Choices..help me decide

[Invaliduser]

After a few years away from PC building and overclocking, Ive decided to dabble a bit again. Now this means Ive a choice of what system to build, but given Ive been away from the details for a while, Im struggling to work out whats best and I'd like your help in identifying the best way forward...

Options:

CPU/Mobo

1. MSI 785GTM-E45 AMD AM2+ Mobo currently with 7850BE @ stock. Mobo can run latest phenom2s. Has only one gfx slot, so crossfire/ whatever is not an option. Only has 2 ram slots, so 4GB memory max.

2. Foxconn 975XAB Mobo with E6600 @ 3.1Ghz.

Mobo is EoL I suppose and for now, please assume that I whilst might be able to stick a Q6600 in it, these are getting hard to find. Mobo has 4 ram slots, so I could go with 8GB ram (please see below). Mobo is also crossfire capable.

Memory available:

1. 4GB of reaper X PC6400 currently in the AMD rig.
2. 4 GB of Geil value PC6400 bog-standard RAM
3. 4GB of Geil platinum PC6400 RAM

PSUs:

1. Nexus NX5000 500W PSU (2 years old) - bit of a hidden gem I think
2. Seasonic S12 600W PSU (4 years old)


What do I want?

Monitor is 24" 1920 x 1200, o/s is windows 7 64-bit. Current gfx card is an 4850@stock.

I'm not a BFBC2 player - I dont do online 'shootemups'.

The last games Ive played for a while are Farcry2 and Bioshock. Im interested in masseffect2 sometime, and I also play EvE-online.

I'd like a system that has some room for upgrading to last 12-18 months or so and to partner with a 5xxx series when prices come down a bit (subject to bottlenecking I suppose, bear in mind I could also crossfire the 975X Mobo).

So Im looking for something that will still run reasonably current games decently for 12-18 months or so.

As you can see, Im not a poweruser, but I'd really appreciate your thoughts on, given the above, what would you build using those parts.

 

[Alex74]

What sort of budget are you looking at?

I'd like a system that has some room for upgrading to last 12-18 months or so..

Here's your problem really. You're talking about upgrading what are essentially dead platforms. For upgradeability and longevity I'd personally be looking at AM3 or LGA1156/1136 motherboards, something that'll actually have some new tech within the next 18 months.

I'm assuming by the tone of your post that this is all tech you already have. In that case, plug in the Nexus 500w, stick the E6600 into the Foxconn, add the 4GB RAM, clock the E6600 from here to infinity.
Nothing stopping you from dropping a 5770 in that rig and you'll have a reasonable gaming box.

You could try to get hold of a Q6600 and clock it up for a very decent rig, but I personally would save up for a platform upgrade.
Otherwise you'll have hit a brick wall in upgrade paths, so in 12-18 months you'll find there's nowhere to go but a total platform upgrade anyway.