Upgrading old setup new MB, CPU, memory, etc.

khunter0211

Distinguished
Oct 1, 2008
14
0
18,510
I have had my current setup for around 5 years, Im having problems watch videos online then the system crashes. I have tried to fix the GPU with online advice and still freezes. Also the system is just old and looking for an upgrade.
I do not do gaming, mostly online, movies, music, also my business computer(quickens). Thanks for the help.

Current setup:
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037
MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DQ6
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128343
Memory: OCZ Reaper HPC 2GB (2 x 2gig)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227196
Storage: Samsung SSD 840 PRO
Graphics: Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102801
Power Supply: CORSAIR TX Series CMPSU-750TX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006


Approximate Purchase Date: by the end of May

Budget Range: $1000

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Surfing the net, movies, business@home

Are you buying a monitor: No

Parts to Upgrade: GPU, memory, MB, CPU, etc.

Do you need to buy OS: Yes

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg

Location: socal, CA

Parts Preferences: Intel CPU

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: NO

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: Quiet PC, cool, using Quickens, Win7 64

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: My video card keeps freezing while watching TV online, also the performance is slowing down over the years. Built in 2008 and ready for an upgrade. Taking suggestions, could possible do a complete overhaul if needed.
 

Wolfshadw

Titan
Moderator
There is no way that system should be having any difficulties watching live TV programming. I'd probably recommend a RAM upgrade to 4GB and a fresh OS install, but that's it. I watch and record programming, simultaneously, on far less of a system (see HTPC specs below).

-Wolf sends
 

khunter0211

Distinguished
Oct 1, 2008
14
0
18,510
Thanks Wolf for the relpy, I do have 4gb already. I did a fresh OS install when I upgraded my HD. I know my video card has had known problems of freezing.



 

Wolfshadw

Titan
Moderator
If this is a known mechanical issue with your graphics card, then I'd suggest just replacing it with a much lower-end graphics card like the GT620/HD6450 and call it a day. This is provided this system remains only for media playback.

-Wolf sends