Need computer upgrading advice... Page 3, rate my choices!

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Nov 5, 2006 | 03:17 PM

#11

1337ssei

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I suggested those based on price to performance mostly
a good gpu that is cheap try
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16814102499R
mine was also open box or try ebay
ram go with http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231012
with these I would say you can play most gameson high gfx and the very newest ones on medium(wich is not bad at all)

Nov 5, 2006 | 03:49 PM

#12

big_news_1

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From: Glendale, AZ

Looks like my 350W power supply will be just enough to run something like that... Is this correct?

Nov 5, 2006 | 04:26 PM

#13

1337ssei

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it should be....you'll know if it isnt should be fine tho pushing the limit maybee

Nov 5, 2006 | 04:32 PM

#14

big_news_1

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From: Glendale, AZ

Very cool....

Just for the record, does anybody else have some opinions on all this stuff? I would like to explore as many different options/suggestions as possible!

Nov 5, 2006 | 07:31 PM

#15

chr0mius

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From: Riverside, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_news_1

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1337ssei

what im saying is your processor is the bottle neck

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1337ssei

IVe got an AMD 64 3700 @ 2.8 GHz, ASUS A8R-MVP Deluxe crossfire, 2 gb of OCZ ddr 433, 2 x 360 gb seagates 16 mb cache in a RAID 0, and an x1800 XT UI havent found a game yet I cant play

From the little I know about computers and demanding applications, I would think it'* your 2Gb of RAM and x1800 that really give you the performance, not your processor. I have always been under the impression that processor speed is overrated, and that people who want extra performance need to focus on their RAM and GPU first and foremost. Would my 32bit 1.8GHz processor really be holding me up that much? I'm not saying you're wrong; I would just like some explanation to make sure of thinking of this stuff properly.

And even if I got a new processor and mobo, wouldn't I need to drop a couple hundred on some new, faster RAM? My stuff might only be DDR266. At the most it'* DDR333.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleHoov

Well what sort of games and applications are you wanting to run?

I play Halflife 2 and Counterstrike Source, and I also need to run a flight sim to help supplement my training. I would love to be able to run the new MS Flight Simulator X, but if I have to settle for FS 2004 it won't kill me.

Also, would either of those GPUs I linked work with my mobo? They're 8x AGP, but is there anything about them that wouldn't work with my setup?

Processor picks up the slack on everything that your graphics card and sound card can not handle. Also, physics are more intensive then graphics in newer games. AMD is competing w/ Intel atm so a new AMD is almost 25% the cost it was about 4 months ago. Just get a new 64x2 and you won't regret it. A motherboard and proc combo can be as cheap as $350. I have basically the same system as you (it'* my 4th best computer) and I also have the computer that I just suggested to you (an AMD 64 X2 4200 w/ an ATI AIW x800). The difference is amazing. Don't put any money into your computer unless it'* for a new motherboard/proc/GPU/RAM combo. I design/build computers for a living so I can give you tips. The others suggestions here are also good. If you want to pay to upgrade to a still out-dated computer, there are many options. But realize you get more bang for your buck when you upgrade the Mobo/CPU/GPU all at once.

Nov 6, 2006 | 05:51 PM

#16

big_news_1

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From: Glendale, AZ

Alright, I've made the decision that I'll probably be buying new stuff.

I need to know the best bang-for-the-buck setup I can get. Suggestions are very welcome. 1337ssei, I know you suggested a couple things. Are they quality parts, or are they just the most affordable stuff? I want something that is a good combination of price and reliablity. I also would like to be able to upgrade components within the next couple years.

I would also like to know if I should keep things like my extra USB ports and LAN card. I have always been under the impression that running PCI components (as opposed to onboard LAN, sound, etc.) improves system performance. Is this true?

I appreciate all the help. Please take a look at the picture of my case and tell me what I can eliminate and what I can keep. I assume the newer motherboards should fit in my case without a problem?

Nov 6, 2006 | 05:56 PM

#17

chr0mius

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From: Riverside, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_news_1

I would also like to know if I should keep things like my extra USB ports and LAN card. I have always been under the impression that running PCI components (as opposed to onboard LAN, sound, etc.) improves system performance. Is this true?

I appreciate all the help. Please take a look at the picture of my case and tell me what I can eliminate and what I can keep. I assume the newer motherboards should fit in my case without a problem?

It technically can improve performance, but it doesn't always. It depends on the manufacturer of your motherboard. A good onboard LAN or sound card will have a seperate processing unit, but that is rare. So technically it can improve performance. But consider the PCI card you are using. If you have a crappy PCI sound card, you may be better off just using an onboard one and robbing some CPU power for quality sound (it can always be disabled when you buy a new sound card). If you'd like, I could PM you some computer set ups. You'd be suprised what all you could keep from an old computer, so it may be pretty cheap.

Also, is there a specific budget to stick to? And what do you plan on doing with this computer? Can you put a computer together yourself?

Nov 6, 2006 | 06:34 PM

#18

nagel79

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From: Indianapolis

don't forget the canned air, you want to keep it cleaner than your car

Nov 6, 2006 | 06:51 PM

#19

LuvmySse

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From: St.Paul,Mn

I would upgrade the mobo also if you are going to bump up everything else,makes no real sense to buy a 256mb Graphics card and still be stuck at the l266mhz speeds ?

Check out anandtech.com they have the best buy and sell forum for pc stuff,they use heatware for a feedback system.

I also have a good pc builder friend and he can steer ya straight as he knows tons more than I could ever do.

If interested lmk I can introduce ya via email.

Later

Nov 6, 2006 | 06:56 PM

#20

popatim

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From: NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_news_1

This is typically not true. The 'on-board' components are typically wired into the PCI bus already or on their own dedicated bus which is typically better. But even the best components won't help you a bit in a poor design. You really need to read alot of reviews before you buy or you might get stuck.

Lastly, Newegg is giving away a "free gifts" with the purchase of a new AMD processor. Some include motherboards, while these boards are typically older technology they might let you hold off on that long overdue upgrade. Others include a GPU, which might save a few $$$ on the upgrqade.

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