Options!

xxalxx · 25 Jun 2009 at 15:32

Right I have two Options available to me my current setup is :

Inter Pentium E2160 @ Stock
JW IP35 Pro Motherboard (1.5 Bios)
2*OCZ PC2-6400 1024MB
PNY Geforce 9800GT @ Stock
running Windows Vista 32 bit

Now I wouldn't mind a bit more horsepower available to me, generally play Wow, COD4, AA3, and Empire Total War. I have the following options available for me:

1. Keep the system as is and change the processor to a faster one that the board will support.
2. Change to an AM3 board and get a Phenom II cpu.

Ideally I would like to spend as little as possible as funds need to be acquired for a trip down under

, what would you recommend?

Plec · 25 Jun 2009 at 15:39

If you only want a bit more horsepower then i would upgrade to an E5200 combined with a semi-decent thirdparty cooler and clock the nuts out of it - 3.2GHz -3.5GHz isn't an unacceptable level to try and achieve (obvioulsy there are exceptions.).

You're probably looking at ~£66 all in with free p&p - great bang for buck!

Jon20 · 25 Jun 2009 at 15:48

You could overclock your E2160. As Plec said you could also get a E5200 and clock that, they are very easy to get to atleast 3Ghz. I just upped the FSB on my brothers one, didn't even have to touch any of the voltages. Runs cool as well, haven't seen it go above 50c under load but that is with a Noctua NH-U12P. You could also get a 4GB set of RAM, something like this.

Plec · 25 Jun 2009 at 15:57

Jon20 said:
You could also get a 4GB set of RAM, something like this.

Missed that, if you can afford to spend £100 - then get the 4gig too as suggested.

You would really be getting every penny's worth out of the money spent - with all 3 upgrades:

•E5200 @ 3GHz+ - £52
•Cooler - £14
•4Gig Memory - £40

Robzere31 · 25 Jun 2009 at 16:03

Cheapest option is overclock the E2160. It should do 3GHZ+ easy.

xxalxx · 25 Jun 2009 at 16:03

hmm think I will go for the overclock and more ram. that still gives me the chip upgrade to sneak in later

Using the stock cooler (which I must admit is garbage) as I never got round to changing it, so will get a better one as well. Overall a nice cheap upgrade.

xxalxx · 25 Jun 2009 at 16:06

thanks for the advice guys, just need to prise my wallet from the missus now

Plec · 25 Jun 2009 at 16:09

xxalxx said:
hmm think I will go for the overclock and more ram. that still gives me the chip upgrade to sneak in later

Probably your best option with the money your prepared to spend - good luck with it.