Upgrading my system (Long)

[barlow078]

Okay guys, my PC is a Dell Dimension E510. It is about 3 years old and I'm in the starting process of upgrading it so that it can be good for another 3+ years. I want a badass system to be able to do the usual computer stuff as well as play all the new games that are out now (like Crysis, Fallout 3, Gears of War 2, etc)

I'm not very knowlegable when it comes to computers but let me give you the specs on my PC right now:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Windows XP Professional Media Center Edition
Pentium 4 3.2 Ghz CPU
5 GB installed DDR2 PC2-5300 RAM
OCZ StealthXStream 500W ATX Power Supply PSU ATX12V
Stock Dell 80GB internal HD
Stock Dell CD Rom Drive
SeaGate Free agent 500 GB External HD
Nvidia Geforce 6800 GS GPU
Creative Labs Soundblaster X-fi Extreme Music Soundcard
Logitech 2.0 speaker system with subwoofer (forgot the model)
Samsung Syncmaster 22" monitor

Note: I have already purchased an XFX Geforce 8800 GT Alpha Dog Edition 512MB GPU..it's on the way in the mail.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's what I'm considering purchasing:

Intel Core i7 Quad Core CPU

Western Digital 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W Power Supply - Retail


I am considering purchasing the above 3 items to upgrade my system pretty significantly. My questions are thus:

1. Are these components all compatible?

2. Would these three items be all I need to have a kickass system? If not, what else?

3. Would my current DDR Ram work in the new i7 Quad core CPU (sorry if thats a dumb question but I'm wondering.)

I welcome any/all serious and knowledgable reponses.

Thanks in advance friends!

 

[baddad]

First of all if you’re talking about upgrading the Dell system with an i7 you can’t because it takes a different CPU socket. Secondly 5GB of memory is only useful when your using a 64 bit OS. You are going to have to build a complete new system using the parts you want to use.

 

[Shadow703793]

^+1.

@OP: You need a new build. You can probably re sue DVD RW, LCD, HDD (You will need a new OS how ever)etc.

 

[barlow078]

Yeah, I'm aware I'll have to buy Vista for the 64 bit O/S.

So if I can't get that processor..what's the best processor that I can get that is compatible with what I got?

I just know I need to upgrade my processor to be able to play these new games and games in the future.

 

[Shadow703793]

^ It's pointless upgrading to another NetBurst CPU (ie P4, PD). Like I said before you are probably looking at a new build.

 

[barlow078]

^ It's pointless upgrading to another NetBurst CPU (ie P4, PD). Like I said before you are probably looking at a new build.

Okay..so you're saying it'll be too hard to upgrade what I have and that I'm going to have to just buy a whole new PC....darn, I was hoping I wouldn't have to spend too much over $800.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

You can get a great setup for much less than $800. Here's a build to consider. Just re-use your PSU and 8800GT.

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037 $164.99

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128359&Tpk=ga-ep45-ud3r $114.99 - $15.00 MIR

mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731 $45.99 - $20.00 MIR

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://search.zipzoomfly.com/?Key=wd6400aaks&Category=00&x=0&y=0 $68.99

Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042 $59.95

SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151173 $28.99

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English for System Builders 1pk DSP OEI DVD - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488 $99.99

Total - $583.89 - $35 MIR's = $548.89 including the OS!

You could even go with a nice quad core like the Q9550 and stay way under $800.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115041&Tpk=q9550 $319.99

 

[barlow078]

You can get a great setup for much less than $800. Here's a build to consider. Just re-use your PSU.

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037 $164.99

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128359&Tpk=ga-ep45-ud3r $114.99 - $15.00 MIR

mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731 $45.99 - $20.00 MIR

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://search.zipzoomfly.com/?Key=wd6400aaks&Category=00&x=0&y=0 $68.99

Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042 $59.95

SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151173 $28.99

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English for System Builders 1pk DSP OEI DVD - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488 $99.99

Total - $583.89 - $35 MIR's = $548.89 including the OS!

