Upgrade time! What's your favorite?

[tahos]

I'd like to get some more performance out of my machine; I'm CPU bound right now. This is what I am running, it's been a couple years since I've upgraded, and I figure it's about time. My PC use is pretty varied -- games like Portal/HL2/TF2, audio file conversion, and the standard work-type stuff.

Asus P4PX with Intel P4 2.4 HT O/C to 2.8
3GB PC 3200 800Mhz DDR
Ati Radeon x850 Pro
SATA hard drive
Antec Sonata case with 4xxW PS

What I think I'm looking to do is start by upgrading the Mobo/CPU and perhaps the GPU. I've been looking at some of the dual core processors, but not sure if the mobos they sit on also support the RAM I have, since I'd hate to put 3GB of ram on the shelf. My budget is around $500 for the CPU/MOBO, if I buy a GPU at the same time, tack on additional $225 or so.

Any suggestions? Not trying to build the ultimate gaming rig, something that's going to be a performance boost for the next year without being cutting edge and breaking the bank.

 

[akhilles]

I'll take a shot at it:

E4500
GA-P35-DS3R with RAID or DS3L w/o

If money is tight, this is a good P35 board as well:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813127031

Crucial Ballistix 2GB

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146565

8800GT

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006&Tpk=EA%2b430

That your power supply? If not, post the total wattage & the one on +12V.

And this fan:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185058

Either put the new fan in the back & move the rear fan to the front behind the drive cage or no front fan. It may not fit with the 8800gt. The new fan moves more air. The 8800gt is very hot: 60'c idle 80'c load. In sonata, it'll be hotter.

 

[sprucebr1]

Unfortunately, If your looking to go dual core (Core 2) than you will have to get new RAM. Though there maybe a motherboard out there that still supports DDR, I think it maybe unlikely. You could probly get a great deal for $500. I would think something like a E6550 and a gigabyte Motherbord would be what your looking for. For DRR2 RAM I would stick with Corsair or OCZ or similar.


Intel Core 2 Duo E6550
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115030

Gigabyte P35C-DS3R
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128048

Corsair XMS2 2x1GB DDR2 RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145034

Good luck.

 

[lunyone]

CPU - $90 e2180 OC's nicely and doesn't break the bank. You can save the extra $ for a CPU upgrade next year or so (Penryn).
Mobo - $130 Gigabyte DS3R, solid mobo with alot of options. Will OC well too!
RAM - $55 after MIR, 2x1gig Crucial Ballistix DDR2 800mHz CAS4! This will allow you to run good and when you OC it'll be able to handle that too!!
GPU - $250ish Get 8800gt when it comes down in price or wait and see the the 38xx's from AMD do. This way you will get the best bang for the buck.
HD - $70 Get Seagate or WD 320 gig SATA 3.0 HD. These will improve your speed the most, especially if your HD's are PATA right now.

Total ~ $595!! This would be the best option, IMHO. Take your old rig and sell it on ebay or to a friend who doesn't need much. Than take that $ and buy some b$tchin' games for Christmas!!!

 

[KyleSTL]

$500 CPU/MB [and Ram] Combo, easy...

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - $130 + 7 shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128050
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - $280 + Free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017
Kingston 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KVR800D2K2/2GR - $60 + 5 shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134488
(and you might need a need PSU):
SeaSonic S12 II SS-500GB ATX12V / EPS12V 500W Power Supply - $90 after MIR + Free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151034

Total: $572 with PSU and shipping | $482 no PSU with shipping

Now, on to the GPU:

Wait for the 8800GT (it's out of stock most places). If you can stand to wait ~1 month, it's a hell of a card at $200-250 [MSRP] ($260-300 currently).

Edit: Oops, forgot ram.