APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: This week
BUDGET RANGE: 800 USD
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Analysis (CPU intensive chessbase engine for example), office work, surfing the internet/email, watching/editing videos/movies, light gaming.
PARTS DEFINITELY NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitors, Speakers, SSD
PARTS POSSIBLY NOT REQUIRED: See current system below. Can use any parts I already have in place. Seriously considering re-using current graphics card.
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg
PARTS PREFERENCES: Prefer Intel processors
OVERCLOCKING: Yes (new to overclocking but prefer to have computer with good O/C capability). My original system was an Inspiron 530 before I upgraded some parts. Have been slightly frustrated the last couple of years not being able to upgrade and modify at will.
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: See list below.
Current System:
OS: Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
CPU: Intel Q6600 2.4 GHz
RAM: 4x2 GB Corsair 240 Pin DDR2 = 8GB total
Hard Drive:WD 500GB SATA (7200 RPM)
MOBO: Foxconn DG33M03
PSU: Liteon 350W
Graphics:EVGA GeForce 9600 GT, 256 bit, 512 MB
Monitor: Dual Monitors 2 x Acer X233H 23" 1920x1080
Already Have/Ordered:
Intel X25-M 80GB SSD
Plan to use this as a system drive either in a new build/upgrade or on my current laptop.
Extra 500 GB HD with docking station and external drive enclosure. Currently used for drive imaging and extra storage space.
Plenty of peripherals (good keyboard, mice, sound system, mic etc).
Plan
I could definitely use some help devising an intelligent upgrade path. Here are a couple of brainstorming ideas that I could try.
1. Get a new MOBO, case, optical/cd drive, new PSU, etc. Use SSD as system drive. Keep old Q6600. Try to overclock to 3 GHz. I don't believe I can overclock with current MOBO.
2. Build entirely new system. Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe this would also necessitate the purchase of DDR3 RAM if I were to get something like an i5 750 Lynnfield (my current top pick CPU for the $$).
3. Point two makes me wonder if there is a better route and more intelligent plan. Perhaps a different CPU upgrade that would allow me to use my current RAM? Would be nice to avoid the $100+ for 4GB or $200+ for 8 GB DDR3 if possible.
If you were in my shoes, how would you handle this? I am open to a lot of different ideas. If I choose to build, this will be my first attempt. I also do not have overclocking experience but am more than willing to learn in the interest of saving money and developing hardware skills.
Thanks in advance,
Cardinal
BUDGET RANGE: 800 USD
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Analysis (CPU intensive chessbase engine for example), office work, surfing the internet/email, watching/editing videos/movies, light gaming.
PARTS DEFINITELY NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitors, Speakers, SSD
PARTS POSSIBLY NOT REQUIRED: See current system below. Can use any parts I already have in place. Seriously considering re-using current graphics card.
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg
PARTS PREFERENCES: Prefer Intel processors
OVERCLOCKING: Yes (new to overclocking but prefer to have computer with good O/C capability). My original system was an Inspiron 530 before I upgraded some parts. Have been slightly frustrated the last couple of years not being able to upgrade and modify at will.
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: See list below.
Current System:
OS: Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
CPU: Intel Q6600 2.4 GHz
RAM: 4x2 GB Corsair 240 Pin DDR2 = 8GB total
Hard Drive:WD 500GB SATA (7200 RPM)
MOBO: Foxconn DG33M03
PSU: Liteon 350W
Graphics:EVGA GeForce 9600 GT, 256 bit, 512 MB
Monitor: Dual Monitors 2 x Acer X233H 23" 1920x1080
Already Have/Ordered:
Intel X25-M 80GB SSD
Plan to use this as a system drive either in a new build/upgrade or on my current laptop.
Extra 500 GB HD with docking station and external drive enclosure. Currently used for drive imaging and extra storage space.
Plenty of peripherals (good keyboard, mice, sound system, mic etc).
Plan
I could definitely use some help devising an intelligent upgrade path. Here are a couple of brainstorming ideas that I could try.
1. Get a new MOBO, case, optical/cd drive, new PSU, etc. Use SSD as system drive. Keep old Q6600. Try to overclock to 3 GHz. I don't believe I can overclock with current MOBO.
2. Build entirely new system. Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe this would also necessitate the purchase of DDR3 RAM if I were to get something like an i5 750 Lynnfield (my current top pick CPU for the $$).
3. Point two makes me wonder if there is a better route and more intelligent plan. Perhaps a different CPU upgrade that would allow me to use my current RAM? Would be nice to avoid the $100+ for 4GB or $200+ for 8 GB DDR3 if possible.
If you were in my shoes, how would you handle this? I am open to a lot of different ideas. If I choose to build, this will be my first attempt. I also do not have overclocking experience but am more than willing to learn in the interest of saving money and developing hardware skills.
Thanks in advance,
Cardinal