Upgrade or Build New? $1000 limit

[RAMEON01]

Ok, first off I currently have a Dell XPS 410 with a E6600 at 2.4GHz with a PNY 9500 GT, that I cannot OC with the stock motherboard (stupid dell crap). I was looking to just upgrade this one with a new mobo so i can OC the E6600 to 3.0-3.2 and get a 4870 or 4890 GPU. After reading the articles and benchmarking I now want to just use the current comp as a back-up and build a whole new comp. I will be using the new comp for video editing, watching movies, browsing the net, playing eq2, CS3, stuff like that. The new build is going to last me 2-3 years and I DO NOT plan on upgrading anything, which is why i chose the end-of-lifespan 775 socket. When this comp starts showing its age Im just going to build an I7 or whatever intel has at the time . I would really like to stay intel too, AMD really doesnt do it for me i guess as i dont game all that much. Anyway, to the build

Monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254026

Motherboard with Harddrive combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128332

Case with PSU combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.208538

CPU with GPU combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.207872


I already have ram and the other misc stuff. I would really like to use my existing case, 440 Watt PSU, and my OC'ed 2.4 CPU. Would this new system justify its own build and be leaps and bounds better? Or should I just upgrade what i got? Thanks

 

[tecmo34]

I understand about being an Intel fan but for your budget an AM3 build would be perfectly suited for your needs. With that said, your Intel 775 build looks good and I would go for it, if that is what you want.

I would not recommend using your old CPU & PSU. You will see more of a performance boost with the Q9550 & you have some good combo deals going, so stick with them.

 

[RAMEON01]

If I went AMD what combo would you go with that has the same performance and overclockability as the Intel? I also forgot to mention that I plan on buying another 4890 GPU and CFing them, as I wouldnt need it now if a game came along that do need it I want to be prepared. The only reason I shun AM3 is from what I've read here if you want a gaming comp go AMD, if you want a well-rounded comp go Intel. Thanks for the reply.

 

[tecmo34]

If I went AMD what combo would you go with that has the same performance and overclockability as the Intel? I also forgot to mention that I plan on buying another 4890 GPU and CFing them, as I wouldnt need it now if a game came along that do need it I want to be prepared. The only reason I shun AM3 is from what I've read here if you want a gaming comp go AMD, if you want a well-rounded comp go Intel. Thanks for the reply.

Here is an AM3 build for you:
CPU & MOBO Combo: AMD AM3 955 BE & ASUS ASUS M4A78-E AM2+/AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - $259.99
Case & PSU Combo: Antec 900 & Antec EA750 750w - $197.48
Monitor: Hanns·G HG-281DPB Black 27.5" 3ms Widescreen LCD HDMI Monitor 500 cd/m2 800:1 Built in Speakers - $339.99
GPU: SAPPHIRE 100269SR Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - $189.99
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - $74.99
Total Cost: $1,062.44

This will allow you to use your current DDR2 RAM, DVD drive... etc. with the build. For an additional $200, you can go with a AM3/DDR3 MOBO and DDR3 RAM by switching out the MOBO Combo & adding in DDR3 memory.

 

[RAMEON01]

Thanks for your reply and build and info Tecmo34, but I have never used AMD on a build and would really just cant pull the trigger on something I've never tryed, different strokes I suppose. anyway I went ahead and ordered these.

Motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358
Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021
Harddrive http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

The reason I picked this board is after thinking about it I probably wont ever use 2 4890's in crossfire to their full potential, ever, so I found a board that looked just as good but only 16x1 or 8x2. I'm ordering the Antec 750 PSU and 4890 next Monday but still havn't decided on the CPU yet. Its either going to be the Q9550 of a Q9650. Like I said before, I want this comp to last about 2 years so would it be worthwhile to spend the extra 100 for the Q9650?

