Hello !
I currently have an Athlon II 4400(@2.3ghz) on ASUS M2N MX SE (AM2), with 2GB DDR2, and an ATI radeon HD 4350 ( 512 RAM ). Also, I have a tiny 80GB hard-disk. Powered by 500W Delta Power PSU
I'm upgrading in order to play the new Star Wars MMO. I have tested the beta, and it was unplayable in pvp combat with my current system.
My budget is pretty restrained, around 350 $, so I can't upgrade all the outdated components in one shot. Also, I was thinking of buying from Newegg. Are there other cheaper online stores ? Reliable too.
What I thought is first upgrade mboard + CPU + RAM. I'm pretty sure I will also need a more powerful PSU for the new CPU.
If I don't plan on overclocking the CPU, do I need a non-stock CPU fan ? Would a cheaper case fan do the job ?
1. CPU choices are Phenom II or FX series. Other suggestions are welcome, but I don't think Intel fits into my budget :/ Which CPU should I get for best price-performance ?
2. What motherboard should I get ?
For Phenom II, I was thinking about these motherboards: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135272 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135278
For FX: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157280
3. Upgrading RAM, I think 8GB (2X4GB) will be sufficient for a period of time. What's the best I could get for price-performance ? I never overclocked RAM, but I'm open to suggestions.
4. Is a new PSU mandatory ? If so, what should I get ?
5. Do I need a new case ? Do components and cases have levels of compatibility ? If I don't change the case, can I add a case fan or replace the stock CPU fan with a better one ? Or both ?
6. Could I experience any incompatibility between my current hard-disk and the new components ? My current disk-drive is this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822135106
I must say in advance that I appreciate the effort of helping me, and that I'm open to all suggestions.
I currently have an Athlon II 4400(@2.3ghz) on ASUS M2N MX SE (AM2), with 2GB DDR2, and an ATI radeon HD 4350 ( 512 RAM ). Also, I have a tiny 80GB hard-disk. Powered by 500W Delta Power PSU
I'm upgrading in order to play the new Star Wars MMO. I have tested the beta, and it was unplayable in pvp combat with my current system.
My budget is pretty restrained, around 350 $, so I can't upgrade all the outdated components in one shot. Also, I was thinking of buying from Newegg. Are there other cheaper online stores ? Reliable too.
What I thought is first upgrade mboard + CPU + RAM. I'm pretty sure I will also need a more powerful PSU for the new CPU.
If I don't plan on overclocking the CPU, do I need a non-stock CPU fan ? Would a cheaper case fan do the job ?
1. CPU choices are Phenom II or FX series. Other suggestions are welcome, but I don't think Intel fits into my budget :/ Which CPU should I get for best price-performance ?
2. What motherboard should I get ?
For Phenom II, I was thinking about these motherboards: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135272 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135278
For FX: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157280
3. Upgrading RAM, I think 8GB (2X4GB) will be sufficient for a period of time. What's the best I could get for price-performance ? I never overclocked RAM, but I'm open to suggestions.
4. Is a new PSU mandatory ? If so, what should I get ?
5. Do I need a new case ? Do components and cases have levels of compatibility ? If I don't change the case, can I add a case fan or replace the stock CPU fan with a better one ? Or both ?
6. Could I experience any incompatibility between my current hard-disk and the new components ? My current disk-drive is this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822135106
I must say in advance that I appreciate the effort of helping me, and that I'm open to all suggestions.