Upgrade or New PC?

[jmirko15]

Hello there,

I am currently using this PC for work and occasionaly some gaming (Mainly WoW, D3 and GW2). The problem I have is that it keeps freezing on random times like it has memory issues, especially while using various browsers (even when I only have them open and NOTHING else).


Mainboard : ASRock P55M Pro
Chipset : Intel P55
Processor : Intel Core i5 750 @ 2666 MHz
Physical Memory : 12288 KB
Video Card : ATI Radeon HD 5670
Hard Disk : Seagate ST3250318AS ATA Device (250GB)
Hard Disk : Seagate ST3250318AS ATA Device (250GB)
CD-Rom Drive : DTSOFT Virtual CdRom Device
CD-Rom Drive : DTSOFT Virtual CdRom Device
Monitor Type : Samsung SMT23A350 - 23 inches
Monitor Type : Samsung SMT23A350 - 23 inches
Network Card : Realtek Semiconductor RTL8139/810x Fast Ethernet Adapter
Power Supply: Cooler Master RS-520
Operating System : Windows 7 Ultimate Professional Media Center 6.01.7600 (64-bit)
DirectX : Version 11.00
Windows Performance Index : 5.9 on 7.9


Because of the work I do, I keep a LOT of programs open at the same time, for example FF with 50+ tabs, Safari with 30+ tabs, Thunderbird, Skype x 2, MSN x 3, ~3 doc files, ~2 excel files while I run on the background Nod32 Antivirus 5, Comodo Firewall, Perfect Disk, Actual Multiple Monitors (currently using two monitors), sidebar with some basic PC info + extras and I have modified the desktop using Stardock Fences + Stardock ObjectDock. Hopefully I didn't forget anything there.

I was thinking of either upgrading this PC or make a new one from scratch (although the thought of moving all my work + setup from this one to the new one makes me a bit nervous..).

I would like help with the whole build, money is NOT an issue at this moment BUT I have a few concerns which are:
- Should I go with SSD for Windows + a few main programs (no idea which ones though)
- I am thinking of getting a third monitor so I need a strong Graphics card or cards which can handle the monitors. My only problem is that the monitors only have HDMI connectivity.
- Should I add way more RAM to handle all the above programs?

Thank you very much for your time and help!
J

 

[Beerbaron]

-12GB memory should be fine for gaming.
-Definitely look into getting an SSD drive. I personally wouldn't get one smaller than 120GB as you will probably soon fill it. Once you go SSD you wont go back due to the speed increase.
-CPU is still very good for gaming so no need to upgrade.
-GFX should probably be upgraded.

 

[Marine-RX179]

Definitely go for SSD upgrade. With that many apps opened at the same time and jumping between them, I wouldn't be surprised if those Seagate HDDs are not responding fast enough.

SSD would allow you to switch between programs smoothly, without the "choking" and waiting of traditional mechanical HDD.

 

[Fire_fly]

An SSD would be the best upgrade. Maybe consider an upgrade to a 7850 or 660, this would give a nice improvement for gaming (depending on your PSU).

Have you tried to run Mem test to confirm if you do have a problem with your RAM?

 

[Randomface74]

Sounds like the flash/browser gpu acceleration setting needs turning off.

Aside from that - do a clean install onto an SSD - and upgrade the graphics card for gaming (7850 or higher).

 

[jmirko15]

-12GB memory should be fine for gaming.
-Definitely look into getting an SSD drive. I personally wouldn't get one smaller than 120GB as you will probably soon fill it. Once you go SSD you wont go back due to the speed increase.
-CPU is still very good for gaming so no need to upgrade.
-GFX should probably be upgraded.

Thank you for your reply.
I was thinking of a 250GB + SSD so I can clone my current drive and also HD 7850.

Definitely go for SSD upgrade. With that many apps opened at the same time and jumping between them, I wouldn't be surprised if those Seagate HDDs are not responding fast enough.

SSD would allow you to switch between programs smoothly, without the "choking" and waiting of traditional mechanical HDD.

Thank you for the info
Already looking into this

An SSD would be the best upgrade. Maybe consider an upgrade to a 7850 or 660, this would give a nice improvement for gaming (depending on your PSU).

Have you tried to run Mem test to confirm if you do have a problem with your RAM?

Thank you for the reply!
Like I said above I am already checking out about an SSD and thinking of the 7850.

I have never run Mem test though. Will do that now and get back to you!

Sounds like the flash/browser gpu acceleration setting needs turning off.

Aside from that - do a clean install onto an SSD - and upgrade the graphics card for gaming (7850 or higher).

Thank you for getting back to me!

What do you mean flash/browser gpu acceleration settings turning off? How can I do that?

And thank you for your recommendations





I just have a question, I was checking out my Task Manager and according to it I am usually using around 3-6GB of RAM but the CPU seems a bit high imho (no idea though) at around 30-40%.

Any ideas/suggestions?

Thank you!