Upgrade suggestion

[mching]

Hey guys, currently this is my pc build:

CPU: Intel Core i5 750 Lynnfield 2.67GHz (OC @3.2GHz)
CASE: Antec 300
Cooler: Coolermaster Hyper TX3
MOBO: Emaxx (EMX-IH55M-iCafe MicroATX)
RAM: G. Skill RipjawsX 2x4 GB, PC3-12800, 1600 MHz, Dual Channel
GPU: Sapphire Radeon HD 6770, 1 GB GDDR5
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 500 GB, SATA 3, 32 MB cache
PSU: Huntkey 700W APFC PSU
EXTRAS: NZXT Sentry 2

I do realize that this build is quite dated. I've been planning to upgrade to ivybridge (or next gen) soon, but before that I'm looking for suggestions on where I can improve on my current build before upgrading, and also to remove possible bottlenecks. Right now I have 3 upgrades in mind, can't decide on which though. I have a very balanced usage of my pc, games, browsing, programming, I generally multi task a lot.

1. SSD (128 GB) [Is it worth the upgrade? considering my board only supports Sata 2?]
2. GPU Upgrade
3. Additional 1Tb Drive (Possibly Green)

Note: I only have $250 to spare.

Suggestions, comments, and feedback are very welcome.

 

[mching]

Up.

 

[mching]

Up.

 

[mocchan]

If you can spare a few more $$$, then you could get yourself a small 64GB SSD for your OS and pair it with a Radeon HD7850; both of which are a very reasonable upgrade IMO.

Samsung 830 64GB - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147162
Sapphire Radeon HD7850 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102998

 

[mching]

If you can spare a few more $$$, then you could get yourself a small 64GB SSD for your OS and pair it with a Radeon HD7850; both of which are a very reasonable upgrade IMO.

Samsung 830 64GB - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147162
Sapphire Radeon HD7850 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102998

I have thought of that as well, the problem being I don't think I can manage a 64gb ssd. I have a win7 x64 ultimate.

Also, is the HD7850 better than a GTX560 or GTX560ti? (because the 560 is roughly $200 as well)

 

[mocchan]

I have thought of that as well, the problem being I don't think I can manage a 64gb ssd. I have a win7 x64 ultimate.

Also, is the HD7850 better than a GTX560 or GTX560ti? (because the 560 is roughly $200 as well)

http://www.hwcompare.com/12054/geforce-gtx-560-ti-vs-radeon-hd-7850/
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7870-review-benchmark,3148-6.html <-this bench may be quite dated/inaccurate due to how old it is. I think the HD7000's perform a little better with the recent driver updates, however, it still gives you a rough idea.

Also if I remember correctly, Win7 Ultimate takes around 5-6GB more than the Home Premium...If you allocate your page file and disable system restores (Shadow Files), you should easily have around 15-20GB left on the SSD after the Windows installation

 

[mching]

http://www.hwcompare.com/12054/geforce-gtx-560-ti-vs-radeon-hd-7850/
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7870-review-benchmark,3148-6.html <-this bench may be quite dated/inaccurate due to how old it is. I think the HD7000's perform a little better with the recent driver updates, however, it still gives you a rough idea.

Also if I remember correctly, Win7 Ultimate takes around 5-6GB more than the Home Premium...If you allocate your page file and disable system restores (Shadow Files), you should easily have around 15-20GB left on the SSD after the Windows installation

Thanks for your input!

I see, so the HD 7850 may be a better choice afterall.

Are you suggesting to go Win7 Home Premium over the ultimate?

This is really my first ssd buy, so I really don't have an idea which apps to put on the drive and how to set it up or optimize it or whatnot. I just heard a lot of good things (and they recommend going ssd a lot), and how it can be the single most effective pc-upgrade boost one can have.

 

[mching]

up

 

[mocchan]

Please don't bump It's against forum rules.

However, yes, Windows 7 Home Premium is more than enough for most people, if you need more features, get Professional. Ultimate has is useful in some aspects, however, I find most people don't use all the features Ultimate can provide.

Also, once you build your rig, I can assist you with optimising Windows for your SSD! Just hit me up in the PM's and I'll be more than happy to help.

 

[mching]

Best answer selected by mching.