Selecting parts in upgrade

[lampybc2]

So i am upgrading my computer to play bc3 at the moment i have

Board: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. EP43-DS3L
2.40 gigahertz Intel Core2 Quad Q6600
4GB RAM Kingston KVR800D2N6K2 4GB
NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+
PSU - nearly dead needs to be replaced


so i am thinking of keeping the mobo, cpu and ram

new video card
XFX Radeon HD6970 2GB

New PSU
Antec High Current Gamer 900W Power Supply HCG-900

new case to keep everything nice and cool
CoolerMaster CM Storm Scout

cpu cooler to prolong the life of my Q6600
CoolerMaster V8 CPU Cooler

and a new screen so im not playing at 1600x1200 LOL
AOC 2436VWH 23.6in Widescreen LCD Monitor


keep in mind this is my second computer so I don't want to spend thousands, any suggestions are welcome different brands cheaper options better anything really, thanks in advance for your help.

 

[lampybc2]

will the ram I have be ok?

 

[lampybc2]

I have also seen that the case can hole 2 more fans so I thought I better make use of it
2 x CoolerMaster 120mm Silent Red LED Fan

 

[Why_Me]

Look for another cpu cooler...those V8's are junk.

 

[lampybc2]

ok thanks ill have a look around for something better

 

[kjameel1]

Its a very good upgrade and also this card is a beast.U will be able to play any games on high res and also full AA.As Why_Me has said these v8 are junk, better take something better. Best of luck 4 ur new upgrade.....

 

[Onus]

If you're trying to save money, I think you'd likely be entirely satisfied with a GTX560Ti or HD6870. A 900W PSU will be overkill for a single card; get a 650W Antec Earthwatts: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371044 instead.

 

[geofelt]

A graphics card upgrade is the usual recommendation for better gaming FPS. But, you may not be able to take advantage of a 6970 with your current cpu.
To help clarify your options, run these two tests:

1) Run your games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.

2) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 70%.
If your FPS drops significantly, it is an indicator that your cpu is the limiting factor, and a cpu upgrade is in order.

It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system, and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS.

If you are using the stock intel cooler, then an aftermarket cooler is a good idea. It need not be expensive to be effective.
the XIGMATEK Gaia SD1283 is $30 and will fit both 775 and 1155 sockets,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233082

Plan on keeping your old monitor attached if you have the desk space. Put static stuff like e-mail or performance monitors on it. Gaming will not be impacted.

You can run any single card with a 650w or 700w psu. But the Antec you mentioned is a very good one and a good value, even if it is more power than you need right now.
Still, you can save some $ to be used elsewhere with a psu at half the cost.

 

[lampybc2]

I understand that "for now" I may be bottlenecking the cpu i have and that the PSU is to big but I am trying to plan ahead, for future upgrades, I think it would be easier to get a bigger psu now than buy a smaller one now and a bigger one later.
I have also decided to pull my ASUS Radeon 6970 DirectCU II 2GB out of my other system and use it instead of running crossfire so when the time comes and I upgrade the mobo, ram and cpu I can then get the newest graphics cards at the time.

For the next upgrade I am thinking of saving for;
2 new graphics cards maybe 8GB how nice with that be 2 4GB cards cant be far away
ASUS P8Z68-V Pro Motherboard B3
Intel Core i7 2600K
with some G.Skill ram

Thanks for the advice with the cooler I will be looking into that today. I am on this site so much and everyone posts newegg links I wish they delivered to Australia lol

Does anyone know anything about the ram i have should it be ok for another 6 months or so

 

[lampybc2]

I have been looking around at coolers for overclocking my Q6600 and the silver arrow seems to be the cooler of choice by a LOT of people anyone got one or have had experience with these coolers?
Hopefully with the silver arrow and the CoolerMaster CM Storm Scout case with the 2 extra fans I should be able to keep everything in my pc nice and cool, I am only so stuck on cooling because I live in the middle of Australia and it is HOT, anyone else have advice on cpu coolers or even cooler cases?

 

[Why_Me]

http://www.megabuy.com.au/coolermaster-cooler-master-haf-rc-922m-p186116.html $126.58 (Inc. GST)
Coolermaster COOLER MASTER HAF RC-922M [CSCORC922MKKN1]

http://www.megabuy.com.au/coolermaster-cooler-master-hyper-212-universal-p186066.html $32.90 (Inc. GST)
Coolermaster COOLER MASTER HYPER 212+ UNIVERSAL [RR-B10-212P-G1]

http://www.coolermaster.com.au/product.php?product_id=6606 <----- more pics, specs, and reviews on that case

 

[lampybc2]

I do like that case i think i might swap to that one looks like it would be a great case for water cooling if i ever decide to upgrade. the cooler doesnt seem to be as good as the silver arrow though.
http://www.thermalright.com/new_a_page/product_page/cpu/silver_arrow/product_cpu_silver_arrow.html

my other pc is in a CoolerMaster HAF X Case
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25_31&products_id=14840

 

[Why_Me]

I do like that case i think i might swap to that one looks like it would be a great case for water cooling if i ever decide to upgrade. the cooler doesnt seem to be as good as the silver arrow though.
http://www.thermalright.com/new_a_page/product_page/cpu/silver_arrow/product_cpu_silver_arrow.html

my other pc is in a CoolerMaster HAF X Case
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25_31&products_id=14840

I was thinking of price point with that cooler. The Silver Arrow and Noctua ND-14 are about as good as it gets. You can't go wrong with either cooler imo. Also there's optional add on case fans for that case..in the link and on megabuy.