Need advise on new upgrades.

[iggy1981]

I was lucky to have a nice tax return. So I plan on build a new system or upgrade the one I have. Right now my Main pc has. ( BELOW ) I would like to get the most bang for my buck.

Motherboard = PC-CHIPS 871g.......... I will never buy from them again!!!!

Processor = Semprom 64 Socket 754

Memory = 2 gigs of dual channel PC3200...... would like to keep if I can.

PSU = Ultra 500w

Video = 6800 agp , 6800 GS OC agp, 9800xt agp...... Would like to go to PCI-e ( SLI )

Harddrive = 2 western digital 120gb SATA running RAID

 

[bruins004]

That system does seem a tad dated.
Well here are your options.

1. You can upgrade your mobo, CPU and GPU (which would allow the move to PCI-Express)
or
2. You can upgrade your mobo, CPU, GPU and DDR2 RAM (which would allow the move to PCI-Express)

Now with option 1 you are kind of limited to socket 754 or 939 since the Athlon64s or Opterons were better than the P4s (Plus the p4s use DDR2 RAM).
With Option 2, you could go with an AM2 or C2D rig, which would be better than the 939 or 754 rig in option 1. But you would need new RAM since you cannot use DDR RAM, you must use DDR2 RAM. Good news though is that DDR2 RAM prices have dropped and a 2 GB kit can be had for under $200.

Now we need more info.
What will you use this rig for and how much do you have to upgrade?

This will determine which route to go.

 

[iggy1981]

I want to use it for gaming. I would like to find a mobo that still uses the DDR and the DDR-2. I know someboards out there does, the Pentium D does but would like to stick with AMD and I truly like overclocking everything.

 

[bruins004]

I want to use it for gaming. I would like to find a mobo that still uses the DDR and the DDR-2. I know someboards out there does, the Pentium D does but would like to stick with AMD and I truly like overclocking everything.

I know of 2 boards that does this.
One is an ECS and the other one I cannot remember what it was.
Unfort. the other one got discontinued and it hard to find.
The ECS you can find, but is not a good board at all.

It got quite a bit of bad reviews and I would suggest not wasting money nor time on it.

How much are you looking to put into these upgrades?

 

[iggy1981]

About $1000

 

[bruins004]

About $1000

Since you have that much I would suggest going for a C2D or AM2 build.
Keep all of your components except for the mobo, CPU, RAM and GPU.
Sell these items to get some more money.

Right now I would suggest getting an Intel C2D build since you get more for your money.
I would suggest the following:

E6600 ~ $330
8800GTS 320Mb ~ $300 (Prob. a little less)
Nice OCing mobo ~ $120
2 x 1GB Buffalo Firestix or any other RAM ~ $200
---------------------------------------------
Total ~ $950

I would suggest getting the Buffalo Firestix over at newegg.com since they are going for $189.99 plus there is a code where you can get them for $169.
Plus dont forget that there is a code for $15 off when using Paypal.
Plus these OC very nice.

Please note that the price will def. be cheaper. I always round up esp. since I dont know if you like the egg or not.
Now this system will blow away any 939 or 754 system you can put together.
Best bet is doing that.

Also, if you want to lower the price then get an E4300 since they OC very nicely.
I am just trying to make this upgrade of yours DX10 compliant.

 

[iggy1981]

Thank you for the time and yes I like the egg. I buy most of my stuff there, but what is C2D? I only know about the older hardware, sorry for a stupid Q. oh, nvm. Core 2 Duo

 

[iggy1981]

What about this combo?

http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Shopping/ShoppingCart.asp?submit=ChangeItem

 

[Namslas90]

Here's my choice;

Asus A8n sli deluxe Mobo
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1645240&CatId=1569

AMD FX 60 with FXF G8800 and X gear gaming Headset
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2864054&CatId=1839

Mobo $159.99
AMD COMBO $669.99
--------------------
TOTAL $829.98
Pluss shipping of course!

 

[bruins004]

What about this combo?

http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Shopping/ShoppingCart.asp?submit=ChangeItem

Hmm I cant seem to see anything, but an empty cart.
C2D is Core 2 Duo, very fast processors and very good OCing potential.
I will provide links in a little.

