First, My specs:
[cpp]Operating System
MS Windows XP Professional 32-bit SP2
CPU
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ 39 °C
Windsor 90nm Technology
RAM
2.0GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 368MHz 5-5-5-15
Motherboard
Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. M68M-S2P (Socket M2)
Graphics
Plug and Play Monitor on NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250
Default Monitor on NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250
512MB GeForce GTS 250 (EVGA) 54 °C
Hard Drives
250GB Seagate ST325082 4AS SCSI Disk Device (IDE) 44 °C
640GB Western Digital WDC WD64 00AAKS-00H2B SCSI Disk Device (IDE) 43 °C
Optical Drives
PHILIPS DVD8801[/cpp]
I have Windows 7 that I will be installing when I complete the hardware upgrades. When all is said and done, I want to have a 64-bit rig that will last me 2 - 3 years. My needs are not great - budget gets priority. The most intensive thing I ever do with the computer is play World of Warcraft.
I'm keeping the motherboard and graphics card, unless there would be issues with them in the upgrade. I've read Tom's recommended CPU's for November, but I have a hard time knowing what CPU will really meet my needs for a couple years. I have a feeling even a modern budget processor would be a huge improvement.
Would an AMD Phenom II x4 955/965/970 be overkill? They're slightly more than I wanted to spend, but I'd be willing to do it if worth the cost.
Also, since I'm looking to go 64-bit, Would I be wise to get some new RAM? If I read correctly, the motherboard supports "Dual Channel DDR2 1066" Does that mean DDR3 is not an option? If not, is a new motherboard that supports DDR3 a big enough upgrade to warrant purchasing?
I'm willing to spend up to roughly $200 for the total upgrades. Thank you for any help you can offer.
[cpp]Operating System
MS Windows XP Professional 32-bit SP2
CPU
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ 39 °C
Windsor 90nm Technology
RAM
2.0GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 368MHz 5-5-5-15
Motherboard
Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. M68M-S2P (Socket M2)
Graphics
Plug and Play Monitor on NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250
Default Monitor on NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250
512MB GeForce GTS 250 (EVGA) 54 °C
Hard Drives
250GB Seagate ST325082 4AS SCSI Disk Device (IDE) 44 °C
640GB Western Digital WDC WD64 00AAKS-00H2B SCSI Disk Device (IDE) 43 °C
Optical Drives
PHILIPS DVD8801[/cpp]
I have Windows 7 that I will be installing when I complete the hardware upgrades. When all is said and done, I want to have a 64-bit rig that will last me 2 - 3 years. My needs are not great - budget gets priority. The most intensive thing I ever do with the computer is play World of Warcraft.
I'm keeping the motherboard and graphics card, unless there would be issues with them in the upgrade. I've read Tom's recommended CPU's for November, but I have a hard time knowing what CPU will really meet my needs for a couple years. I have a feeling even a modern budget processor would be a huge improvement.
Would an AMD Phenom II x4 955/965/970 be overkill? They're slightly more than I wanted to spend, but I'd be willing to do it if worth the cost.
Also, since I'm looking to go 64-bit, Would I be wise to get some new RAM? If I read correctly, the motherboard supports "Dual Channel DDR2 1066" Does that mean DDR3 is not an option? If not, is a new motherboard that supports DDR3 a big enough upgrade to warrant purchasing?
I'm willing to spend up to roughly $200 for the total upgrades. Thank you for any help you can offer.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram