Curse

fenix · Jun 30, 2008, 07:00 AM // 07:00

So over the last X amount of time I've been upgrading various parts of this PC, but now it's at the point where I need to replace a few things, so, I was wondering a couple things;

- I have 2gb of PC3200 DDR RAM, will it be compatible with a new mobo
- I'm planning on getting an XFX 7800GT, so need a good PCI-E mobo to go with it
- What CPU should I get? C2Duo, C2Quad?
- After a new case also, this one sucks

Aside from that, I'll be getting a couple new HDD's, but I know enough about those myself. Everything else in the box is fine I think, unless I forgot something important. Oh, and the PSU I have is a Neo HE 430, but don't REALLY want to upgrade it. Aside from that, if there's anything I've forgotten let me know.

So yeah, after a new motherboard, new CPU and new case. Other stuff I've already looked into myself.

Lurid · Jun 30, 2008, 07:59 AM // 07:59

You're going to want to replace everything most likely. Also, chances are good you can pick up something better than the 7800GT for the same price as it.

What are you planning on doing primarily? For general usage / gaming a dual core is quite good, and runs cooler than a quad. The E8400 is a good buy.

Snograt · Jun 30, 2008, 08:14 AM // 08:14

What is really helpful in enquiries such as this is a budget - give us a price range and we'll give you recommendations.

Have to say, if you're after a new mobo, cpu, gpu and case - you're pretty much talking a whole new system. RAM and drives are fairly minor purchases on top of that

fenix · Jun 30, 2008, 09:48 AM // 09:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lurid

You're going to want to replace everything most likely. Also, chances are good you can pick up something better than the 7800GT for the same price as it.

Actually, I've looked into a lot of graphics cards, and (in Australia) at the ~140 mark, the 7800GT by XFX is by far the best purchase. What you have to take into account, is that we get screwed on everything computer related...so there's not as many good deals as you would think :\

As for the rest of the box, I only got the RAM recently, and cba paying for more. If this will work on a newer mobo, I don't really care about it being slightly slow. I'm not a tard - I use XP, so for the most part 2gb is more than enough for gaming and photoshop, even if it is a little old.

I think for budget, something like 200ish on a mobo, similar amount on a cpu, and whatever case is necessary to hold it all (read as; not a fancy big glow in the dark flames up the side aerodynamically designed case)

Brianna · Jun 30, 2008, 09:53 AM // 09:53

Well, no ''new'' motherboard is going to support PC3200 DDR, the newest additions support DDR3 now, but mainly DDR2 / w PC 6400 seems to be the most popular. So chances are if you buy a new motherboard it won't support it, it would have to be an old one, and then you couldn't support a new processor and such.

And the 7800 is just kind of old and slow performance wise compared to things that are the same price in other words - but it is different over there as you say, so I'm not going to press that issue as I understand.

So.. 200$ Aus? I'll have to do some converting and stuff. Is there a website of the place you plan to buy the stuff from by any chance?

fenix · Jun 30, 2008, 10:26 AM // 10:26

That's what I was hoping wouldn't be the case, that I was able to get a motherboard that was backwards compatible all the way to PC3200.

In that case, I guess I'll have to get some cheapish DDR2 RAM :P

For the most part, the research I've done on GPU's (mostly minimal and price range specific) the 7800GT is good value. I had a 7600GS till a few weeks ago when it died on me, and it was a quite good card for what I was using it for (GW, CoD4, TF2, etc). I think I would probably want a newer XFX card, as I've found that they are the brand I'm most happy with.

I have ordered quite a few parts through Scorp Tech in Melbourne in the past, so this is their site (http://www.scorptec.com.au/). They have a wide range of parts, and can order them in if they are available as well. Seems to be a wide range of XFX cards too.

