Upgrade 4 Computers

[jezscott]

Hi All,

Its upgrade time again.

We currently have 3 computers in the house and I want to upgrade each - but make use of as many existing components as possible.
We work from home (architects) and the computers are used for a mixture of work and entertainment.

I am going to start researching what to upgrade or keep, but I thought I would post this to to see if anyone has any proposals as well.


I need the following 4 computers:

Workstation1: Graphics, CAD & Games

Workstation2: Graphics, CAD & occasional Games

MediaServer: Media Storage, Blu-ray, HQ Audio & Video playback, & occasional Games

OfficeServer: File Storage, backup, shared project programmes/time sheets etc.

(all to be Maxwell Render clients as well)​

I currently have the following computers:

PC1: Self Build - OCT 2006

OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate 32bit OEM
MOBO: Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3, ATX Socket-775, 1066Mhz FSB, Core2Duo/Core2ExtremeQuad-Core, 7.1 Audio, 10/100/1000LAN (LINK)
CPU: Intel Core2Duo E6300 LGA775 Allendale 1.86GHz (1066FSB)
COOLER: Scythe Ninja Plus Rev.B Heatpipe CPU Cooler (478/754/939/940/AM2/LGA755)
MEM: GeIL (2x1GB) PC6400 800MHz Ultra Low Latency DDR2 Dual Channel Kit
MEM: GeIL (2x1GB) PC6400 800MHz Ultra Low Latency DDR2 Dual Channel Kit
HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB ST3250620AS 16MB SATA2
HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB ST3320620AS 16MB SATA2
HD: Western Digital CAVIAR SE16 750GB WD7500AAKS 16MB SATA/300
GFX: OcUK MSI GeForce 7900GTO SILENT 512MB GDDR3 VIVO TV-Out/Dual DVI PCI-E
DVD: NEC AD7170A 18x18 DVD±RW DL
CASE: Antec Sonata II Piano Black Quiet Case - 450W Smart Power PSU
MON: 24in Dell UltraSharp 2407-WFP (1920x1200) DVI-D​

PC2: Dell Inspiron 530 - JUNE 2008

OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Business 32bit OEM
CPU: Intel Core2 Quad-Core Q9450 LGA775 2.66GHz (1333FSB) 12MB cache)
MOBO: Assumed Intel G33
MEM: (4x1GB) PC6400 800Mhz DDR2 Dual Channel
HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB ST3250310AS 8Mb SATA 3Gb/s
HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB ST3250310AS 8Mb SATA 3Gb/s
GFX: ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB PCI-E
DVD: Sony/NEC Optiarc AD-7200S-ATA 16x DVD+/-RW DL
CASE: Assumed ATX with 300W PSU
MON: 24in Dell UltraSharp 2408-WFP (1920x1200) DVI-D
WNTY: 3Year In-Home Warranty Support​

PC3: Self Build - OCT 2006

OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 32bit OEM
MOBO: ASRock 939A8X-M, mATX Socket-939, 1000MHz FSB, Athlon64FX/64X2/64, AGP8x, 7.1 Audio, 10/100LAN (LINK)
CPU: AMD Athlon64 3700+
COOLER: Thermaltake Blue Orb II 939/AM2/775
MEM: (2x512Mb) DDR400
HD: Western Digital CAVIAR GP 750GB WD7500AACS 16MB SATA/300
GFX: ATI Radeon 9800 AGP8x 128mb
DVD: nec dvd-rw nd-2510a
CASE: Antec NSK1300 mATX Cube Case - 300W PSU
MISC: Leadtek Winfast DTV2000H Hybrid PCI TV tuner (broken)
MISC: Microsoft Media Centre Remote
MON: 40in Samsung LE-40A656 (1920x1080) 100Hz HDMI/D-sub (LINK)​

Other:

OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate 32bit OEM
​

 

[jezscott]

Workstation1: Graphics, CAD & Games

Propose to use PC1 &
upgrade to Q6700
upgrade to Radeon HD4850​

Will I need to upgrade my Antec 450W Smart Power PSU?

Workstation2: Graphics, CAD & occasional Games

Propose to use PC2 & leave as is​

MediaServer: Media Storage, Blu-ray, HQ Audio & Video playback, & occasional Games

Propose to use PC3 &
...just hastily bought a Athlon64 X2 4400+ sk939
propose to:
upgrade with additional 2x1Gb DDR400 memory (total 3Gb)
upgrade with Radeon HD 3650 SILENT 512MB AGP8x
upgrade with Blu-ray drive (not sure to go for BD/DVD-RW only or full BD-RW)
upgrade with Compro VideoMate Vista T750F Dual DVB-T Hybrid
upgrade sound card (not sure which one yet)​

Will the Antec 300W PSU be enough for this lot?

OfficeServer: File Storage, backup, shared project programmes/time sheets etc.
not sure to go for NAS or build a cheap machine using old E6300 and 250+320 harddrives...