Can someone recommend an upgrade path for me.....

StevieP · 16 Oct 2006 at 17:29

I was looking at getting just a memory upgrade till I found out DDR2 memory wouldnt fit on my board but I've also now got the opportunity to buy a mates X1800 gfx card.
Problem is, its PCI Express wheras my current setup (see sig) is AGP!!

Can anyone recommend me a mobo & processor that will see a decent performance increase along with 2gb of DDR2 memory and an X1800 gfx card - without spending too much more money! (ie. best bang-for-buck)

Also, will my current PSU handle all these upgrades???

Thanks in advance...

StevieP

BennyC · 16 Oct 2006 at 17:32

you want one to take a new dual core processor or your current CPU?

Lolcb · 16 Oct 2006 at 17:45

you might want to look at the bundle ( mobo, ram, cpu ) in one package.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Intel_LGA775_Bundles.html

StevieP · 17 Oct 2006 at 12:37

I've had a look at the bundles but they seem a bit pricey for what you get!
A mate of mine has suggested getting an Intel Conroe 6300, supposedly better value than any of the AMD stuff at present!

Anyone got any opinions on this type of processor??

What I'm basically looking for is the best bang for buck, motherboard & processor combo (AMD or Intel) with some decent value DDR2 memory (I'm not an overclocker so everything will be running at stock!)

StevieP

spb251272 · 17 Oct 2006 at 12:41

If you're taking the plunge with DDR2, then the E6300 is the best value/performance chip at the moment. Only a little bit more expensive than the X2 3800+. If you make sure you get a good clocking motherboard, you will have that E6300 over 3Ghz easily

StevieP · 17 Oct 2006 at 13:01

I must admit, from what I''ve heard, the E6300 is going to be the way to go.

So with this in mind, a couple of further questions:

1) Which is the best (value) motherboard for this setup? (only must is onboard sound)
2) Which is the best (value) DDR2 memory (2gb)?
and
3)Will my Akasa 460w PSU run all this new gear along with an X1800 gfx card??

Cheers,

StevieP

Lolcb · 17 Oct 2006 at 14:41

Hi, if you don't plan to overclock, I'd suggest you getting a higher end cpu, preferably the E6600. If you plan to learn Ocing, then stick to the E6300 and set it up with a decent mobo/ram.

StevieP · 17 Oct 2006 at 14:52

Definitely no overclocking (I'm a noob!)

Anyway, I'm looking at:

Intel Core Duo E6300 CPU
ASRock Conroe X-Fire mobo (HD audio)
Geil 2GB DDR2 667 RAM
256MB Radeon X1800XT

Expensive but should last me for a fair while!

MAJOR QUESTION THOUGH!!! - Will my Akasa 460W PSU suffice???

Cheers, StevieP

Tetras · 17 Oct 2006 at 14:53

Should be fine