Planning on a Computer Upgrade - What to get?

[AsRock]

Not true at all. It is possible to OC a locked Sandy Bridge CPU like the i5 2400 to around 3.9 ghz.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/302423-28-2400-overclocking

http://www.channelpro.co.uk/reviews/6511/intel-sandy-bridge-review/page/0/13



Also not true. Asrock is no longer owned by ASUS and is producing motherboards equal in quality and reliability to ASUS boards



It's not garanteed to do that though, and who knows how long it can maintain a "hell on wheels" OC. I burned out a set of Crucial Ballistix DDR2 800 in less than a year running it at around 930 mhz(don't remember the exact OC)

They do it with issue.. They are rated 1.35-1.50v and at 1.50 you can get cl9 1600 @ 1.5 and thats not even pushing them np. But shit they have a lifetime warranty too..

 

[MadDogTen]

I've always sold my leftovers like motherboard, CPU and RAM to make up for upgrade costs, especially if they are not compatible with the new parts. Otherwise, what else will they do besides depreciate in value? My rule of thumb is to have a spare PSU and HDD just in case something happens to either.

I have a couple of questions related to this if you don't mind.

1. Where do you usually sale them?
2. How do you come up with the price you sell them at?

 

[DoomDoomDoom]

Is the Base Difference between the Core i5-2400 and Core i5-2500 with the $45 itself? or does the overclocking only make it worth it? As I have just about no idea how to overclock (Though I could with help, like I am currently doing).

You can hit 4.5GHz on air with any decent HSF and P67 or Z68 board using a 2500k. It's truly a little bit of research, getting familiar with the BIOS and testing stability for a day or so. If you want to be more hand on with your computer, I'm sure just about anyone here will say to go for it.

If you are simply looking for a budget gaming build, then stick with the i5-2400. You won't be bottlenecked like if you had a slower performing dual core or something, but you might lose a couple FPS, but that's really it.

I have a couple of questions related to this if you don't mind.

1. Where do you usually sale them?
2. How do you come up with the price you sell them at?

Here, other forums I belong to, Craigslist, friends... eBay is also an option, but I don't bother because of certain fees.

 

[MadDogTen]

You can hit 4.5GHz on air with any decent HSF and P67 or Z68 board using a 2500k. It's truly a little bit of research, getting familiar with the BIOS and testing stability for a day or so. If you want to be more hand on with your computer, I'm sure just about anyone here will say to go for it.

If you are simply looking for a budget gaming build, then stick with the i5-2400. You won't be bottlenecked like if you had a slower performing dual core or something, but you might lose a couple FPS, but that's really it.

Aprox. how High do you think I could get it with the Stock Cooler? I wouldn't have the money to buy a better one.


I want a Budget gaming build, but one that I can use for a few years and still play the games (Even if at the lowest settings).

 

[BarbaricSoul]

I have a couple of questions related to this if you don't mind.

1. Where do you usually sale them?
2. How do you come up with the price you sell them at?

Ebay, Craigslist, Buy/sell/trade forums on tech website like TPU

Your CPU, motherboard, and RAM probably isn't going to get you alot of money selling them. I'd say $120-150 for all of it will be about the most you can expect to get.

 

[BarbaricSoul]

Aprox. how High do you think I could get it with the Stock Cooler? I wouldn't have the money to buy a better one.


I want a Budget gaming build, but one that I can use for a few years and still play the games (Even if at the lowest settings).

I bought a Corsair A50 heatsink originally with my 2600k, and my temperatures would still get above 70'c at full load when OC'ed to 4ghz. I wouldn't suggest any OC'ing other than using turbo-mode with stock cooling. Rule of thumb, keep your CPU below 70'c at full load.

 

[MadDogTen]

Ebay, Craigslist, Buy/sell/trade forums on tech website like TPU

Your CPU, motherboard, and RAM probably isn't going to get you alot of money selling them. I'd say $120-150 for all of it will be about the most you can expect to get.

That's actually better then I would expect. I also have another (Even Cheaper) Motherbored and a set of CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2... I could sell (Not currently using because it was recommend to remove them to Overclock my CPU).

So, even if I only got $100 for all of it (Hopefully more), it would be great.

 

[BarbaricSoul]

That's actually better then I would expect. I also have another (Even Cheaper) Motherbored and a set of CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2... I could sell (Not currently using because it was recommend to remove them to Overclock my CPU).

So, even if I only got $100 for all of it (Hopefully more), it would be great.

I'd say $100 would be reasonable. You just have to find someone to buy it.

 

[DoomDoomDoom]

Aprox. how High do you think I could get it with the Stock Cooler? I wouldn't have the money to buy a better one.


