Upgrade Recommendations: PC: Game & Music Production

steelbiker

Distinguished
Dec 6, 2008
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Hey Folks,

So I've been poking around with the notion of going mac for music making. However, with the rumors surrounding the skylake chip coming out sometime in summer of 2015. I'm having a hard time dropping $2500 on something which one apple guy told me would be outdated in 2 - 3 years.

That said....I have a fairly decent and stable rig already.

Currently
cpu: I5-2500
16GB (2x 1333 / 2x 1600) [yes I know the 1600 downgrades to 1333]
GPU: Gigabyte 6870
SSD - Samsung Evo 256GB (OS/Programs)
HDD - 1TB WD Black (data storage)
750w PSU

for a monitor. LOLOL (ok laugh if you want) I'm using my 42: LG LED TV (forget model #)

Anyway, flashbacks from a Composition Prof. I once had, during my mac research ("I will never go back, 3 years in and it would cost me $500 fix it, pc I just swap the pieces in and out).

That said...I have YET to max out the CPU chip. SO I'm not really seeing a reason to change it. (socket 1155)

However, where the updates may come in handy is here.

Aside from music making (which the computer can handle already). I would like to try out Dragons Age: Now I've heard that my GPU will probably be suckie. LOL...(yes I know proper english word isn't it)...

Having said that, I've been viewing all the posts on Tom's about GPU's, and diminishing returns after the $240 price point. But i've also heard the DA-I, wants a GPU with 2 probably 3 GB of dedicated memory on the card (mine only has 1GB).

SO I'm thinking towards an R 280 (UP in Canada about $220). BUt the monitor thing is just plain confusing, to me. Given I will probably be at 1920 x 1080 res.

How fast is fast? I'd like a 27", but isn't a 27" a 25 stretched out? Perhaps 2 x 24, or 2x23's would be more beneficial.

Also I really really REALLY like the thin bezel (like zero without DIY alterations). Prefer Silver if possible.

AOC i2757 is sold out at bestbuy $270 and amazon.ca wants $388 for it.

And Ideas?

Thanks folks
 
i wouldn't upgrade a sandy bridge quad core to anything haswell unless you know for a fact that a hyperthreading i7 will help you. otherwise continue to wait for mainstream enthusiast skylake and ddr4.

otherwise off the top of my head...
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($189.99 @ NCIX)
Monitor: Asus VE247H 23.6" Monitor ($139.99 @ Memory Express)
Total: $329.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-29 23:40 EST-0500

you get quite a bit of bang for buck there, the asus monitor is a gaming monitor and extremely popular.

otherwise i would wait to go 27" 1440p, maybe even 2160p(4k), when you go skylake. by that time the flagship maxwell/bermuda cards will be out, and strobbed backlight high refresh ips 1440p panels will be out. for now run your quite capable rig out for as long as you can and save your money. you could look to get an A- grade standard 1440p 27" ips knockoff panel from greensum or dream seller on ebay, ive had one for almost two years now and i love it. though you might want to upgrade to the r9-290 if your going to run 1440p.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Perfect-Pixel-QNIX-QX2710-LED-EVOLUTION-II-DP-MULTI-TRUE10-27-2560x1440-Monitor-/141481152682?pt=Computer_Monitors&hash=item20f0ef10aa

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card ($246.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $246.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-29 23:49 EST-0500