My CPU/MB/Ram Upgrade to your review

[TimCL]

I am looking to upgrade CPU/MB/Ram for my current system. The main use will be Internet/MS Office and few times a month photo and AVCHD video editing. The video editing will be on amateur basis only (an hour or two a month of PS and perhaps Encore to burn AVCHD dvds. I use Sony PMB and sometimes Nero for DVDs). The system will run Windows 7 and 4GB memory.

The main issue I am struggling is should I invest in a better MB for long run or a better AMD CPU. I keep my systems for a 4-5 years and don’t do multi-tasking or play games and if my video editing takes little longer, it doesn’t bother me.

I am thinking one of these CPUS

AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ965FBGMBOX

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727

Or

AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition Callisto 3.2GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Desktop Processor - C3 Revision HDZ555WFGMBOX

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103846

Or

AMD Phenom II X6 1055T Thuban 2.8GHz 6 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor HDT55TFBGRBOX

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103851

Here is comparison of CPUs from New EGG

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007671%2050001028%20600005863&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=343|19-103-727^19-103-727-TS%2C19-103-846^19-103-846-TS%2C19-103-851^19-103-851-TS%2C19-103-808^19-103-808-TS

Motherboard – I will be happy with onboard video. But don’t know if it should be ATi or Nvidia

I am thinking

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 AM3 AMD 880G HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131646

or

ASUS M4A78T-E AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131366

Here is comparison from NewEgg

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007625%20600038073%20600007943%20600009016&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&ShowDeactivatedMark=False&CompareItemList=22|13-131-366^13-131-366-TS%2C13-131-646^13-131-646-TS

Memory – This is where I need some help. I am thinking to go 4 GB, but need some expert advice to match CPU and MB.

If someone thinks I can downgrade my current selection for my needs, please suggest. I really don't need something that I am not going to use at full potential.

Thanks for your time! ( I have a good Atx case and PSU and 2 USB ports on the front of the case)

 

[banthracis]

Future AMD processors will be using AM3+, so current mobo's will not work.

Whats your budget?

 

[TimCL]

I never put a budget as I know I need to upgrade my current desktop.

Actually I am thinking more towards a system that can serve me for 4-5 years at the least and is not an overkill for me. I had bought some things in past that were technically overkill for my needs.

However, I think I can spend $300-$400. If I can save money that will be better.

 

[banthracis]

Well with that budget, it does limit your options a bit.

I'd say X6 and a Ga 880 $243
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.564607

throw in a 4gb ddr3 1333 cas 9 g skill kit and you should be fine. $53

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231190&cm_re=g_skill_4gb-_-20-231-190-_-Product

Total just under $300

 

[TimCL]

Well with that budget, it does limit your options a bit.

I'd say X6 and a Ga 880 $243
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.564607

throw in a 4gb ddr3 1333 cas 9 g skill kit and you should be fine. $53

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231190&cm_re=g_skill_4gb-_-20-231-190-_-Product

Total just under $300

Oh I should have mentioned couple of things

1. I am really not in hurry to update as my laptop (Win7 32 Bit, 3 GB Ram with Pentium Dual Core T4200@ 2.00 GHz, HDMI) does meet my needs for video/photo editing. I missed the Black Friday sales being out of country so I am watching for any upcoming sales or price drops.

2. I can really wait a month or two if prices will drop etc. I just feel more comfortable using my 3 1 TB Hds on the desktop.

You think a micro Atx MB will fit into my Atx Case without issues?

Thanks for your help.

 

[banthracis]

Really no need for a matx board in an atx case. Squeezing stuff in smaller spaces = more heat and harder to work in.

If you can wait, then wait till after Sandy Bridge comes out early Jan. You should see a price drop then.

Black friday and tech monday sales are rarely very good. Most companies raise prices preemptively beforehand and then tout their big discounts. It's basically just a marketing gimmick people buy into.

 

[TimCL]

Really no need for a matx board in an atx case. Squeezing stuff in smaller spaces = more heat and harder to work in.

If you can wait, then wait till after Sandy Bridge comes out early Jan. You should see a price drop then.

Black friday and tech monday sales are rarely very good. Most companies raise prices preemptively beforehand and then tout their big discounts. It's basically just a marketing gimmick people buy into.

Makes sense!

If the prices drop in next 2 months then I can wait (How Sandy Bridge will make AMD prices fall is beyond my market grasp? But I guess it is good for folks who like to use AMD).

Thanks for you time.

 

[banthracis]

Sandy bridge will bring more performance to the ~$200 level, making AMD processors worse values in terms of performance per dollar.

Hence AMD would need to drop prices to remain competitive, or raise performance for same price.