power or wait

Danny862 · 22 Jan 2011 at 12:24

i would like to upgrade my computer, my memory is maxed out (all 2GB of it) during games or even when i just have quite a few programs open (i always do)

my problem is low budget £230 including dilivery
so i have found this
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=BU-019-OP&groupid=43&catid=339&subcat=1803
which i might (just) be able to also buy a power supply

however i would prefere to have a i3

Intel Core i3 540 3.06GHz (Clarkdale) (Socket LGA1156) - Retail
Biostar H55A+ Intel H55 (Socket 1156) DDR3 Motherboard
GeIL 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz VALUE PLUS Dual Channel (GVP34GB1600C9DC)

but would this run on my ASUS 400w PSU
i do also have a spare one of these which i have only used for a week in a old machine
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-042-OK&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1709
any advice?

also i have only ever fully installed a AMD 939 cpu, so i would prefere bundles form OCuk
thank you

95thrifles · 22 Jan 2011 at 12:47

If you're using PSU now and not having any issues, changin mobo/RAM/cpu shouldnt really change it, only a newer gfx would really change the picture much, if you can put it together yourself, which isnt difficult, you can get this

AMD Phenom II X4 Quad Core 955 Black Edition "125W Edition" 3.20GHz (Socket AM3) - Retail £119.99
Foxconn A7DA-S 3.0 AMD 790GX (Socket AM3) DDR3 Motherboard £54.98
(£45.82) £54.98
(£45.82)
GeIL 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz VALUE PLUS Dual Channel (GVP34GB1600C9DC) £33.98
Sub Total : £174.13
Shipping cost assumes delivery to UK Mainland with:
DPD Next Day Parcel
(This can be changed during checkout) Shipping : £9.50
VAT is being charged at 20.00% VAT : £36.73
Total : £220.36

Danny862 · 22 Jan 2011 at 12:50

is that motherboard microATX?
i would prefere to have ATX, as my case is HUGE!!!
i would put it together myself if it was AMD PGA, more confident with that
also do you think that i should chage to my spare PSU as it is higher wattage?

stulid · 22 Jan 2011 at 12:52

normal size dude.

shadow_boxer · 22 Jan 2011 at 12:54

Assuming you'll be adding what you get to the rig in you sig, if I were in your shoes with that budget, I'd look at getting a second hand Q6600 (G0 stepping) [£70] CPU and a 4GB DDR2 RAM (2x2GB matched pair). It'll offer you better performance than the Intel Core i3 540 and at a lower price. Comparison .

I wouldn't worry about fitting a new CPU, the fact that you've installed a CPU before should reassure you.

You could pick up an aftermarket cooler and overclock the Q6600 too. I would then think about upgrading your PSU but continue with the one you are using currently. I would stay clear of the OcUK Crusade 450W PSU personally.

Orcvader · 22 Jan 2011 at 12:58

Surely getting a second hand Q6600 with an aftermarket cooler, then overclocking it will be better? Also replace your RAM with 2x2gb.

Then when you have more money, I would go replace your GPU with something like a 460 786mb with this PSU: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-042-BQ

Danny862 · 22 Jan 2011 at 13:05

the spec i have now will be moved into my sisters computer, just the parts i upgrade
she is using the AMD 939 i built a while back.

are you sure that a AMD Phenom II X4 Quad Core 955 Black Edition "125W Edition" 3.20GHz will work with a 400w PSU, that is nearly 3 years old?

Cleeecooo · 22 Jan 2011 at 22:35

If you have a spare psu you can run bith at the same time using a dual psu adapter

Danny862 · 23 Jan 2011 at 15:29

i do but i dont have the mounting space in my case to do that, i have a server standard case but it only has one PSU slot.

Danny862 · 16 Jun 2011 at 18:12

i am getting the 530w bequiet