You could even go with a nice quad core like the Q9550 and stay way under $800.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115041&Tpk=q9550 $319.99

Thank you for your time man!
I just got off of chat with a dell representative and they gave me this quote:

Quote Details


Quote Number: 466410285

Item Number Quantity Item Description
223-7422
1 XPS 420, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E8500(3.16GHz 1333FSB) w/ 6MB cache 375W Power Supply
311-7667
1 4GB DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz
310-7963
1 Dell USB Keyboard
320-6200
1 Video ready option w/o monitor
320-6622
1 ATI Radeon HD3650 256MB
341-7289
1 640GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/ DataBurst Cache
341-5418
1 No Floppy Drive
313-5656
1 Dell Resource DVD with Application Backup
420-5769
1 Internet Search and Portal
420-8873
1 Dell Dock Consumer
420-8874
1 Dell Video Chat
420-9132
1 Microsoft Windows Vista SP1 Home Premium 64-Bit Edition English
420-6436
1 Vista, PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
330-3358
1 Dell 2 Button Optical USB Mouse
313-3607
1 No modem requested for Dell Dimension
410-1867
1 ADOBE READER 9.0 MULTI- LANGUAGE
313-5829
1 16X DVD+R/RW
420-8153
1 Roxio Creator 10 Premiere Standard Definition, Preload
313-2758
1 Integrated Audio
313-4514
1 No Speaker Requested
410-1800
1 McAfee Security 9.0, 2-Year Subscription
412-0148
1 No ISP requested
420-8103
1 Microsoft Works 9.0, English
950-3338
1 2 Year Limited Warranty
988-2218
1 Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Extended Year(s)
970-1001
1 Type 3- Third Party At Home Service, 24x7 Technical Support, 1 Year Extended
988-2217
1 Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Initial Year
983-9470
1 Type 3- Third Party At Home Service, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year
412-0360
1 Soft Contracts - Banctec
902-0931
1 Warranty Support,1 Year Extended
960-8700
1 Warranty Support,Initial Year
960-2697
1 XPS Specialized Support, DHS
988-0099
1 To activate your online backupaccount, go to Start, Programs, DataSafe Online
988-7707
1 2GB DATASAFE ONLINE 1.1 FOR SDO/DIM/INS/XPS
420-9518
1 DATASAFE ONLINE 1.1 2GB FOR DIM/INS/XPS
330-0172
1 S and P Drop-in-Box Marcom forDHS Desktops
310-8626 1 You have chosen a Windows Vista Premium System
467-3249 1 375 W Power Supply
464-9572 1 No Entertainment software pre-installed
420-9800 1 Dell Remote Access free basic to access your PCs from outside your home
993-1919 1 Dell Remote Access, free basic service - access your PCs and files from outside your home
* -DISCOUNT/COUPON APPLIED

Subtotal: $918.00
Shipping & Handling: $0.00
Tax: $75.73
Environmental Disposal Fee: $0.00
Total Price w/Discounts: $993.73

That PSU blows..plus I dont want to have to pay for another GPU and Sound Card (even if they are stock)

I've never built a computer before, so I'm somewhat hesitant doing so.....I was thinking that just buying a new console is easiet, sure..but you're right..I believe you can save a lot more money by doing it yourself (as is the case with everything).

 

[shortstuff_mt]

I can see how building a computer might be intimidating, but it's well worth it IMO. It's really not hard at all if you can follow instructions in a manual. It looks like you've swapped out a PSU before and I'm guessing you were planning on installing your 8800GT yourself. If you can do those two things, you can build your own PC. I highly recommend reading up on the subject. You get a much higher quality PC for your money by building it yourself.

 

[barlow078]

I can see how building a computer might be intimidating, but it's well worth it IMO. It's really not hard at all if you can follow instructions in a manual. It looks like you've swapped out a PSU before and I'm guessing you were planning on installing your 8800GT yourself. If you can do those two things, you can build your own PC. I highly recommend reading up on the subject. You get a much higher quality PC for your money by building it yourself.