I want a Budget gaming build, but one that I can use for a few years and still play the games (Even if at the lowest settings).

Intel's little secret (OK, it's not really a secret) is that the stock cooler is terrible. Then again, it hasn't really been redesigned in years and is meant for low-profile configurations. There's options ranging from 20-40 dollars for a "good" third-party cooler. I wouldn't recommend overclocking using the stock cooler... then again, I'd never let the stock cooler touch my CPU.

 

[MadDogTen]

Intel's little secret (OK, it's not really a secret) is that the stock cooler is terrible. Then again, it hasn't really been redesigned in years and is meant for low-profile configurations. There's options ranging from 20-40 dollars for a "good" third-party cooler. I wouldn't recommend overclocking using the stock cooler... then again, I'd never let the stock cooler touch my CPU.

Well.....Humm.

Any Recommendations? I have never actually looked into CPU Cooler's before and have no idea where to start.

 

[BarbaricSoul]

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatp...

 

[Crap Daddy]

The difference between the 2400 and the 2500K is $35 not $45. The stock HSF is a no-go even for minor OC. It all depends on how far can you stretch the budget. Overclocking is not a must, the 2400 can handle all the games out there and then some but you never know when you run into a poorly coded game that requires high speeds on one or 2 cores.

 

[MadDogTen]

The difference between the 2400 and the 2500K is $35 not $45. The stock HSF is a no-go even for minor OC. It all depends on how far can you stretch the budget. Overclocking is not a must, the 2400 can handle all the games out there and then some but you never know when you run into a poorly coded game that requires high speeds on one or 2 cores.

I say $45 because the 2400 has a $10 Discount.

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatp...

So, with that cooler, could I safely OC it to 4.0+GHz without Hurting the CPU?

Though, getting the cooler at all is Highly Based on getting at least $100 on my current stuff (I would sale it BEFORE Buying anything).

 

[BarbaricSoul]

What I would suggest doing is hold off on the heatsink. Save up some more money and buy the heatsink and a larger monitor, and maybe even a new case.

Upgrading from a Phenom I to a i5 is going to blow your mind with the speed difference. Imagine a full system reboot in under 30 seconds. Your not going to need to OC for quite some time. Only reason I'm OC'ed is for the extra power while crunching.

 

[MadDogTen]

What I would suggest doing is hold off on the heatsink. Save up some more money and buy the heatsink and a larger monitor, and maybe even a new case.

Upgrading from a Phenom I to a i5 is going to blow your mind with the speed difference. Imagine a full system reboot in under 30 seconds. Your not going to need to OC for quite some time. Only reason I'm OC'ed is for the extra power while crunching.

Well, if I end up being able to sale my current stuff and get About $100 for it, it shouldn't be a problem to get them. Plus, if I'm going to pay an extra $45 to be able to OC, I want to OC. Whats an extra $44 (If I get an extra fan to mount on the other side).

IMO, I have a Big enough monitor as it is, and I will just deal with my case as is.



Though, I have no idea where to start to sale any of it. :/ Anyone reading this able to help me with this?

 

[MadDogTen]

So, I was majorly able to Increase my Budget, and have updated the first post with what I am now looking at. Do all of those look good, or do I need to change anything? Note- What I'm at ($606) is my Absolute Max, I will not be able to raise it even $5. So, if you do change someone, try to make it match (or beat) whatever your replacing it with.


A couple of questions-
I'm curious, if I got everything there, with my 560 GTX (Not Ti), and OC'ed my Processor, Would I be able to run Crysis/Far Cry 2 at Max (or Ultra) settings, and if not, at what do you think?

Also, With that Cooler, how much will I be able to OC the CPU?

 

[hat]

SAMSUNG 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600...

Try this memory. 4GB is a little low these days, although it should be fine, it's really a better move at this point to go to 8GB if you're upgrading. This memory kit can do some insane OCs, too.

 

[MadDogTen]

SAMSUNG 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600...

Try this memory. 4GB is a little low these days, although it should be fine, it's really a better move at this point to go to 8GB if you're upgrading. This memory kit can do some insane OCs, too.

Both out of stock and $20 makes it not really possible. Plus, If I don't do it by Tomorrow, I lose a $25 Discount I already have on everything (Included in the Total Price in OP).

While I would love to have the extra 4 Gig's, even if that was in stock the $20 Extra would be to much.

 

[techguy31]

Both out of stock and $20 makes it not really possible. Plus, If I don't do it by Tomorrow, I lose a $25 Discount I already have on everything (Included in the Total Price in OP).

While I would love to have 8 Gig's, Even if that was in stock the $20 Extra would be to much.