I'm just lacking that extra bit of knowledge on mother boards (I know most pros/cons about other parts) to make the decision myself, so if there's a motherboard/CPU/RAM/GPU setup that I would be best purchasing from scorptech it would be much appreciated

Edit: As an additional note, don't worry about the RAM having a large BUS speed or anything, just 2GB of something decent will do me fine :P

Edit2: My cooling sucks currently, so I would want something good to keep it all running smooth. Anything short of water would be excellent

Brianna · Jun 30, 2008, 11:30 AM // 11:30

Well, good value depending on how much more an 8800GT costs, or even an 8600GT, because those over-shadow the 7 series by far and support Dx10, they are much more powerful.

I'll look on the site, so far;

*Motherboard: http://www.scorptec.com.au/product/27193 Asus P5K-EPU S775, P35, FSB1333, DDR2, PCIEx16, SATA2, 1394a, GbLAN, ATX, EPU

*Processor: http://www.scorptec.com.au/product/25577 Intel E8400, little over 200$ but it is an awesome processor, hands down.

Later I can post some more stuff. I was just giving you a Mobo/Processor idea.

Btw, 200$ AUD = 192$ USD roughly? Forgive if it is off a little bit.

Bah, and Power Supplies are a whole beast of a story to explain, so I'll have to bring that up later unless someone wants to take the liberty.

Kattar · Jun 30, 2008, 11:42 AM // 11:42

As far as buying a power supply, Brianna?

I'd go with whatever your gfx card needs. Add 100 or 200 watts on top of the requirements, so the power supply doesn't have to work hard all the time, and you should be safe. From what I remember, (haven't spec'd a pc in awhile) the gfx card is going to be the most determinant thing, after the processor and mobo. Newer cards need moar power!

Or is that not what you meant?

Brianna · Jun 30, 2008, 11:47 AM // 11:47

Well, buying one, and explaining what to look for and why, amps, watts, rails, etc.

But as a basis yes you are correct - buy one based on what your video card requires, and hopefully up it a little bit.

Kattar · Jun 30, 2008, 11:53 AM // 11:53

You've got me on rails and such, since I've never had to buy one for my pc. Other than finding out what your pc has and matching those requirements, then adding to them, that's basically all I've got.

I'm lacking a little bit in the hardware department.

fenix · Jun 30, 2008, 01:01 PM // 13:01

The CPU and Motherboard seem to be both pretty good, and nice prices, so thanks a heap Brianna

I think I will go with one of the XFX cards, most likely one of the 8600GT's (fair bit cheaper than 8800GTs) or maybe look at another brand of 8800GT, just not sure yet. If anyone has a suggestion it'd be helpful, the 8800GT cards I keep finding are a little more than I'm hoping to spend.

tyvm for the suggestions so far Brianna, it's a big help

Evil Genius · Jun 30, 2008, 02:18 PM // 14:18

Personally would get:

Motherboard: Gigabyte EP45 DS3 $147
1600MHz FSB, 1200MHz DDR2, 2x16 PCI-E CrossfireX

Processor: E7200 $149
2.53GHz Wolfdale with great OC potential. Go for E8400 if you have spare cash.

RAM: 2G A-DATA 800Mhz $46
Minimum amount for any serious gamer wanting to play the latest games.

Sound Card: Integrated
Onboard sound will suit the majority of people as most provide support for 7.1 speakers.

Case: Cooler Master Elite RC-330 (no PSU) $53
Tool-free design. Air filter. 120mm fans. Nice case at a good price.

Power Supply: Coolermaster Extreme 500W $69
500w of good solid power.

Comes to $464. Get a 9600GT (cheap), 8800GT (better), 4850 (best) depending on how much u want to spend.

All from MSY. If u ignore the fact that they're fat Asians who can't design a website, you have the cheapest computer store in Australia. Eg mobo Brianna suggested was P35 Chipset, one I suggested was P45 and cheaper. Therefore, if you put perforance/cost ratio ahead of customer loyalty to shops/brands you will be better off.

Btw I started choosing parts b4 running off to an Aussie forum I visit and copy pasting. Credit to ]{ing Nothing from PCPP for most of that list.

