Proposed upgrade, need feedback please

Teki187

Teki187

Teki187

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Joined
15 Sep 2006
Posts
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Location
Somewhere in York
rig2.jpg


Is what i have so far.

Would appreciate some feedback on the choices i've selected.

Also what would you guys recommend in regards to graphics card, soundcard and would i need a new PSU.

Are creative bringing out a new sound card? And is it worth upgrading from a GTX280?

Currently i have:

PSU - Corsair TX750
MOBO - Asus P5Q-E
CPU - Q6600 @ 3.4
MEM - 4gb G.Skill
SND - Creative X-FI Gamer

Thanks.
 
May as well buy the OEM CPU rather than the retail version considering you are buying an after-market cooler. Saves a few quid.

Apparently this is the best thermal paste on the market today.

Do you really need 2000Mhz RAM? You probably could save a few quid and use this set without noticing any real-world difference. I'm sure I've have heard that there is occasionally problems with getting stable high overclocks on the i7 when using 2000Mhz RAM, as obviously the internal memory controller is working harder - but I'm not sure.

For PSU I would suggest any of the Corsair HX series. Probably go for the 750W model (higher if you plan to go Crossfire or SLi anytime soon). EDIT: Just noticed that you already have a 750W PSU, just stick with that.

The ATI HD5870 (not sure that this a would fit in your choice of case) or 5850 for the GPU depending on your budget & resolution you game at. Both do well in all modern games - and will probably continue to do so for some time yet. Nvidia still haven't release their DirectX 11 card, it will probably be more powerful but also more expensive. However, if your 280 can handle games then I don't see a need to upgrade just yet - not many DirectX 11 games are on the immediate horizon.

I don't know about sound cards so can't help there.

I would consider dropping the Mobo for a cheaper model, perhaps this or this. With the money saved + the money saved on RAM, invest in a 64GB SSD for a boot drive. You will probably get more benefit from this compared to the Mobo & RAM.

Hope this helps :)
 
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I would say change the paste to MX-3 as said above, your current PSU should be fine no point wasting money same with GFX a GTX 280 still hold there ground in most games wait for the price drops, sounds card are a bit of waste nowdays unless your using music software and editing etc.. and last 1600mhz ram is more then enough for 4ghz clocks:D
 
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I'd leave off the Akasa Paxmate stuff too and save yourself an extra £15.

I have some in my Antec 300 and it makes absolutely no difference at all...but luckily I didn't buy it myself as it was given to me.

Save your money and put it towards something else :)
 
Motherboard is completely unnecessary, could save yourself a fair bit there.
Cheaper RAM will make very little difference.
The Noctua cooler isnt that great - certainly not worth the price tag. A Megahelems or Alpenfohn would do you better for cheaper and the MX3 also drops a few C over AC5.
Most people tend to advise against using the WD caviar Greens as primary drives although I am and have been using one for a while with no issues. On paper there are faster ones though, ie Caviar black or Samsung F3.
GTX280 will hold you over nicely for a while now.

EDIT: something like this -
Untitled-11.jpg


£5 is well worth the extra 2 years warranty.
Im using that mobo now after having major issues with a UD5 including clearance issues. Couldnt be happier with it, took my 920 straight to 4GHz with 1600MHz RAM.
RJK has been testing that CPU cooler and says it rivals the Megahelems with one fan.
 
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BIGBC said:
Motherboard is completely unnecessary, could save yourself a fair bit there.
Cheaper RAM will make very little difference.
The Noctua cooler isnt that great - certainly not worth the price tag. A Megahelems or Alpenfohn would do you better for cheaper and the MX3 also drops a few C over AC5.
Most people tend to advise against using the WD caviar Greens as primary drives although I am and have been using one for a while with no issues. On paper there are faster ones though, ie Caviar black or Samsung F3.
GTX280 will hold you over nicely for a while now.

EDIT: something like this -

Snip

£5 is well worth the extra 2 years warranty.
Im using that mobo now after having major issues with a UD5 including clearance issues. Couldnt be happier with it, took my 920 straight to 4GHz with 1600MHz RAM.
RJK has been testing that CPU cooler and says it rivals the Megahelems with one fan.
Click to expand...

Appreciate the replies.

Any recommendations on soundcard?

Are creative bringing out a new one soon?
 
Teki187 said:
Appreciate the replies.

Any recommendations on soundcard?

Are creative bringing out a new one soon?
Click to expand...

No problems.
Ive never seen the benefit from soundcards, unless your using a professional one for sound production. Otherwise I can tell you that that EVGA X58 SLI LE's onboard sound is great upto (and no doubt beyond) 160W ;)
 
your current gear is pretty solid, why do you need this upgrade?

PSU - Corsair TX750
MOBO - Asus P5Q-E
CPU - Q6600 @ 3.4
MEM - 4gb G.Skill
SND - Creative X-FI Gamer
GC - GTX280 ?!
 
asoxedri said:
your current gear is pretty solid, why do you need this upgrade?

PSU - Corsair TX750
MOBO - Asus P5Q-E
CPU - Q6600 @ 3.4
MEM - 4gb G.Skill
SND - Creative X-FI Gamer
GC - GTX280 ?!
Click to expand...

I upgraded to mine from a Q9550 @ 3.4GHz, 4GB 1066MHz RAM and 2x9800GX2's.
Selling the old stuff made space for new stuff for me.
Was a very noticeable (and fun) upgrade anyway.
 
BIGBC said:
I upgraded to mine from a Q9550 @ 3.4GHz, 4GB 1066MHz RAM and 2x9800GX2's.
Selling the old stuff made space for new stuff for me.
Was a very noticeable (and fun) upgrade anyway.
Click to expand...

if you got the money to spend i'm not going to stop ya lol. was just curious as that rig could handle pretty much everything.

everything looks cool but if it were my preference i'd probs go for the silverstone case instead but thats down to taste imo.
 
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