 

[iggy1981]

Here's my choice;

Asus A8n sli deluxe Mobo
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1645240&CatId=1569

AMD FX 60 with FXF G8800 and X gear gaming Headset
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2864054&CatId=1839

Mobo $159.99
AMD COMBO $669.99
--------------------
TOTAL $829.98
Pluss shipping of course!

Not true, did you see when the rebate is up?

 

[iggy1981]

# Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6600 - Retail
Item #: N82E16819115003
Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
# ABIT IB9 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813127018


for 413.99

 

[Namslas90]

Not true, did you see when the rebate is up?

Yeah didn't catch the rebate, and also he will need a CPU cooler!!
$829.98 + $50.00 is still only $879.98 still below $950.00.

 

[bruins004]

Here's my choice;

Asus A8n sli deluxe Mobo
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1645240&CatId=1569

AMD FX 60 with FXF G8800 and X gear gaming Headset
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2864054&CatId=1839

Mobo $159.99
AMD COMBO $669.99
--------------------
TOTAL $829.98
Pluss shipping of course!

That is a nice build but socket 939 is a dead socket and you could get better performance from a C2D for about the same price
Here is a C2D build

GPU
EVGA 8800GTS 320MB - $279.99 AR + 6.13 Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130082

CPU
Core 2 Duo E6600 - $314 Free Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115003

Memory
2 x 1GB Buffalo Firestix - $189.99 + 4.99 Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820150054
or
2 x 1GB G Skill - $199.99 + 4.99 Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231114

Both are great sets of RAM at great prices. The Firestix OC great and the G Skill have great timings.

Motherboard
Gigabyte - $126.99 + 5.64 Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128018
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total : $927.73 WITH SHIPPING.

Not bad for a budget.
As I said before, it you want to lower the price you can get a E4300 for $169 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115013
They OC very nicely and are the ideal CPU to get if you go below an E6600.

I also just realized that you may have to upgrade your PSU since it might not be able to handle this video card.
What kind of PSU do you have and if you could take a look at the sticker on the PSU, could you tell me the amps on the 12V line(s)
Thanks

 

[iggy1981]

Would I be better off looking on E-bay? What about my PSU, should I upgrade this as well?

 

[bruins004]

Would I be better off looking on E-bay?

No bc you never know if it was used or not and if you will get it.
Stick with Newegg, they usually have lower prices.

Take a look at the build I put together.
Its a kick ass system

 

[Scavar]

The 939 setup is nice, and a quality deal, but personally I think it would be silly to get that now. In my opinion you would be better off with a C2D or an AM2.

I couldn't really say what to get at the moment, but that it should be in the AM2 or C2D world.


Ebay = not good

I personally don't like Tiger Direct, but they are alright. Stay with Newegg or Zipzoomfly in my opinion.

 

[iggy1981]

I think I'm going to order what you have put together for me bruins004 , Minus the Firestix. I read better reviews for the G skill memory.


But the MoBo reviews are bad for overclocking. I think I'll spend a little more for a Nvidia Base board. Plus I have all my parts to sell

 

[bruins004]

I think I'm going to order what you have put together for me bruins004 , Minus the Firestix. I read better reviews for the G skill memory.


But the MoBo reviews are bad for overclocking. I think I'll spend a little more for a Nvidia Base board. Plus I have all my parts to sell

Very nice.
Just note that you might need a new PSU to run that GPU.
The Buffalo Firestix contain Micron chips which are one of the best chips for OCing.
That is why that deal is HOT.

But the G Skill do have some sick timings

 

[iggy1981]

I'm looking at Getting a BGF 800watt PSU, Do think this will hold me over for a couple of years?

 

[bruins004]

I'm looking at Getting a BGF 800watt PSU, Do think this will hold me over for a couple of years?

This thing might be a little bit of Overkill.
I mean this could run 2 8800GTXs in SLI.
But yes it would hold you over.

 

[iggy1981]

Ok thanks. I just been reading post were people who max they're OC's b/c they run out of power. But do to plan on OC everything, so thats why I was looking at a bigger PSU