Gaming PC: Upgrade advice requested

Axleuk

Axleuk

Axleuk

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Bridgend
I am currently upgrading my PC to something that can handle current games at best possible settings and looking for something that will handle the job without breaking the bank.

I currently have:

- Intel Q9550
- Asus P5Q Pro Turbo Socket 775 Mobo
- Thermaltake 470 watt PSU
- 4 gig OCZ DDR2 1066 Ram
- 1x XFX HD6850
- 4 x SATA 3 HD's (not sure of makes and models etc)

I want to run a crossfire setup so have purchased another XFX HD 6850.
So bearing that in mind, I would like to upgrade the following:

  • PSU
  • HDD
  • Memory
  • Graphics card cooling solution (If possible I would like to reduce the noise from the GFX cards with something a little less 'jet' like

So, can you recommend the kind of equipment that will keep my system performing well for a while.

Much appreciated.
 
have you currently overclocked your Q9550 ?, if not i'd get a 3rd party cooler and find out what it could do.

have a look at the crucial m4 ssd's and use one of them as a boot drive.

have you tried software to control the fan speed of your graphics cards ?, can set them to idle when there not doing much then full pelt when your gaming.

why do you want to upgrade the memory , just want more , as 4gb should be more than enough unless you have multiple apps working that take up a lot of memory.


psu wise have a look at the XFX Pro 750W :
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-004-XF&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=

there are others around that price that are decent (like the BeQuiet Pure Power L8 730W) but currently showing as out of stock, so anything 650W+ will do.
 
mp260767 said:
have you currently overclocked your Q9550 ?, if not i'd get a 3rd party cooler and find out what it could do.

have a look at the crucial m4 ssd's and use one of them as a boot drive.

have you tried software to control the fan speed of your graphics cards ?, can set them to idle when there not doing much then full pelt when your gaming.

why do you want to upgrade the memory , just want more , as 4gb should be more than enough unless you have multiple apps working that take up a lot of memory.


psu wise have a look at the XFX Pro 750W :
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-004-XF&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=

there are others around that price that are decent (like the BeQuiet Pure Power L8 730W) but currently showing as out of stock, so anything 650W+ will do.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice.

I have not overclocked the Q9550 yet. Not something I have thought about (not sure why as I am always breaking things in a bid to get the most out). I already have the Arctic Cooling Freezer Pro Rev. 2.0 fan on this enormous block of metal. Will that suffice for come overclocking goodness.

I have seen the software but didn't realise you could setup a profile. I'll have to look into this more to be honest. Good suggestion though.

I want to upgrade the memory to future proof it. I work a lot with graphics and development tools and they can be memory intensive. Ideally 8 gigs would be more than enough to cater for everything...and some.

I like the look of the XFX PSU. Great price too.

Crucial M4 SSD? What size would you recommend?
 
As for SSD size, it totally depends on your budget. You can easily get away with 64GB and just stick Windows on with some other programs you regularly use. If you want to drop games on too then consider a 128GB or bigger.

The Arctic Freezer should be fine for cooling that overclocked CPU.

I'd hold off on upgrading the CPU as it would also mean a motherboard and Ram change too. An overclocked Q9550 won't hold back your crossfire cards.

Consider upgrading your case too (depending on what you've got at the moment). One with better airflow and cooling will help with the jet emulator ;)
 
Get it clocked. I had a Q9550 hit 4.13Ghz prime stable on the same board as you. There is a excellent thread here with loads of settings.

As it's DDR2 the memory is going to be a costly upgrade that will not be able to be carried over to your next build. Best bet would be to find a matching kit to the one you already have on the bay.
 
as pasty mentioned ddr2 memory is costly :(.

could always go for pc6400 memory then run the ocz at pc6400 speeds as well, can't imagine the speed difference will be outdone by the extra memory.

ssd size really depends what you plan putting on there, mainly o/s and vital apps is best so should be able to get an idea off your current install of how much your likely to need.
 
I'm getting a little excited at the thought of overclocking the Q9550. I never thought of upgrading the Mobo+CPU as it seemed like a waste of money considering the CPU is still a good performer.

Yes, memory prices for DDR2 are not the best but to be honest an extra 4 gig will give me a little piece of mind knowing that I can virtually through anything at it and have it handle well.

64gig SSD sounds good but probably go for 128 gig as I can probably afford it this month so best to take advantage.

I'd like to ask another question while I am here. When I put my second gfx card in it covers 3 of the 5 onboard SATA ports. I figure I am going to have to mount the other SATA drive in an external enclosure. Has anyone had any experience with these?
 
It was mentioned earlier that I should consider a case upgrade for better cooling. this is the one I have now (not my auction). http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AQUA-Desk...mponents_RL&hash=item5d3122befd#ht_4149wt_861 I love this case as it gives me easy access to everything and both sides folder down. A few years old now so perhaps a new case should be in order. Any recommendations for a nice big easy to access case?
 
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