvement over XP for games?
Thanks again all!

Really it all depends upon you.

What is your goal with the PC? Do you just want to upgrade the graphics? Then you could save more money towards building a uber gaming rig later.

However, I tend to find the best way to build is to get the best price / performance for the time being.

So keep your case and psu. Replace your CPU, MOBO, RAM, and Graphics. Throw in a monitor if you are feeling saucy! Also I don't see a really great reason to upgrade to Vista. Windows XP still works great and if you are trying to save money cut corners where you can.

Spending a ton of dough to "future proof" your system tends to be a waste of money (imho) when you could upgrade more frequently and maintain a good mid range system!

 

[TheNiceGuy]

Thanks.

That's very useful to know about the CPU/GPU speeds matching.
And if Vista is not a big upgrade for gaming, I'll give it a pass.
Would a new 512MB 8600GT and an extra gig of RAM put me in current mid range tech? That would be nice, because if I replace the MB and CPU, then I have to spend weeks reinstalling, updating, etc.
Or is my CPU/MB substandard now for current gaming? For example, IIUC Assasin's Creed has a dual core processor as a minimum requirement.
A new MB would be nice though, as my current one is riddled with issues, such as not being stable if more than 2 HDs are used.

Thanks again all.

 

[Jakeisbest]

A 512MB 8600GT is "teh suck" at least get an 8800gs or a 9600gt.

Just upgrading the video card would boost your performance but you would still be on the low end of things.

Replacing your CPU, MOBO, graphics and RAM could be done in just a few hours.

1. Put CPU into the MOBO
2. Install Heat sinc and fan onto CPU
3. Screw the MOBO into the case
4. Install Graphics and RAM
5. Connect the cables from drives to mobo then from power supply to drives
6. Press the "on" button

If you don't format your old hard drive you don't even have to reinstall any thing.

 

[DeathSniper]

Originally posted by: Jakeisbest
A 512MB 8600GT is "teh suck" at least get an 8800gs or a 9600gt.

Just upgrading the video card would boost your performance but you would still be on the low end of things.

Replacing your CPU, MOBO, graphics and RAM could be done in just a few hours.

1. Put CPU into the MOBO
2. Install Heat sinc and fan onto CPU
3. Screw the MOBO into the case
4. Install Graphics and RAM
5. Connect the cables from drives to mobo then from power supply to drives
6. Press the "on" button

If you don't format your old hard drive you don't even have to reinstall any thing.

Um...if he doesn't reformat - he's going to end up with a LOT of problems simply from driver incompatability and leftover registry trees.

 

[TheNiceGuy]

Now I'm debating wether to do a total upgrade or not.

Originaly I thought I could just upgrade my GPU and RAM cheaply and have a mid-range system. But that appears to leave me with a system unable to play new games that require a dual processor CPU, for example.

So the other option is a total upgrade. I don't like to reformat, as all the associated hub-bub can take weeks to sort out. If I go that route, it seems best to get Vista while I'm at it. But I heard Vista/DX10 is actualy no improvement for gaming. Is it so? And what about these new processors coming out? Will they revolutionize gaming, or is it not worth waiting for?

I should mention I want a rock solid system, and am willing to sacrifice performance for stability. And I don't need and special options, such as RAID, overclocking, etc.

If an upgrade is advisable, I was going to randomly choose midrange parts: MB; GPU; CPU; RAM. From here:

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2194271&enterthread=y

I'll just use the rest of the gear I already have. And I will get Vista.

Ideas? And thanks again!

 

[Jakeisbest]

I think you are making reformatting your HD into a bigger deal than it really is. Just save all your pictures, documents, ect to a flash drive or a CD.

You can build a very cost effective system today that will last you for years to come. Just upgrading your graphics card is not going to get up and running for todays new games.