Need Some Guidance On Upgrading

maulxx

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Jun 6, 2008
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I was thinking about building a new PC for gaming when I realized that I don't care about Windows Vista & I have a PC that I might would do quite well with a litlle upgrading & tweaking.

I want to run games at 1920x1080 on my 40inch with some AA on.

I would like to run games like Alone In the Dark & Hellgate London at max settings if at all possible.

Here's my specs...

Mobo: ASUS A8N SLI
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3500+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.2GHz
Memory: 1536MB RAM
Hard Drive: 119 GB
Video Card: NVIDIA BFG GeForce 7800 GT OC

I'm willing to buy some new components such as CPU, GPU, & RAM.
Is it worth spending more money on this system? What would I need to upgrade? For instance, My mobo supports 400mhz ddr mem but I currently have 333Mhz. Is it worth buying the 400Mhz memory & ditch the 333mhz? What would be the best upgrades for this PC? Could it run the majority of games (after upgrades) like I listed above at max or high settings, with AA & 1920x1080?
Also, I want to stick with XP.


 

amdfangirl

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Soz, whatever you do there's not much upgradeablity for that computer =(

Recommended build:
Processor: Pentium Dual-Core E2160 or Core 2 Duo E8400 or Core 2 Quad Q6600
RAM: 2GB to 4GB 667-800Mhz RAM
Hard Drive: 640GB
Video Card: 3850, 3870, 8800GT, 3870 CF
 

mihirkula

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Nov 27, 2007
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^ ...that mobo doesn't support Intel CPUs.

OP... you'd need to buy a new mobo if you're planning to buy new CPU, RAM and the rest. Otherwise its difficult to upgrade ... you COULD but it won't be worth it.

So if you're willing to get a new mobo as well, let us know so i could list you the best possible rig. Also type your budget.
 

smalltime0

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if only we were... nothing like going to the shop and going ZIF... WTF!!! Magic!!!!


On topic though...
The most you will get with that mobo is an AMD X2 for skt 939, possibly some more RAM, and a better Graphics card (though bottleneck will occur)...
I haven't seen any X2s for Skt 939 around, but you never know...

For tyhe graphics card a 3970XT will suffice, any more will be overkill for the rest of the components.
 

maulxx

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Ok, thanks for all the suggestions.
I have some questions as I'm sort of coming from gaming console background.

1. If I build the PC below, how long would it last me?

2. Is a single card set- up better/less problematic?

3. I've never built a PC but I can follw directions. Will taht suffice?

I'm not sure about which MOBO to get & really the only thing I'm kind of set on in this build is the CPU.
Also note that I would probably want to OC (which I've never done before either) so I know I would need some cpu fan as well.
I realize I need thermal paste too. These aren't represented in this build. I'm probably forgetting something else but here it is...



GIGABYTE GZ-FA2CA-AJB Black Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811233026
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy -$10.00 Instant
$159.99
$149.99

Western Digital Raptor X WD1500AHFD 150GB 10000 RPM SATA 1.5Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM (not sure if i need this, could save some cash with a 7200 rpm)


BFG Tech BFGE981024GX2E GeForce 9800 GX2 1GB (512MB per GPU) 512-bit (256-bit per GPU) GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail ( I like that it has HDMI - could run 2x 8800GTS sli right?)



AuzenTech AZT-XPCINE 7.1 Channels PCI Interface X-Plosion 7.1 Cinema Audio Card - Retail (not sure about this one but I would like optical output)
Item #: N82E16829156006
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Select An Optional Extended Warranty Plan 1 Year Replacement Plan (Special Promo Pricing) -- $25.992 Year Replacement Plan (Special Promo Pricing) -- $35.99 -$20.00 Instant
$129.99
$109.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply - Retail (not set on thus either, how much watts do I need?)
Item #: N82E16817139006


$10.00 Mail-in Rebate $179.99
$129.99

OCZ Platinum Revision 2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2P800R22GK - Retail (Not sure on what RAM to get)
Item #: N82E16820227139
Return Policy: Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy
Select An Optional Extended Warranty Plan 1 Year Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan -- $9.992 Year Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan -- $14.99 -$5.00 Instant

$20.00 Mail-in Rebate $47.99
$42.99

ASUS P5Q Deluxe LGA 775 Intel P45 Intel Motherboard - Retail ( Not sure which to get)
Item #: N82E16813131297
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy
Select An Optional Extended Warranty Plan 1 Year Replacement Plan (Special Promo Pricing) -- $29.992 Year Replacement Plan (Special Promo Pricing) -- $59.99 $209.99

Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500 - Retail (This looks good to me)
Item #: N82E16819115036
Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
Select An Optional Extended Warranty Plan 1 Year Replacement Plan (Special Promo Pricing) -- $29.992 Year Replacement Plan (Special Promo Pricing) -- $59.99 $269.99
Subtotal: $1,612.92- shipped

I would like to keep it around $1500 but I'll push it some to get some nicer stuuffs :)
Again, I'm not dead set on this build, gimme all the suggestions & help you want to & thanks.


 

gadgetnerd

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smalltime0

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I recommend delaying your purchase until the newer Ati and Nvidia cards come out in a few weeks... The Ati card looks particularly interesting for its price...
I recommend a 2GB stick, just helps in upgrade later on
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146732
And get two, 4GB helps greatly and $100 shipped.

A sound card is not really needed, most new decent Mobos have good sound cards inbuilt

A 7200.11 Seagate HDD have great performance/$ 500GB for $90 shipped is great.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148288

I recommend the Antec 900 case... I'm not sure if the new Geforce I-need-to-remove-HDD-bays-in-most-computers will fit in it, but the 900 has lots of pretty lights that keeps animals and small children interested.
For $90 shipped after rebate it is a steal
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021&Tpk=Antec%2b900

The main concern other than wattage is Amperage (yes Im aware Im using the units not the measurement) going through the main rails to the component... That powersupply AFAIK is a pretty good one. Personally I just look at the pretty colours and price tag and base my decision on that (amazingly I have never had a PSU that gives up).
Ill leave someone else to do the CPU/Mobo thing, I prefer low power AMD systems.