Honestly, if you are not willing to spend, then I highly suggest that you should not game at all. Gaming is not cheap, especially if you are asking to play in high or ultra settings!!! If you want to game cheap or on a budget, AMD is the way to go.

 

[MadDogTen]

Honestly, if you are not willing to spend, then I highly suggest that you should not game at all. Gaming is not cheap, especially if you are asking to play in high or ultra settings!!! If you want to game cheap or on a budget, AMD is the way to go.

I request that you please leave this thread if your not willing to actually help.

Don't jump into stuff without first knowing the whole story. It makes you look stupid (Well, at least to me) when you jump into a thread, read 1 or 2 posts, think you know everything, and put in your say on the matter, especially one as stupid as your saying (Makes you seem like your some spoiled kid that has his parents buy him everything).

 

[techguy31]

I request that you please leave this thread if your not willing to actually help.

Don't jump into stuff without first knowing the whole story. It makes you look stupid (Well, at least to me) when you jump into a thread, read 1 or 2 posts, think you know everything, and put in your say on the matter, especially one as stupid as your saying (Makes you seem like your some spoiled kid that has his parents buy him everything).

I am neither trolling nor am I not trying to help you. But I find it kind of annoying that you are not willing to spend more, even at $20 or a bit more. I did in fact read the entire thread before posting, and I have read is that you are not willing to spend more than this and that much. But a piece of advice for you; 4 gigs of ram should be sufficient enough for maybe probably a year but then again I cant tell the future. I have an extremely budget gaming pc that I was able to buy for quite a cheap price, and I could play at high settings, but then again, I bought them used. I am no way a spoiled kid nor do I buy everything I want. In fact, my budget for building my recent game rig was no more than $550.

Now, once again, if you are not willing to spend a bit more like $20 or $30 dollars for ram, then just stick with the 4 gigs. It should be fine.

 

[MadDogTen]

I am neither trolling nor am I not trying to help you. But I find it kind of annoying that you are not willing to spend more, even at $20 or a bit more. I did in fact read the entire thread before posting, and I have read is that you are not willing to spend more than this and that much. But a piece of advice for you; 4 gigs of ram should be sufficient enough for maybe probably a year but then again I cant tell the future. I have an extremely budget gaming pc that I was able to buy for quite a cheap price, and I could play at high settings, but then again, I bought them used. I am no way a spoiled kid nor do I buy everything. In fact, my budget for building my recent game rig was no more than $550.

Now, once again, if you are not willing to spend a bit more like $20 or $30 dollars for ram, then just stick with the 4 gigs. It should be fine.

What you said and the way to said it made it sound that way, sorry.

Also, I would like to note, this Budget started at $300, but because of other recommendations, I have since increased it to $600, but even that was a bit to much, and that's why I cannot increase it any more. It was just annoying to see you say that after I even have increased it that much.

Also, I have been using 4 Gigs (Be it DDR2) currently, and it seems just fine. But, it is true that I will need to upgrade it in about Half a Year to a Year, which I was planning on doing.



Also, I would like to note, Up until this point, Most things I have bought have been used, so knowing the problems that come with that I know how it feels.

 

[techguy31]

What you said and the way to said it made it sound that way, sorry.

Also, I would like to note, this Budget started at $300, but because of other recommendations, I have since increased it to $600, but even that was a bit to much, and that's why I cannot increase it any more. It was just annoying to see you say that after I even have increased it that much.

Also, I have been using 4 Gigs (Be it DDR2) currently, and it seems just fine. But, it is true that I will need to upgrade it in about Half a Year to a Year, which I was planning on doing.

If you want to budget on intel: buy used!!! If you want to budget gaming in general: buy amd, but their phenom platforms have no future!!

 

[MadDogTen]

If you want to budget on intel: buy used!!! If you want to budget gaming in general: buy amd, but their phenom platforms have no future!!

I see no point in switching everything I have now out for AMD when its all in my current budget.

Plus, the exact reason for buying this new, and buying Intel, is so it will all last. It will be another 4 or so years until I do this again, maybe even longer depending on how everything goes, and so I'm buying stuff that will hopefully last that amount of time.

 

[techguy31]

I see no point in switching everything I have now out for AMD when its all in my current budget.

Plus, the exact reason for buying this new, and buying Intel, is so it will all last. It will be another 4 or so years until I do this again, maybe even longer depending on how everything goes, and so I'm buying stuff that will hopefully last that amount of time.

Well then, like i suggested. If you want to budget using intel, then buy used. Buying used does not mean bad quality parts. Just be smart where you purchase. I bought all my parts from eBay. There is a buy section in this forum that you can also take advantage of.