Help with upgrade

mgp104

mgp104

mgp104

Associate
Joined
2 Dec 2010
Posts
3
Hi all,

I'm looking at upgrading parts of my computer and wanted to get some feedback about my ideas. I'd like to upgrade over Christmas (ie. I'll order parts next week) because I use the computer for work and recording TV for the rest of the year. I'm not interested in overclocking (I'll only get it wrong).

Firstly I want to upgrade:

Motherboard
CPU
Memory
Case
OS

I also want to try and keep my current dual boot (XP 32bit and Vista 64bit, on separate HDDs).

Components I'm not upgrading:

GPU (Sapphire 4870 1Gb)
PSU (OCZ 600W)
Hauppauge TV Tuner

I was thinking about getting:

CM-690 II ADV Case + NZXT Sentry LX LCD Fan Controller?
Gigabyte X58A-UD3R or X58-USB3 motherboard
Intel i7 950 3.06GHz
OCZ Gold 3*2Gb memory (not sure which type)
Hard Disk (preferably 2Tb)
Windows 7 Home Premium

So the questions:

1 - Is there any compatibility problem with my proposed setup (PSU powerful enough, enough power cables etc.)?

2 - Does the fan controller need any special cables that don't come as standard?

3 - The motherboard supports 2200 / 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz memory frequencies but Overclockers only sells 1333 / 1600 / 1866 / 2000 MHz tri-channel memory. Will the higher frequency memory work at all with either of these motherboards?

4 - Is it really essential to use a 7200 rpm HDD for a boot drive or will a 5400 rpm 'eco' drive do (given that they're cheaper)?

5 - I want to try to keep my older OS's to ease the transition to Windows 7, they're both OEM versions. Will there be any issues with getting so much new hardware?

6 - Given question 5 should I buy the retail version of Windows 7 to avoid future problems?

The big question:

7 - Should I wait for Sandy Bridge or is it probably not worth it? (If anyone can answer that.....)

Thanks for your feedback.

Mark
 
Ok,
What you are said to upgrade to is great, do you however need the i7? how about a i5? or even AMD Phenom II?
1) Your psu will be fine
2) I dont think so
3) I think the higher frequency ram if you get it will just work at a lower speed
4) Well a 7200rpm drive would be better but a eco green isnt too bad
5) Well an OEM version means that you cant use it more than once in most cases so you will need a new OS anyway.
6) I would, or have you tried Linux?
7) Depends, do you need a new pc? if not then wait as new stuff is always good :p
 
Thanks for the response.

If I get 1600 MHz memory does that mean that it will work at the same speed as 1333 MHz memory, therefore making it a waste of money?

I did consider i5 (I've decided to be loyal to Intel) but I think I'll go for i7 so that it will last longer before the next upgrade.

And finally...I'm not re-installing the old OS's I'll just reconnect their hard drives once I've installed Windows 7 and setup a dual/tri boot system. The only problem is will the old OS's see that as being connected to a new computer and therefore not allow me to re-validate the licence?

Mark
 
Yes it will go down to 1333, yes
Well if your wanting your pc to last a long time before the next upgrade then wait for sandy bridge? then you have the latest tech possible.
Well it is always better to reinstall the OS as the drivers etc for the motherboard are needed (same for gfx). Plus a new pc with a nice fresh OS such a Win 7 will make you love your pc more :p
 
The only problem with Sandy Bridge is that it comes out after Christmas which will be the last opportunity for a while for me to take my computer offline without affecting work etc. Having said that Sandy Bridge is forecast to be almost the same price as the current hardware for more performance........

To re-install the old OS's will a repair install be good enough or will that not get rid of the old drivers properly? Or else can I install Win 7 and then plug in the old drives and manually clear out the old drivers in the old OS's and install the new ones? I'm just anxious to avoid having problems with licencing.

Mark
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom