Spec me a PC

DeathStalker · 18 Aug 2007 at 08:25

Upgrade help, confused over memory

The time has come to upgrade, I've put up with my aging AthlonXP 2000+ long enough and I need some thing to play this years selection of great games on. i.e. Bioshock, Crysis, Hellgate:London etc.

I've always had AMD in the past, but I've been considering changing to Intel this time, I have around £700 to spare, but can go up to £1000 if necessary, although I'd prefer not to. I've browsed around the OcUK site, but as my PC knowledge is now at least 2 years out of date, I'm not sure which parts are compatible with which other parts.

Can someone please advise me on a suitable PC spec that will allow me to play the current crop of games, and hopefully continue to do so for the next few years.

Thank you.

DeathStalker · 18 Aug 2007 at 08:44

Yes already have those although I'm considering a new keyboard as mine is about 8 years old. Not sure about overclocking, havent tried it before, so it's not a priority. Also thinking about upgrading to Vista. I also needed a new PSU less than a year ago, Can't remember the make, but its 350W, 400W peak according to the specs on the side. Will that be enough or will I need a new one?

Ill transfer the stuff off my old HDD, but it tends to thrash a lot so it's probably on it's way out. I may keep the Audigy soundcard, unless theres better onboard the new mobo.

DeathStalker · 18 Aug 2007 at 10:58

Thanks for that mate. From browsing on here a bit more, I might wait another month, see whats out then. Need to save up a little more for that list anyway. And I've got a bit more money coming in then, although most of it is already accounted for. Can I get a spec at the £700 mark too please? Maybe get a new PC now, and upgrade a few choice bits in a months time.

DeathStalker · 18 Aug 2007 at 15:48

Thanks for your help guys.

DeathStalker · 21 Aug 2007 at 18:35

Been looking through, and it seems that the 8800GTX wont fit into the gz-x2 case. I have found a case it will fit, but the case wont fit on my desk. theres a shelf above my desk at 480mm. I have found several cases that will fit on my desk, but how do I find out if the gfx card will fit inside them?

DeathStalker · 21 Aug 2007 at 18:55

Yes! Thanks mate, I've been going through the case list one at a time trying to find specs and reviews but this is the answer I've been looking for.

DeathStalker · 31 Aug 2007 at 12:55

Quick question. Now I've got some of the bits, I'm curious as the manual for the Gigabyte GA_P35C_DS3R Mobo says that DDR2 is supported at 800/667 MHz. Does this mean that the 1066MHz Memory I'm thinking of ordering, won't work, or should I just get 800MHz memory for it? Thinking of getting the Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 PC2-8500C5 1066MHz Dual Channel Kit if its any help.

Thanks for all your help.

Also, should I stick to the stock cooler that comes with the Core 2 Quad Q6600, or get the Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro? I run SETI@Home 24/7 so the CPU will be at 100% load nearly all the time. I've chosen a Coolermaster Wavemaster case as it's one of the few that take a GTX8800 and fit on my desk. Will there be problems fitting a different Cooler in that case and the mobo I have?