Worth Upgrade vs $$$$

steelbiker

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Dec 6, 2008
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OK Folks, The debate is raging in my head. iMac vs PC. Like most people I am looking for most bang for my buck. I don't mind spending the dollars, but there has to be a significant tangible and noticeable increase.

My current system as follows:
i5 - 2500T (non-overclocking and can't be)
8GB (1600) RAM
Asus - P86P67-M (mobo)
ATI 6970 1GB
1TB - 7200rpm
PSU = OCZ 700w
Sound = on motherboard.
Monitor = Samsung 2253BW (5 years later, it still has no dead pixels)(16.7M/6-bit/8000:1/300 cdm/2 0 1680x1050 / 16:10)
I also use a steelseries merc keyboard, and a Logitech mx518 gaming mouse.

The only thing is firefox can lock alot. But lately my keyboard will all of a sudden stop responding, like no typing on screen, mouse works, but keyboard doesn't. reboot system and its fine.

I'm using this system to make music (Abelton Suite 9 63GB), and Finale 2012c.
The only other real thing I do, is play games. WoW and Neverwinter if it finds its way outta the dark (LOL).

So The question I have is this. All the new iMac's use a i5 IvyBridge chip 3470/3570 or an I7 chip. With an iMac going for some 2300$. Its only really big advantage is the display, which apparently wooo's and wow's. I mean some of their systems still use a 5400 rpm hdd. (like seriously)...you can upgrade it, if you want and fusion drives (hybrid) start racking up the $$$$$.

SO What I was thinking of adding a 512GB Samsung Pro SSD ($480) to my current system, maybe adding another 8gb RAM to 16. But I don't even think I'm using the 8 fully I have. So is there a point. Would I realize the speed an harness the power of jumping cpu's from my i5 - 2500 to say an i7 -3930k. ($590), But if I jump the cpu i have to jump the mobo too. So I'm really probably looking at a total of $850 for those 2 pieces. I don't believe I would need to jump the GPU from current, although I am considering a newer display of the viewsonic VA2703 ($300). IF I do add that SSD then clearly I don't think I need to buy a hybrid drive. the 7200 (64mb cache/ S3) should do just fine. But I could replace it with a WD-Blue - 7200/64mb/S6 ($65). I have an Antec 300 series gaming mid-atx case. 1 fan front, 1 fan side, (120/140 can't remember exactly). Plus that on the PSU (top). (2 front usb's too)...so I think I can keep the case. Lastly I'd like to pull the sound OFF the mobo. But here I run into conflicting info. Asus Xonar DS 5:1 (apprently the DSX has issues), but anyway, then there's the m-audio series at $100+.

I only plan to create music with notation and midi input (Akai MPK88) it usb's into the computer. I do have any audiobox (if I do voice recording as well), but the rest of the room is not set up and the amount bounced sound that the mic could pick up will be huge (sound like your singing in the bathroom - LOL, which most of us do, whether we admit it or not).

SO what say you all? Which upgrades are worth it. Which ones to leave behind? Assuming that this rig will last another 3 - 5 yrs without significant modifications.

Thanks a bundle.

SB
 

Marcopolo123

Honorable
This motherboard comes with a free 1x8gb 1600mhz stick

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($349.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-C ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($66.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $586.96
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-16 19:13 EDT-0400)

Imac not worth it xD
Just buy a nice monitor :)
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-monitor-pb278q

Why you want to buy such a big ssd ?
 
Hi. If You are running the i5 2500, you will see a noticable kick in performance if you go to the i5 4670 ( You will also need to upgrade the Motherboard to one with a Z87 chipset. ASRock or ASUS as both are good and actiually made by the same company. I know with the ASUS Z87-Pro ( $199.99 ), you do have DTS and stuff. If it is in the budget the SSD is fine, but you could cut back to 256 Gb to save if necessary. The Graphics card could probably be upgraded as well.
 

steelbiker

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Dec 6, 2008
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Hey Guys, I'm just wondering,

I believe i have 2 x 4GB (1600), on this board, I may have 3 or 4 slots (i think 4 is normal), can you do 4 / 4 / 8? or does it have to be 4 / 4 / 4 /4 or 8 / 8, and does this matter, noticeably or functionally?

Also for the sound card. for speakers... I intend to by-pass Sony AV Reciever and go direct to table top speakers.
for speakers I'm thinking along these lines
http://www.amazon.com/Mackie-MR5mk2-Powered-Reference-Monitor/dp/B004H7SO46%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAIAA4MWUJXHBYFRNQ%26tag%3Dsquid1653417-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB004H7SO46
or
http://www.amazon.com/Fostex-Powered-Studio-Monitor-Pair/dp/B0049SBUHG%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAIAA4MWUJXHBYFRNQ%26tag%3Dsquid1653417-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0049SBUHG

Maybe a home music maker can help guide me on this point. Since the sound card will directly affect quality I don't believe the speakers to be average, but their also not really high end. I mean I could spend 1000$ a speaker if I chose to...but to what end...again bang for buck.

For my music making purposes, I go this far. I will compose and write the melody, harmonics, counterpoints, lead sheet all pre-done. I will basically a demo version of the song, then i will take that in midi format (at least i think midi) to a proper recording studio, for vocal layering, and mixing and mastering. The use or real time instruments wouldn't be employed until that point, if at all. IT may all be electronic to begin with.

So based on that...so I need a $200 essence sound card, or would a Asus DG $40 be sufficient?

Ideas?

SB
 

steelbiker

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Dec 6, 2008
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The reason, why I'm looking at the GPU crossfired, is this. 1 NEW GPU lets say 7970 is roughly $430. But since I have 1 existing GPU 6870 + another 6870 or 6850 at $150. May get me more performance for less cost, utilizing what's already existing. I only play WoW so...I don't massive power like some would for Crysis.