One last thing, my current ram is these. Would it be worthwhile to upgrade them to a faster clock speed since the Mobo accepts up to 1366? If I get new RAM I'm deffinitly getting Vista x64 Home Premium with free upgrade to Windows 7 so I can take advantage of the max supported memory of 16gb's, (will prolly only do 6-8 though).

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3228139&SRCCODE=WEBLET101SATSFY&cm_mmc=Email-_-WebletMain-_-WEBLET101SATSFY-_-Satisfy

Again, thanks for your help.

 

[tecmo34]

I would stick with the Q9550. It isn't worth the xtra $100 for the amount of MHz increase on thr Q9650. Plus, the Q9550 will OC to the Q9650 speeds no problem and above.

I would stick with your current RAM. There is really no need to go higher than 800MHz with your build. Your build should get you a couple of years before a new build is required. An update to your video card may be required before your two years depending on the games you play.

Good Luck!!!

 

[RAMEON01]

Well I got my parts today. The Antec 900 and GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard. Well to start things off the sonofab*tch wont work lol. I finally got the Mobo to turn on and lights and fans to work after i plugged in the 2 prong on/off relay from the case to mobo but thats it! It wont recognise my usb mouse/keyboard and NOTHING on the monitor, but my 9500 gt's fan is spinning. PLEASE HELP!!! is there something i missed?? I had to completly put my dell back together just to write this lol and there isnt anything i didnt plug in on the new mobo that i didnt on my dell mobo..? Is there a way to tell if its DOA? thank you

Also the gigabyte mobo has a 8-pin power on it but my Antec earthwats 430 only has a 4 prong and 6 prong so i didnt hook it up. could that be it?

 

[tecmo34]

Review the thread on the main page about "read before posting on boot issues" http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261222-31-build-advice

This thread has all the basic trouble shooting tips you need to trouble shoot the issue.

 

[RAMEON01]

cool, thank you. I'm just so aggrivated at the instructions gigabyte had. LIke it was a rough translation from japanese to english ;( Ill check it out

 

[RAMEON01]

OK, I skimmed over it to see if anything caught my eye and I did most of them (didnt worry about hooking up the speakers and misc stuff like that). But I seen where they said how too hook up the 4-pin to an 8 pin but I have a 6 pin and a 4 pin. should i just hook up the 4 pin and try it there? sorry for the noobish questions but I need this fixed soon as Im leaving for work and would like to get it out of the way, and i dont wanna fry my mobo with putting in the wrong plug

 

[tecmo34]

YES... The MOBO needs a to have the 20/24 & 4/8 pin power connectors plugged in. It DOESN'T take a 6-pin connector.

 

[RAMEON01]

You could've just said that in your last post and then said to check the link if I was still in trouble. Just saying... Your acting like me bumping my own thread is a crime on here, (i didnt see the sticky before i posted) . Anyway, thank you for the link and the help, i appreciate it.

 

[tecmo34]

You could've just said that in your last post and then said to check the link if I was still in trouble. Just saying... Your acting like me bumping my own thread is a crime on here, (i didnt see the sticky before i posted) . Anyway, thank you for the link and the help, i appreciate it.

I'm sorry for how you took my previous post. I didn't mean anything negative toward bumping your thread or anything. I was trying to stress the importance of what you posted. Based on what you said, it sounds like you might have found your issue and I wanted to make sure you knew what needed to be plugged in.

Again... Sorry for any negative tone you took from my post... It wasn't intended to come across that way.

 

[RAMEON01]

I'm sure it was just in how I took it, sorry was just really stressed and it seemed like you knew the answer but just posted a link instead. But you are correct, it is up and running fine but when in BIOS it keeps on shutting down 10-15 secs after start-up. No-matter what i did it kept shutting down. I forgot to get a CPU cooler lol it kept overheating i guess? off to Newegg i go. Thanks again man

 

[tecmo34]

I'm sure it was just in how I took it, sorry was just really stressed and it seemed like you knew the answer but just posted a link instead. But you are correct, it is up and running fine but when in BIOS it keeps on shutting down 10-15 secs after start-up. No-matter what i did it kept shutting down. I forgot to get a CPU cooler lol it kept overheating i guess? off to Newegg i go. Thanks again man

I'm going to ask a dumb question... you do have a heatsink on your CPU correct.. even if it is just the one that comes with the CPU??