Tamuril elansar · Jun 30, 2008, 02:39 PM // 14:39

i got the EP45 DS3, its a pretty good mobo. i do suggest to get the newest bios version and update it right away.

fenix · Jun 30, 2008, 02:54 PM // 14:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil Genius

Personally would get:

Motherboard: Gigabyte EP45 DS3 $147
1600MHz FSB, 1200MHz DDR2, 2x16 PCI-E CrossfireX

Processor: E7200 $149
2.53GHz Wolfdale with great OC potential. Go for E8400 if you have spare cash.

RAM: 2G A-DATA 800Mhz $46
Minimum amount for any serious gamer wanting to play the latest games.

Sound Card: Integrated
Onboard sound will suit the majority of people as most provide support for 7.1 speakers.

Case: Cooler Master Elite RC-330 (no PSU) $53
Tool-free design. Air filter. 120mm fans. Nice case at a good price.

Power Supply: Coolermaster Extreme 500W $69
500w of good solid power.

Comes to $464. Get a 9600GT (cheap), 8800GT (better), 4850 (best) depending on how much u want to spend.

All from MSY. If u ignore the fact that they're fat Asians who can't design a website, you have the cheapest computer store in Australia. Eg mobo Brianna suggested was P35 Chipset, one I suggested was P45 and cheaper. Therefore, if you put perforance/cost ratio ahead of customer loyalty to shops/brands you will be better off.

Btw I started choosing parts b4 running off to an Aussie forum I visit and copy pasting. Credit to ]{ing Nothing from PCPP for most of that list.

You sir, are my hero. Although some of your suggested parts aren't exactly what I'm after, they'll DEFINITELY help me get a good deal. I'll have a look at the site and see what I can put together.

Also, regarding the fat asian comment, I laughed when I saw that they have an MSY at Box Hill :P

fenix · Jul 01, 2008, 01:13 AM // 01:13

So as a bump-style adding of info/question, I looked through the MSY website, and the format is so bad it broke my head. Anyone able to have a look through and re-find some good parts that I would be best getting? The motherboard and Graphics card that Brianna suggested would be great, as well as the other things I'm after

Lurid · Jul 01, 2008, 01:18 AM // 01:18

Flipping through it now, but wow that is one terribad website.

fenix · Jul 01, 2008, 01:20 AM // 01:20

I know right? At least they have cheap parts and are in lots of locations...otherwise I would assume everything is stolen or fake.

Evil Genius · Jul 01, 2008, 02:07 AM // 02:07

Yes, that website could be designed better by an one year old. Use the PDF, it is not as bad (although it still uses terrible highlighting).

Quote:

The motherboard and Graphics card that Brianna suggested would be great

Get the motherboard I suggested because it is a newer chipset and generally held in high regard.

Brianna suggested the 8600GT ($47), 8800GT ($207), and I add the 9600GT ($141) to that.

Please do not got for the E8400 ($207) and the 8600GT ($47). Video card matters more than CPU for games. It would be better to go with the E7200 ($149) and 9600GT ($141). Basically run what you choose past us before you decide to buy it.

Brianna · Jul 01, 2008, 03:00 AM // 03:00

I agree on the 9600, it is a good card.

The E7200 is 45nm too and is generally good, I guess I just personally favor the E8400 as it is a nice fast dual core for games, even at stock.

I noticed the motherboard I recommended has the 20+4pin power plug in a weird / and inconvenient place, but that shouldn't deter things too much. Gigabyte makes good boards too Imo so whatever works best.

fenix · Jul 01, 2008, 04:02 AM // 04:02

Ok, so, would this all be compatible;

Motherboard: Gigabyte EP45 DS3
CPU: E8400
Graphics: 9600GT or 8800GT
Case: Cooler Master Elite RC-330 (no PSU)
RAM: 2G A-DATA 800Mhz or whatever is better

Total cost;

594
OR
660