New Mobo, CPU for <$500

[Mugiwarakaizoku]

Hello. I'm having computer problems and I'm not sure what's wrong with it. I've tried multiple solutions and none have worked so I'm thinking it's just time for an upgrade.

Basically, I have two questions:

1. Can I use my current DDR2 800mhz RAM if I upgrade to a current-gen CPU/Mobo

2. If not, then what's the best CPU/Mobo/RAM I can get for < $500

Thanks.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

you can't use DDR2 on a modern DDR3 mobo.

however, you can get a very solid AMD build for less than $500!

AMD Phenom II X6 1090T: $200
G.Skill 8 GB DDR3-1333: $78
AS Rock 870 Extreme 3: $90
---
$368

 

[joelmartinez]

IMO anything above the x4 955 be is a waste for gaming, if you do a lot of rendering/number crunching then the x6 is worth it

 

[rwpritchett]

If you have a good amount of decent DDR2, then you could just get an AM2+ motherboard and reuse it.

There isn't a huge disparity in performance between DDR2 and DDR3. Link Link Link

However, if your budget is $500 for just a CPU and motherboard (and memory?), then you could easily get a nice X4, DDR3, and a decent motherboard.

What is the full specs of your current system?

 

[Mugiwarakaizoku]

Well currently I have:

CPU: Intel core2 quad q6600
Mobo: Gigabyte ga-p31-ds3
RAM: 4g DDR2 800mhz
Video Card 1: Sparkle Geforce 8800 GTS
OS: Windows 7

Something is wrong with it though and like I said I haven't been able to determine what the problem is. http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/304741-31-strange-lockups-happenings#t2263327

I've decided to replace the motherboard because that's the last possible problem and so here I am. I've always been an Intel guy so I haven't really considered AMD. Thanks for the advice all.

So I guess I should just forget the DDR2 ram then?

 

[rwpritchett]

I don't know why I assumed you were running an AMD... my bad.

Read the links I posted. There is a very small difference in DDR2 vs DDR3.

It depends on your return-of-investment. If your budget is low and you will be hanging on to the computer for a while, just reuse your DDR2 with a new(er) 775 motherboard.

After reading your linked thread, it doesn't sound like you've narrowed down the problem yet. What PSU are you using?

 

[Mugiwarakaizoku]

I was using an 850w and just recently got a 900w. The new PSU didn't solve the problem though.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

that 900W is probly overkill. But what brand is it?

For $500, you can also build a AMD system with an athlon II X4, a GTX 460 or HD 6850, 4 GB of DDR3, a 1 TB HDD, and reuse your current case and PSU.

 

[Mugiwarakaizoku]

The brand is Rocketfish, I got it from Best Buy hoping to pull a switch-a-roo with my questionable 850w but those bastards really inspect the stuff you return now, lol.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

errrrrg. I haven't heard of that brand.

anyone else?

if you can see it, there should be a stamp on the side of listed amperages.

 

[Mugiwarakaizoku]

I have the box and it lists everything, what do you want to know?

 

[joelmartinez]

Rocketfish is Best Buys house brands most of their psus are junk, how about amperage and rails?

*EDIT read about this one it's supposed to be decent, I'd like ramps+amperage though as I haven't found specs

 

[ScrewySqrl]

well, a decent 900W supply is ok. a $500 computer isn't going to strain it
What we'l like is the amperage notes that are on the side of the psu, and probly repeated on the sides.

It should lok something like this (the numbers are from an Enermax 90W 80+ Gold PSU. yours probly will be different)
+3.3V@24A, +5V@24A, +12V1@30A, +12V2@30A, +12V3@30A, +12V4@30A, -12V@0.5A, +5VSB@3.0A

Also when did you buy it. a $500 computer is going to be pulling 200-300W which will lower the efficency of a 900W PSU (as its only 22-33% of max, best efficiency is 70-85% of power)