Do you think it is worth the upgrade?

[merlin803]

It has been a few years since I built my current pc and I have not really been keeping up with the latest technologies so I am coming to the experts!

I am wondering if it would be worth it to replace my current pc (meaning will it be noticeably faster) with say a Phenom II or i5 rig (whichever would be better in the $600 range).

Here is my current rig:

Duo core 2 duo 6300 CPU
Gigabyte GA-945P-S3 MOTHERBOARD
2GB PC2-5300 Ram
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache (New - only a week old)
Sapphire Radeon x1900GT PCI Crossfire VIVO Video Card

It will be used for medium gaming use on a 1680 x 1050 res LCD

What say you?

 

[huron]

I'd say that you could improve your rig quite a bit with a better graphics card. Other than that, is there something your current rig does not do that you would like it to do?

 

[merlin803]

Honestly, there isn't anything in particular it doesn't do right now. I just have that "itch" to build a new rig and was wondering if it is justified with the new CPU's, graphics card....etc.

I figure I could sell my rig plus put a couple hundred in the new rig and have something that will continue to be fairly updated for a few years and be able to play any new games at least at medium settings.

One other thing I would like to improve would be getting a smaller and quieter case than I have now.

i suppose I could go the upgrade route and just get some more ram, a new video card and case but it just seems it would be easier and smarter to sell it completely and build a new one, no?

 

[tecmo34]

I would recommended upgrading your MOBO, CPU, RAM & GPU, keep the 640 Black and rest of your components (assuming they are exceptable quality and power). You don't have much options to upgrade your system. The general components below will be a huge improvement to your current system.

CPU: i5 750 ($200)
MOBO: ASUS or Gigabyte ($150)
RAM: G.SKILL ECO 4GB DDR3 1333 ($96)
GPU: ATI 5750 ($140)

 

[crazy359]

EAZZZZZZZY

stay with ur CPU.......upgrade ur ram to min of 4gb of the fastest ram ur motherboard supports and DEFINITELY upgrade ur video card to something like a 5750 or higher depending what you will be doing, if gaming then 5770

 

[merlin803]

I would recommended upgrading your MOBO, CPU, RAM & GPU, keep the 640 Black and rest of your components (assuming they are exceptable quality and power). You don't have much options to upgrade your system. The general components below will be a huge improvement to your current system.

CPU: i5 750 ($200)
MOBO: ASUS or Gigabyte ($150)
RAM: G.SKILL ECO 4GB DDR3 1333 ($96)
GPU: ATI 5750 ($140)

The problem with this route is that it is going to cost me about $400 extra after selling my current CPU, MB, RAM and VC and I'll still be stuck with the same old loud case.

While I admit your config is probably better, wouldn't it make sense considering my $600 budget (I am counting on selling my current rig to get $350-$400 of that) to build say a new Phenom II or i5 rig?

I am also taking into consideration that it may be easier to sell my whole PC intact locally than piecing out some of the parts to sell individually.

Not arguing at all with your guy's points, in fact I am now considering just upgrading but just trying to think this through.

Thanks!

 

[belial2k]

I think it is optimistic to get $350 out of your current build. The used PC market is terrible, especially when most people shopping in that price range can buy an off the shelf "new" pc from best buy with better specs.

 

[merlin803]

I think it is optimistic to get $350 out of your current build. The used PC market is terrible, especially when most people shopping in that price range can buy an off the shelf "new" pc from best buy with better specs.

You might end up being right on that. I was hoping that the Windows 7, Microsoft Office package and a few games might help to get to at least $350

 

[huron]

Your best bet on selling is to get someone you know to buy it - relative, friend, etc. It's difficult to sell slightly older PCs that are custom-built.

 

[merlin803]

Well, I am selling my MB, CPU, ram and video card so I am ready to order their replacements tonight! (I can't help it, I am just in the mood to put a new one together, lol).

So, what would be my best bang for the buck to replace those 4 components with in the $400-$450 range?

 

[belial2k]

AMD 550BE
Gigabyte GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3
Gskill Ram http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231275
4890 Graphics http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102852

 

[merlin803]

Thanks for the suggestions. Is it worth the $20 more to get the Phenom II X3 720?

 

[belial2k]

I don't think so...the 550 can be unlocked to a quad core about 75% of the time, so little to be gained by going to the 720