 

[RAMEON01]

The computer I'm using now is my dell 410 stock everything. My new comp didnt come with a new CPU (yet, ging to order something new if i cant get my E6600 to 3.0 OC) so I put the E6600 in my new comp just to see if everything works alright. But to answer your question as of right now no, it has no cpu cooler at all, the dell one im using now is specially made for the mobo thats in it and wont work (really stupid of dell). But i didnt think i needed one with 6 fans that the antec 900 has, at least for a little while till i get the new one when i order monday. I was proven wrong lol

 

[RAMEON01]

dude how can u forget to get a cpu cooler..thats pathetic ..i guess your noob at computers? read some more guides before you build so you dont hurt urself

To answer your question I'm not entirely new to computers, ive been working on/with them since windows 98 came out. Ive just never replaced a motherboard or CPU yet so I didnt think to get one till I can order my new CPU on monday and get one then.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103055

this one looks promising

 

[tecmo34]

The computer I'm using now is my dell 410 stock everything. My new comp didnt come with a new CPU (yet, ging to order something new if i cant get my E6600 to 3.0 OC) so I put the E6600 in my new comp just to see if everything works alright. But to answer your question as of right now no, it has no cpu cooler at all, the dell one im using now is specially made for the mobo thats in it and wont work (really stupid of dell). But i didnt think i needed one with 6 fans that the antec 900 has, at least for a little while till i get the new one when i order monday. I was proven wrong lol

Well... that is your problem with your PC. It will not run with out a heatsink on the CPU to prevent it from overheating. You need to buy a heatsink (as you said) and you'll have to remove the MOBO again and reassemble outside of the case, so you know the heatsink is secured properly.

Sorry... I would've recommend a heatsink for your build if I would've known what I know now... Now you have learned your first lesson in building a PC... Trust me... we have all made a dumb mistake when working on a computer over the years... One example.... I killed my MOBO, PSU and CPU by adjusting my voltage to high trying to increase an OC... everything decide to die... a learning lesson for me!!

 

[RAMEON01]

Cool, thanks ezkiller. Ill look into that. My only concern with any cooler is it doesnt hit the heatsinks around the cpu since they are pretty close on my board and stick up aways.

 

[RAMEON01]

One more thing, I'm going to put my current harddrive from my dell that it originally came with 3 years ago in my new set-up and it has windows xp pro on it. Will my new comp read it as a "valid" OS? I've see someone mention on this site that some OSes store the validation on the mobo for start-up purposes. As I've never gotten past the first windows screen from what I assume it just overheated but sometimes it just went to the windows screen then BSOD'd. Would not having a fresh OS do that? Thanks again for the help.

Also, ezkiller did that contact freezer get shipped yet? I'm ordering either tomorrow or monday and really dont want to wait a week for it to ship. And from the reviews hopefully it will fit in my antec 800 looks great though

 

[RAMEON01]

your absolutely right on the monitor, after going though 5-6 42+ plasma and LCD TV's myself over the years you cannot go by what others think is "good", ones perception on a good tv might not be the same as your own. I really like this one too. Anything 23-29" has my vote.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236052

Also yes, it is an Antec 900. Its a great case but having the external USB and 1399 on the top is kinda hard to get to while next to you on the desk, have to move it to the floor. Also yes, I'm going to OC the new one. I'm thinking about skipping the CPU though since from what I've read the E6600 isnt horrible when OC'ed. I think after getting the feet wet so-to-speak I'm going to give this pc to the wife (so she stays off my next one lol). The new one I have now consists of the Anctec 900, Gigabyte EP45UD3p, E6600, 4 gig corsair XMS2 DDR2 800, 1-300 gig main HD, 1-1T Western Digital Black, cd-dvd writer, 4890 GPU, Antec 440 PCU. I'm going to try to put together an I7 in the next couple weeks if after the wife likes the above PC and wants it. (all she does on it is Sims 2-3, messaging, surfing, videos, crap like that). Thanks for the response and help

 

[RAMEON01]

Yes, I'm definitely OC'ing the E6600, thats the whole reason for me buying the new mobo and case. Because I cant OC with the dell Mobo it has and its custom fit to the dell case so i have to upgrade the case if i want a new mobo that can OC.

