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I'm seriously considering a full upgrade just now and have spent the past 2 days trying to learn all I can on the 'new' stuff that has came about in the past few years. It will be a switch from a low spec Barton to a spanking new setup! 
Anyway, I have narrowed things down from everything listed on this site to the following components:-
My reasons for choosing the CPU and MOBO were from discussions I have read in this the forum and reviews from the web. From what I have read - The CPU can clock well, even up to approx 2.8 (MOBO dependent etc). Also the MOBO is full spec'ed and will provide future upgrade paths (SLI) as well as being a good over clocker.
The CPU cooler was chosen for its low noise and decent cooling - Mainly the low noise, my PC is in the living room.
The memory was a tough choice though, it was between that and all the other 2 x 1GB PC3200 chips on offer. There was no real reason for this memory over the others, other than it 'felt' good. Please feel free to let me know if other are better.
The GFX card it a funny one, this will be my main upgrade to last a few years, If I choose a well spec’ed option now, then later-on in the year(s) most games will still run smooth(ish) - The BFG comes with the higher clock speeds and lifetime warranty which steered me in its direction..
Finally the case was selected as it came with a good power supply. At least that is what I have read, and I am hoping it means all these bits should run well upon it? Other reasons for the case were its 2 x 120mm fan spots and decent reviews.
The downside... £764.58 it a tad over my budget. I was looking at about £600 - £650. I may be ok with this if my wife goes for the idea and you all show me the thumbs up, however there is always the possibility I am a bit over spec’ed, even for possible future upgrades…
So my pressing questions in no particular order. 1) Is this a good spec for now and the future? 2) Is it over spec’ed? 3) Can you suggest something within budget that will perform well in all current games (Possible future also)?
I thank you for your time to read this, and even more for any assistance you provide
Anyway, I have narrowed things down from everything listed on this site to the following components:-
- AMD Opteron UP 144 - £117.44 Including VAT
- Asus A8N32-SLi Deluxe nForce4 SLi X16 - £135.07 Including VAT
- Zalman CNPS9500-LED Aero Flower - £35.19 Including VAT
- OCZ 2GB PC3200 Dual Channel Gold GX XTC - £152.69 Including VAT
- BFG GeForce 7900 GT OC 256MB GDDR3 - £246.69 Including VAT
- Antec Sonata II (450W Smart Power PSU) - £77.49 Including VAT
My reasons for choosing the CPU and MOBO were from discussions I have read in this the forum and reviews from the web. From what I have read - The CPU can clock well, even up to approx 2.8 (MOBO dependent etc). Also the MOBO is full spec'ed and will provide future upgrade paths (SLI) as well as being a good over clocker.
The CPU cooler was chosen for its low noise and decent cooling - Mainly the low noise, my PC is in the living room.
The memory was a tough choice though, it was between that and all the other 2 x 1GB PC3200 chips on offer. There was no real reason for this memory over the others, other than it 'felt' good. Please feel free to let me know if other are better.
The GFX card it a funny one, this will be my main upgrade to last a few years, If I choose a well spec’ed option now, then later-on in the year(s) most games will still run smooth(ish) - The BFG comes with the higher clock speeds and lifetime warranty which steered me in its direction..
Finally the case was selected as it came with a good power supply. At least that is what I have read, and I am hoping it means all these bits should run well upon it? Other reasons for the case were its 2 x 120mm fan spots and decent reviews.
The downside... £764.58 it a tad over my budget. I was looking at about £600 - £650. I may be ok with this if my wife goes for the idea and you all show me the thumbs up, however there is always the possibility I am a bit over spec’ed, even for possible future upgrades…
So my pressing questions in no particular order. 1) Is this a good spec for now and the future? 2) Is it over spec’ed? 3) Can you suggest something within budget that will perform well in all current games (Possible future also)?
I thank you for your time to read this, and even more for any assistance you provide
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- I really thought the above was a really good spec. Its too late now to change it now though.