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Upgrading Advice

936 views 19 replies 5 participants last post by  Kinetix7 
#1 ·
This is building a computer, per se, so I apoligise if its in the wrong section but it seems close enough to the subject.

So, starting things off, my current specs:

Intel Core2Duo E4500 @ 2.2Ghz
Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT
2 GB of RAM
ASUS P5GC-MX/1333
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit
Realtek High Definition (Onboard Sound)
WDC WD3200AAKS (HDD)
ATAPI DVD A DH20A4P ATA Device (DVD Drive)

If you need any other specs, let me know. I mostly use my computer for high intensity gaming, and make sure anything you suggest is in the $200 price range as I don't have much money at the moment.

So, any suggested upgrades to my system? I'm buying 4 GB of RAM this weekend (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231166). On a side note, is that RAM compatible with my MoBo? I'm pretty sure it is, but just want clarification. But, yeah. Suggestions?
 
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#2 · (Edited by Moderator)
what are the specs on your current power supply?
make
model
wattage

you are wasting your money on that ram, it is much faster than your motherboard can read it. Look at this instead

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231120
You are very limited in your ram choice with your motherboard. Slow speed and only 2 sockets. I would save up some more money and get a new motherboard, cpu and ram to match. Might have to look at a power supply depending on what you currently have
 
#3 · (Edited)
#4 · (Edited)
OK
The first one you suggested
ASUS P6T SE LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard thats not compatible with your CPU as it's for core i7 which you don't have it but if u do need a mobo with same CPU and ASUS one than go for this one ASUS P5Q Pro Turbo LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard or ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail or ASUS P5Q3 LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard Most are good for gaming as they support Crossfire or you can buy one's with SLI Support ASUS P5N72-T Premium LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail as you said you are in gaming might you wanna upgrade your graphics in future go for one's that you can upgrade if you want.....:grin:
 
#6 ·
I'm confused about the final goal. Are you wanting to upgrade from the hardware that you have listed in your first post? Do you want a Mobo that will work with the E4500 or do you want a new CPU also?
The PSU will have label on the side with the brand name and power information.
 
#7 ·
I'm wanting to upgrade from the hardware I first listed. I already *have* an E4500, but I'm looking for a new CPU also. Let me clarify things a bit:

I'm mostly looking for a new motherboard with 3 PCI slots, and a good Quad Core CPU, along with the best 4 GB of RAM that will work with those.
 
#8 · (Edited)
Couldn't find an edit button. :-/

Anyways, I think I've decided on a motherboard and a processor. If my ASUS P5GC-MX/1333 mobo fits, will this one fit as well? My current mobo (the P5GC-MX/1333) is 9.6" x 7.4", while the P5Q Pro is 12" x 9.6". I'm rather concerned about this, as my computer case is small and boxlike. Based on my measuring, my computer case is 11.5 width, and about 13.5 length.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131377

Also, I think I've found my power supply. First of all, the red switch on the back of the power supply is at 115. The voltage of the power supply is 115V/230V-. The current is 10/6A. The frequency is 60/50Hz. The model is SL-400TF.

The processor I'm planning on getting is this one.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115041

I found my invoice from when I bought this computer. It has the following:

ENSB11 ENPOWER SABRE SYSTEM
CASE, ASPIRE MATX W/3 WIN 420W BL X-QPACK
CPU INTEL S775C2D E4500 2.2G 800FSB RTL
MEM A-Data DDR2-800 2G Dual KIT
HDD WD 320G 7200RPM 16M SATA2 WD3200AAKS
LITEON 20X20 DBL LYR DVD+/-RW BLK RTL
M/BASUS S775 945G 1333FSB P5GC-MX mATX
MS WIN XP HOME W/CD & MEDIA DSP (since upgraded to Vista)
PS SOLYTECH 400W 20+4PIN PCI EXP V2.01
VGA, GBT 8500GT GV-NX85T256etc.etc. (since upgraded to 8800 GT)
 
#9 ·
#10 ·
I might've been a bit off on the PSU thing; check the invoice I added to my previous post.

Also, the mobo I linked has *two* PCI slots, according to Newegg.

Could you link me to a good intel mobo that would fit into my case and have similar specs to the P5Q Pro Turbo? (supports Quad Core, DDR2 1066, 2 PCI slots, at least 4 GB memory supported, some sort of onboard audio) Or, on the other hand, a case that would house the P5Q Pro Turbo (not TOO much larger than my current case, mind you; I have to lug my computer around every weekend so I don't really want a large tower to carry with me).
 
#11 ·
Your current case is mAtx so to keep the case you'll need a Micro Atx motherboard.
That will limit you to a very few boards with 3 PCI slots and a PCIe video slot the only one I know of is a Gigabyte G41 but it has the PCIex16 slot electrical crippled to x4 speeds.

Your current board has 2 PCI slots are you sure you need 3?
If your counting the 8800GT as a PCI card it is not, it's a PCIe card.
 
#12 · (Edited)
Ah, oops. In that case I only need two (one?) PCI slot(s) and two PCIe slots on a microATX motherboard. I think, anyways. I have to fit http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16825104001&Tpk=us%20robotics%2056k and http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102019 and http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133232 The sound card looks a little big, so I don't know about that. Any suggestions?

Also, does my PSU (PS SOLYTECH 400W 20+4PIN PCI EXP V2.01) need upgraded, or is it fine?
 
#15 · (Edited)
The Graphics card is PCI-E X16-the mobo has one.
The sound card is PCI-E X1- the Mobo has one.
The Modem is PCI-the mobo has two.
Personally, I would try the Onboard sound before I purchased the sound card. Onboard sound is pretty impressive now and the card you are looking at will certainly hinder the small amount of airflow that small case can provide.
If you "have" to have a sound card, find a PCI card. It will be much smaller.
I did a quick search for the SolyTech and I did find a favorable review on it.
http://www.guru3d.com/article/solytech-sl8600eps-600-watt-psu-review/
 
#17 ·
The Graphics card is PCI-E X16-the mobo has one.
The sound card is PCI-E X1- the Mobo has one.
The Modem is PCI-the mobo has two.
Personally, I would try the Onboard sound before I purchased the sound card. Onboard sound is pretty impressive now and the card you are looking at will certainly hinder the small amount of airflow that small case can provide.
If you "have" to have a sound card, find a PCI card. It will be much smaller.
 
#18 ·
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