Hi guys and gals, My Mobo has finally given up completely and I'm forced to upgrade. My CPU isn't worth saving, and I think my DDR2 would now only serve to limit what I can buy. I'm very much out of the loop regarding AMD vs Intel (though I used to be an AMD fan), and so my only requirement there is a multi-core processor. I'm not a gamer, but I do have 2 screens and plan to add a third at some point. What would you suggest? Thanks in advance to all. Edit: main use: web dev using existing: HDD/Blu-ray drive; ATX case, fans overclocking: only if it's really easy requirements: quiet
On Scan's Today Only list today: * Intel Core i3 530 Dual Core Clarkdale 32nm, 2.93GHz, 4MB Cache, 73W, Integrated GPU @ 733MHz, Retail * Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro v2 - S1366/S1156/S775/AM3/AM2+/AM2/939 Up to 130 Watts! * Asus P7H55-M, Intel H55 Express, 1156, PCI-E 2.0 (x16), DDR3 2200(OC), SATA 3Gb/s, mATX, OnBoard VGA * 4GB (2x2GB) Corsair XMS3 DDR3 PC3-12800 (1600), Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 9-9-9-24, XMP, 1.65V £252.61 Free delivery to forum members.
If you want a better CPU: Also on Scan's Today Only page (today): BX80616I5650 - Intel Core i5 650, Dual Core Clarkdale 32nm, 3.2GHz, 4MB Cache, 73W, Integrated GPU @ 733MHz, Retail - £140.99 Asus P7H55-M, Intel H55 Express, 1156, PCI-E 2.0 (x16), DDR3 2200(OC), SATA 3Gb/s, mATX, OnBoard VGA - £64.04 Not on the Today Only page: CMX4GX3M2A1600C9 - 4GB (2x2GB) Corsair XMS3 DDR3 PC3-12800 (1600), Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 9-9-9-24, XMP, 1.65V - £96.49 Grand Total = £301.52 (no CPU cooler but the AC Freezer 7 Pro is only £15.85) For free delivery, see this: http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=186923
Hmm, perhaps I need more from the mobo, and less from the CPU. More USB ports would be nice, and I think I definately need slot that can take a graphics card.
This is a good deal if you really don't want to overclock yourself, the motherboard is a better one than the Asus in my first post IMHO: http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials...ed+Gaming+Motherboard+Bundle+?productId=39584 - Intel Core i3 530 2.93Ghz (Clarkdale) (Socket LGA1156) Processor Overclocked to 4.2GHz - Gigabyte GA-H55M-UD2H Intel H55 DDR3 Micro-ATX Motherboard - G.Skill RipJaw 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C8 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit - Coolermaster Hyper 212 Plus CPU Cooler - Pre-assembled and extensively stress tested by Gladiator technicians to ensure stability!!!!!! £305.49
Another slightly different combination: Scan's Today Only page (today): BX80616I5650 - Intel Core i5 650, Dual Core Clarkdale 32nm, 3.2GHz, 4MB Cache, 73W, Integrated GPU @ 733MHz, Retail - £140.99 Not on Scan's Today Only page: CMX4GX3M2A1600C9 - 4GB (2x2GB) Corsair XMS3 DDR3 PC3-12800 (1600), Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 9-9-9-24, XMP, 1.65V - £96.49 Gigabyte GA-H55M-UD2H, Intel H55, 1156, PCI-E 2.0 (x16), DDR3 1600/1800/2133, SATA 3Gb/s, VGA, uATX - £69.97 AC-FREEZER7-PRO-REV2 - Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro v2 - S1366/S1156/S775/AM3/AM2+/AM2/939 Up to 130 Watts! - £15.85 Grand Total = £323.30 (slightly over budget but a better motherboard)
That's a great looking mobo, I may see what I could get with that. EDIT: simul-posting! My £300 budget is definitely already stretching things a little!
Another option: * Intel Core i3 530 - Dual Core CPU * 4Gb Corsair XMS3 DDR3 1600Mhz * Gigabyte H55M-UD2H * Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro Overclocked by Scan (guaranteed) for £317.24. http://www.scan.co.uk/shops/3XS/bundles?_s_icmp=yH5WRg6u But if it was me I would spend the extra £6 and get the i5 650, you can always overclock it yourself. I would definately go for the Gigabyte motherboard. See review here: http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/motherboards/2010/01/28/gigabyte-ga-h55m-ud2h-review/1.
One thing I didn't check: I assume you either have a graphics card already or that you will use the on board graphics of an i3 or i5 650?
New Today Only deal on Scan (22/06/10): * 4GB (2x2GB) Corsair XMS3 DDR3 PC3-12800 (1600), Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 9-9-9-24, XMP, 1.65V * Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro v2 - S1366/S1156/S775/AM3/AM2+/AM2/939 Up to 130 Watts! * Gigabyte GA-H55M-UD2H, Intel H55, 1156, PCI-E 2.0 (x16), DDR3 1600/1800/2133, SATA 3Gb/s, VGA, uATX * Intel Core i3 530 Dual Core Clarkdale 32nm, 2.93GHz, 4MB Cache, 73W, Integrated GPU @ 733MHz, Retail £263.19 (spooky, do you think they are reading this thread?)
I might be wrong here but I dont think you can use onboard graphics and a GPU together, I think its one or the other.
Well, I've bought it! It seems that some mobos let you use both at once, since we've got several computers in this office doing it.
some mobos will allow you to use both IGP and PCI-e at the same time and with windows 7 it makes it very easy. its all upto the mobo vendor and how they setup the bios.