Yeah, I've added Ram, replaced my PSU, Sound Card and Video Card before...that's it so far

Thanks for all your help....I REALLY appreciate it and the kind words of encouragment.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

No problem. This is the "Homebuilt Systems" section of a hardware enthusiast site. You'll always get the recommendation to build your own computer around here. Careful - building PC's is a lot of fun and highly addictive. You might turn into a hardware junkie like some of us if you don't watch out.

 

[barlow078]

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3827914&CatId=14

Good deal or no?

 

[shortstuff_mt]

I'd have to say no, sorry. It's an older micro-ATX G35 chipset board with onboard video. You said you have an 8800GT on the way and want to be able to play games. I'd pick a motherboard that doesn't have onboard video since you'll be running a discreet card anyway. You should also look for a board with the most recent mainstream chipset (P45). After rebates the CPU and motherboard I linked above is only $15 more. The Gigabyte P45 board is well worth the $15 IMO.

 

[barlow078]

Thats why I ask you guys

I don't know squat about some of this stuff !

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Hey, we all had to start somewhere!

I'm guessing since you're checking out hardware combo's that you're at least considering building your own PC? Welcome to the dark side!

 

[barlow078]

Hey, we all had to start somewhere!

I'm guessing since you're checking out hardware combo's that you're at least considering building your own PC? Welcome to the dark side!

You are correct...I'm just not sure what to get quite yet. The Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0 you referenced above is a nice value, however you mentioned something about a Quad core perhaps (Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83)

When i was talking to the Dell person, they said they wouldn't recommend a Quad over a Duo ...I wonder why that is....maybe value idk?

Then there's the i7s...those seem to be top of the line right now...I realize some of these are way expensive but a couple of models don't seem to be too bad:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115201


thoughts?

 

[shortstuff_mt]

What will you be using the computer for? If you will be doing any sort of CPU intensive stuff like video encoding or if you consistently do multiple things at once, I'd get the quad core. In fact, I'd go with the quad core even if you don't think you'll need it right away.

I personally have a Core2Duo overclocked to 3.2GHz and do a lot of HD video encoding. I kick myself for not getting a quad core every time I watch both cores max out. I built my computer almost 2 years ago, so quad cores were still pretty expensive. I'd go with the build I posted above, but go with the Q9550 instead. More and more software will be able to use the extra cores in the future.

The i7 chips themselves aren't all that expensive, but the motherboards and RAM required for them push the price up quite a bit. Of course if you're willing to spend the extra $, they're very nice chips.

 

[Shadow703793]

You can get a great setup for much less than $800. Here's a build to consider. Just re-use your PSU and 8800GT.

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037 $164.99

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128359&Tpk=ga-ep45-ud3r $114.99 - $15.00 MIR

mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731 $45.99 - $20.00 MIR

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://search.zipzoomfly.com/?Key=wd6400aaks&Category=00&x=0&y=0 $68.99

Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042 $59.95

SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151173 $28.99

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English for System Builders 1pk DSP OEI DVD - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488 $99.99

Total - $583.89 - $35 MIR's = $548.89 including the OS!

You could even go with a nice quad core like the Q9550 and stay way under $800.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115041&Tpk=q9550 $319.99

+1

 

[barlow078]

What will you be using the computer for? If you will be doing any sort of CPU intensive stuff like video encoding or if you consistently do multiple things at once, I'd get the quad core. In fact, I'd go with the quad core even if you don't think you'll need it right away.

I personally have a Core2Duo overclocked to 3.2GHz and do a lot of HD video encoding. I kick myself for not getting a quad core every time I watch both cores max out. I built my computer almost 2 years ago, so quad cores were still pretty expensive. I'd go with the build I posted above, but go with the Q9550 instead. More and more software will be able to use the extra cores in the future.

The i7 chips themselves aren't all that expensive, but the motherboards and RAM required for them push the price up quite a bit. Of course if you're willing to spend the extra $, they're very nice chips.

Sounds good man, thanks so much for the recommendations. I'm sure you'll hear from me again in the near future, when I start to build it.

To answer a previous question, the biggest reason I wanna upgrade is to be able to play all the new sweet games like Crysis, Fallout 3, etc.