System suggestions please

timbo2410 · 1 May 2010 at 14:46

I got my gaming rig from OCUK and it's just great and really fast so I'm very happy. Now as my old workhorse has died I have a decision to make. I really use the old system for 24/7 downloading, video conversion and it's the gemeral purpose (family) computer. I just installed a Corsair 750W HX power supply and new case fans (Antec P180 case) and I have a brand new Arctic Cooler 7 v2 ready for a new CPU. But the mobo has died. So with that in mind ... what should I get? I have had a look at some of the other i5 or i7 options but do I need that much power?

mrfun1981 · 1 May 2010 at 14:50

When it come to Video conversion, is this something you do loads of on a daily basis, if yes i7 would be the best route but if not & only do it now n again other options might be a bit cheaper for you. Do you have a set budget for the parts you need?

CAT-THE-FIFTH · 1 May 2010 at 15:22

What is the existing CPU you already have?? It maybe worth while getting a new motherboard if it is reasonably decent one.

I would have a look at a Phenom II X6 if the most CPU intensive task the computer is doing is video encoding. The socket 1366 motherboards are £140+ and TBH a decent socket AM3 motherboard can be had for around £80 to £100 anyway and many of these have integrated graphics ability too.

Even an Athlon II X4 is also a good budget alternative if money is tighter.

timbo2410 · 1 May 2010 at 16:15

Well my mobo is a Asus A8n Sli deluxe with an AMD athlon 64 FX-55. I do a lot of downloading and converting of video and I have noticed a HUGE difference with my new system (i7). But I am in a situation where my old system could do with a new dvd drive, HDD upgrade as well. I would really want to spend no more than £500 but I think it will take a bit more than that. By the time I throw in CPU, Mobo and video it would be more like £800 i'm sure. My new rig has the core i7 920 overclocked to 4ghz and man that flies. Oh and as I was running Win XP I would probably switch straight to Win 7Pro (64) as well. So that's another added cost. So the list is:
Blue ray re-writer
Samsung F3 1tb HDD
Windows 7 Pro (64)
CPU ???
Mobo ???
Memory ???
Video card ???

CAT-THE-FIFTH · 1 May 2010 at 17:20

timbo2410 · 1 May 2010 at 20:57

Wow it looks like I've got some homework to do ... thanks for the suggestions that's a great start. I really want something that is going to rock solid and have great proccessing power so you've given me a good start ... cheers mate