Replacing nearly everything, advice needed

AlexJD

AlexJD

AlexJD

Associate
Joined
2 Nov 2013
Posts
7
Hi all,

I posted here a few months back regarding HDD issues which I solved by replacing the HDD. Now I've run into new problems I'm certain are motherboard related, but I have a bit of a budget to play with this time so I've decided to replace pretty much all the major components.

Current spec:

Case - Antec 300
Mobo - Gigabyte H55M-UDHZ
CPU - intel i3 550 3.20 Ghz
Cooling - Corsair Hydro
GPU - Nvidia GTX460
PSU - OCZ Stealth XStream II 600w
HDD - 1TB Seagate Barracuda ST3100534AS
Soundcard - Asus Xonar DG Audio
Ram - 4GB Corsair
OS - Windows 7 64-Bit

I want to keep the case w/fans, and the (new) HDD and replace everything else, switching my current copy of Windows to a SSD. I'd also prefer to stick with intel and Nvidia, as I'm familiar with both and neither have let me down. The soundcard isn't essential, but I'd like advice on a new PSU, Motherboard, GPU, CPU, RAM, a SSD, and, if necessary, alternative cooling for the CPU.

I should add that this will be primarily for gaming; I'm looking for decent FPS and the ability to play current games at med-high settings. My budget is £500 - £700.
 
 
Thanks for your suggestions, that all looks like a vast improvement over what I'm currently using.

As far as I can tell the Hydro is running fine, but I was unsure if there'd be an issue with it fitting around a whole set of new components. As long as it is fully compatible and there's no space concerns (the case is quite roomy) then I'll stick with it. Some good thermal paste and something to clean off the old lot would be a good idea too, I'm assuming?

Also, something I meant to ask before: is there anything I should bear in mind when switching the OS to the new SDD?

Meanwhile, thanks again, I appreciate the suggestions.
 
 
AlexJD said:
Some good thermal paste and something to clean off the old lot would be a good idea too, I'm assuming?
Click to expand...

Yes. Isopropyl Alcohol (70+%) from a pharmacy will do it. This stuff below is great though if you don't mind the price (it can be used dozens of times, just a couple drops from each bottle each time will do the trick):

YOUR BASKET
1 x Arctic Silver ArctiClean Thermal Material Remover and Surface Purifier - 60ml Kit £6.98




As for thermal paste, these are a few of the highly recommended ones:

YOUR BASKET
1 x Arctic Cooling MX-4 Thermal Compound (4g) £8.99
1 x IC Diamond 7-Carat Thermal Compound (1.5g) £6.98
1 x Prolimatech PK-3 Nano Aluminium Thermal Paste - 1,5g £4.5



Tests have shown there's only about 1/2 degrees difference between the good pastes, so you can't go wrong.

AlexJD said:
Also, something I meant to ask before: is there anything I should bear in mind when switching the OS to the new SDD?

Meanwhile, thanks again, I appreciate the suggestions.
Click to expand...

The ideal method is a new, clean install, if possible, with only the SSD connected (not the hard drive). If you really have to/want to transfer, maybe open a thread in the Windows & Other Software forum to get more tips.
 
Last edited:
Hi again,

So I decided against going with a SSD and will stick with my current HDD instead, but I went with Danny75's suggestions and placed my order on Wednesday. Unfortunately the SuperFlower PSU was not in stock, but it had an expected arrival date of Feb 28 (yesterday) so I ordered it anyway.

However it was still not in stock by yesterday afternoon, so I called Overclockers and long story short the chap I spoke to suggested the Corsair CS550M 550W semi-modular PSU. Better yet he said I could have it at the same price as the SuperFlower and told me I could expect delivery of the order today, which was a very welcome little bonus.

I do have one concern (I'm a worrier by nature though, so no surprise there). I've had a look at a few reviews/benchmarks for the GTX 770, and I've noticed a few conflicting suggestions regarding recommended PSUs. Some say 600W, others say 550W should be fine.

I'm confident that you folks know your stuff and would not have suggested a 550W PSU if it wasn't up to the job, so this is more a niggle than a major worry, but a bit of reassurance here would be appreciated. If I'm worrying over nothing and a 550W PSU will be ok, then great, but I'd rather not run into issues down the road if I can avoid it.

Worse case scenario I'll send the 550W Corsair back, order a 600W, and wait a few more days to put the new rig together. And remember to do my research thoroughly beforehand next time!
 
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