I'm putting my order in for the Sunbeam CCF right now, and whichever i can find a good deal on a 4870/4890 I'm going to order that with it today. I was going to get the Q9550 but after reading how good the E6600 is OC'ed I really don't want to waste $220 on a CPU that I'm just going to upgrade later, I might as well throw in an extra 40 and get what I really want, an I7.

I already have Speedfan, Rightmark CPU Clock Utility, and Clockgen. Running at 2400 at 266 FSB, both CPU and GPU currently at 51C.

 

[RAMEON01]

The system with the Antec 900 case WAS going to be mine but the wife says she now wants it, and yes I have everything mentioned in the case right now right beside me lol, (ordered it Monday with help from this site and it arrived at my door Wednesday off Newegg free 3 day delivery) except the cooler, and 4890/4870 still waiting on that. It has a 9500GT in there right now. That is why I might be building the I7, since I want a comp of my own and I know the wife, she is a mod on a couple sites and I'll never get to see it if we only have 1 lol).

I have had those programs for awile and know very much so how to use them, I've used them on other peoples comps helping them. I just cant OC my comp because its a Dell POS so I never got to use the Clockgen on this comp, I'm just leaving it there for my Antec 900 build.

 

[RAMEON01]

Cool, thanks for the info on the OS, kinda sucks that the only thing Newegg has is Vista (I'm a fan of XP Pro) but with the Windows 7 upgrade its worth a shot.

Shes a mod on the offical EA sims 3 and 2 websites and a music site but knows nothing about computers, she just wants something fast and "pretty" lol. She loves all the blue lights and fans on the Antec 900.

I will take your advise on the 4890, your right, she will probably have no use for something like that. I, on the otherhand have a 2nd rough build I'm going to start next week.

Case- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129043
Motherboard- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131365
RAM- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145224
Power- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371009
GPU in CF- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150359
Harddrive- 2-1TB WD Cavier Black
CPU-I7

Mixing around some combos i can get the price around 1200 including shipping so that would be great. I'm not really money constrained, I just like trying new stuff to learn and I need a new comp so I'll try my hand at it. Thanks for the help/info so far, much appriaciated man.

 

[RAMEON01]

Got the system put together with the new Q9550 and the Freezer 7 Pro and man this thing is fast! OC'ed right now at 4.0ghz at 500mhz i believe and at 100% load on all cores its never got above 45C, idles at 32-35C. I have the new monitor, PSU, and GPU in the Cart ready to order this Monday. Excited!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254026
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371012
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150359

I know others have warned me about the off brand monitor but being 4X winner customer awards stars and over 1000 5 star positive feedback made me take the plung . My computer keeps on locking up for some reason too, sometimes 5 mins on sometimes 5 hours, weather im on it or not. I figured it might be PSU related, currently have 430W Antec. so thats why the new PSU. First all the USB's stop working then full lock-up, then auto restarts, no BSOD. Also running Windows 7 Ultimate, the trial is great, highly recommended.

I think I solved my freeze/restart issue. I went to bios to see if I might find something there and as soon as I got in there it said "WARNING! your system has crashed due to critical overclocking!" Well thats all fine and dandy but my temps never have gone over 45C so I thought I was in the clear. I guess I was just pulling too much power from the CPU and draining it to the point of nothing left and crashing? stock it was at 2.8 at 300FSB after 4.0 at 500FSB. Switched it back to stock, I guess I'll see what that does.