Approximate Purchase Date: Within the next 2-3 months
Budget Range: I would like to stay closer to $500, but mainly want to maximize value, so would go to $600-700 if I was getting a lot more out of it. Not afraid of rebates.
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Mainly work through Citrix, Excel, and Word. Some gaming (Skyrim, Civ4). Would like to get into light video and picture editing, but haven't done so as of yet.
Are you buying a monitor: Not at this point, but I do plan on running dual monitors eventually. More for work than gaming.
Parts to Upgrade: Looking for recommendations, but figuring CPU, Mobo, RAM, and Graphics Card. Would also like a SSD. Here is my current rig:
-Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor BX80562Q6600
-ASUS P5KC LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
-OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit
-Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10000 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 1.5Gb/s 3.5"
-Western Digital Red NAS Hard Drive WD20EFRX 2TB IntelliPower 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
-EVGA 640-P2-N825-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
-COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
-Thermaltake W0116RU 750W Complies with ATX 12V 2.2 & EPS 12V version SLI Ready CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS Certified ...
-LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH-20A1L-06 LightScribe Support
-Windows 7
Do you need to buy OS: Not at this point...may upgrade from Win7 to Win8
Preferred Website(s): None...but I do like to stick with places that are reputable (Newegg, Amazon, etc)
Location: Michigan, US - No nearby stores
Parts Preference: None - but like more reputable companies
Overclocking: Maybe - If I can save good money on a CPU and then overclock to maximize value, then I would.
SLI or Crossfire: No
Monitor Resolution: Current is 1680 x 1050, but I would like to eventually go HD (1920x1080 or 1200)
Additional Comments: Quiet PC is nice. Running dual monitors in the future is necessary. I have the parts to build a home server (just have to do it), which will house all of my data (backed up to Bitcasa as well). My biggest concern is getting the most bang for my buck. Am willing to go Intel or AMD.
Why am I upgrading: Computer has been very slow lately and has started crashing (think my video card is dying). Have always hated my mobo and lack of ram upgrade ability. Feel bad about trashing a quad core CPU, but the computer is over 6 years old, so feel it is time.
Parts I am looking at: I researched and knew a lot in 2007, but haven't kept up at all. Looking at the budget gamer polls, it seems like ASRock mobo and 4th Gen i5 are the most popular. Other than this, I am a bit in the dark and figured I would see if I can get some help before jumping in head first. If I can get away without a graphics card for a while, then I could do that later if it means getting much better CPU, mobo, and RAM now.
*Edited to increase price allowance.
Budget Range: I would like to stay closer to $500, but mainly want to maximize value, so would go to $600-700 if I was getting a lot more out of it. Not afraid of rebates.
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Mainly work through Citrix, Excel, and Word. Some gaming (Skyrim, Civ4). Would like to get into light video and picture editing, but haven't done so as of yet.
Are you buying a monitor: Not at this point, but I do plan on running dual monitors eventually. More for work than gaming.
Parts to Upgrade: Looking for recommendations, but figuring CPU, Mobo, RAM, and Graphics Card. Would also like a SSD. Here is my current rig:
-Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor BX80562Q6600
-ASUS P5KC LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
-OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit
-Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10000 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 1.5Gb/s 3.5"
-Western Digital Red NAS Hard Drive WD20EFRX 2TB IntelliPower 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
-EVGA 640-P2-N825-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
-COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
-Thermaltake W0116RU 750W Complies with ATX 12V 2.2 & EPS 12V version SLI Ready CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS Certified ...
-LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH-20A1L-06 LightScribe Support
-Windows 7
Do you need to buy OS: Not at this point...may upgrade from Win7 to Win8
Preferred Website(s): None...but I do like to stick with places that are reputable (Newegg, Amazon, etc)
Location: Michigan, US - No nearby stores
Parts Preference: None - but like more reputable companies
Overclocking: Maybe - If I can save good money on a CPU and then overclock to maximize value, then I would.
SLI or Crossfire: No
Monitor Resolution: Current is 1680 x 1050, but I would like to eventually go HD (1920x1080 or 1200)
Additional Comments: Quiet PC is nice. Running dual monitors in the future is necessary. I have the parts to build a home server (just have to do it), which will house all of my data (backed up to Bitcasa as well). My biggest concern is getting the most bang for my buck. Am willing to go Intel or AMD.
Why am I upgrading: Computer has been very slow lately and has started crashing (think my video card is dying). Have always hated my mobo and lack of ram upgrade ability. Feel bad about trashing a quad core CPU, but the computer is over 6 years old, so feel it is time.
Parts I am looking at: I researched and knew a lot in 2007, but haven't kept up at all. Looking at the budget gamer polls, it seems like ASRock mobo and 4th Gen i5 are the most popular. Other than this, I am a bit in the dark and figured I would see if I can get some help before jumping in head first. If I can get away without a graphics card for a while, then I could do that later if it means getting much better CPU, mobo, and RAM now.
*Edited to increase price allowance.
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