System Update

rjtaylor · 27 Oct 2007 at 17:53

Hi all,

Great forum, already gained a signifiant level of knowledge from previous posts but would like your help and comments on my specific upgrade.

Presently running:
Athlon XP 3000+ (2.15gz)
768MB RAM :eek:

Maxtor 120GB HD 6Y120P0
Radeon 9800 Pro
SB Audigy 2 (5.1)
450w PSU

System is getting to a point as I am sure you will agree where it is stuggling to run new games so it's time for an upgrade (particularly as COD4 is on its way...). As I have a laptop as well, I use my desktop pretty much for games and music only. From my original build, I am guessing I can re-use the soundcard, possibly the HD (?), and the case which is a Thermaltake Xaser II.

I was hoping of getting the rest for something in the region of £600. However if I go for the 8800GTS, guess I am looking at a bit more? I did once buy a graphics card for £350 (GForce 2!) and said after that experience that I would sooner buy a mid range GFX and upgrade after 1-2 years rather than 1 top end one and hope I'll get 3 years out of it? Any thoughts. Or is the 8800 just worth the money? Anyway, would appreciate your thoughts on a good system to give me a good 3 years futureproof.

I was thinking:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 "LGA775 Conroe" 2.66GHz (1333FSB) - Retail
Asus P5K3 Deluxe WiFi Intel P35 (Socket 775) PCI-Express DDR3 Motherboard
OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC2-8500 1066MHz SLI-Ready Edition Dual Channel DDR2
GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB GDDR3 HDTV/Dual DVI (PCI-Express) - Retail
Corsair HX 620W ATX2.2 Modular SLI Compliant PSU (CMPSU-620HXUK)
Samsung SpinPoint S 250GB SATA-II 8MB Cache - OEM (HD250HJ) - if needed

Thoughts? Already at £700 with this build mind you?

Oh yeah, also have the Zalman Flower CPU cooler in my present system - is this still good enough or does this need upgrading?

Thanks all.

rjtaylor · 27 Oct 2007 at 18:14

I'll overclock with a level of help from here once up ad running as my competence stretches to bulding only - not overclocking....

Thanks re the RAM - missed that. Is 2GB enough, or should I stretch to 4GB?
As you put a new CPU cooler in, is the Zalman Flower no good?
Present hard drive ok?
Also, thanks on the heads up regarding the 8800GS

rjtaylor · 27 Oct 2007 at 18:48

Thanks guys. I'll keep my eye out for the release of the GT then.
Dave, what are you trying to link on tweaktown? You just linked the index page?
Sorry I'm asking again, but do new hard drives offer something new over the Maxtor I have? 120gb is enough for me so not worried about size.

rjtaylor · 27 Oct 2007 at 20:00

If I go for 4GB ram, what's the recomendation for use in Billy's system?

rjtaylor · 27 Oct 2007 at 20:34

I mean would you simply go for 4 x 1GB of the GeIL RAM as already recomended, or an alternative 2 x 2gb?

rjtaylor · 27 Oct 2007 at 21:08

Great, think that's all my questions asked. Much appreciated

rjtaylor · 30 Dec 2007 at 20:58

Sorry to resurect this thread.
Still haven't upgraded, inititally due to stock issues with the 8800GT, then I waited until after xmas to see if any price drops of the GFX card... no such luck.

Anyway, now wanting to order. Still recomending the same build, or any changes given the delay?
Regarding the GFX card, I've read manufacturer makes little difference? I see the Asus one is on this week only - assume this is a good bet and then overclock myself? Stock of the cheap 8800GTs appears shocking so this looks like a good price.

Also, wrt cooling, it a good CPU cooler and my original thermaltake case sufficient? Assume no need for water cooling etc with a system like this?

Thanks all.

BillytheImpaler said:
This would be a good setup:

The GTS here is a placeholder for an 8800 GS, which should be out next week. It'll be faster than the GTS but cost about the same.

rjtaylor · 1 Jan 2008 at 11:50

Grrr, Asus 8800GT joined the club of OOS cards..... rest still look ok? Many thanks.