Im looking to upgrade my PC a little before i build a completely new one next year (probably an i7 rig of some sort) I have only just put in a GTX 460, so i think im mainly looking at mainboard/ram/CPU options, but im happy to take your opinions. My current system is as follows: Thermaltake Tsunami Dream case Hiper 750w PSU (nasty i know, but it works......for now) Intel Dual Core E8400 (stock speed) MSI P35 Neo mainboard http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=prodmbspec&maincat_no=1&cat2_no=&cat3_no=&prod_no=1215 4gb Corsair DDR2 XMS2 Gainward GLH GTX 460 1GB Samsung Spinpoint 500gb Windows 7 64bit Asus 22" monitor I have no major issues with the PCs performance, it plays all the games i like very well - Im just interested in seeing if there are any small areas for improvement to be had from a small investment. NB: I will not consider overclocking at this stage (at least until i have built up a new system, in which case i will give it a go on this one) i guess my main questions/areas for advice are: 1) Is there any point in putting DDR3 memory into this board? 2) Is there any advantage to be had by upgrading just the motherboard? (DDR3 for example) 3) Would the upgrade to a quad core chip make much difference? (keepin my existing board) Any advice from you all on the above 3 points would be awesome Thank you
1. You can't put DDR3 RAM into your existing motherboard, it is a DDR2 only board. 2. Upgrading the motherboard to a DDR3 socket 775 motherboard is a waste of money, you wouldn't notice the difference in gaming, for example, of DDR3 on its' own. 3. With an E8400 (3.0GHz stock speed) it will stand you in good stead until you decide to go the whole hog and upgrade your CPU, motherboard and RAM. In addition, it will overclock like a good 'un with the right cooler although I think your limitation will be your motherboard - I'm not sure on the overclocking abilities of your particular model. DO NOT try overclocking until you get a decent PSU. Whilst a decent Quad such as a Q9650 would improve the odd game and things such as video editing, most games do not utilise more than two cores. Some are starting to come out that do but decent socket 775 quad CPU's are not cheap. You would be better off saving your money for an i5/i7, DDR3 RAM and a good motherboard... ...and a GOOD QUALITY power supply!
If you're considering upgrading the motherboard and cpu then that's no small investment, not to get an upgrade to what you've got. If you're going for an i7 rig next year, I'd hold off until then.
Wait until Sandy Bridge comes out then buy second hand i7 kit off the first movers (I am sure a lot in this forum could be considered as such)...
Thanks guys - Its pretty much as i thought - But theres no harm in checking in with other people in the know! I would not have considered both board and CPU as you rightly point out, it wouldnt be a small investment. And it would make me want to go the whole hog with DDR3, a new case and PSU etc. I take the point on the PSU - I know its awful but its a stop gap thats keeping me going for now. Quite happy to invest in something decent when this one dies. When i build my new rig i plan to re-use my GTX 460 (should still be decent enough card mid next year), and overvlock my C2D system for fun - and to start learning how its done etc.
