Itching to Upgrade...

[dmw16]

For some reason I have an itch to upgrade something in my computer. My specs are:

CPU: C2D E6550 (overclocked to 3Ghz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L
RAM:2x2GB OCZ DDR2
Hard Drive1: 150GB RaptorX (not installed yet)
Hard Drive2: 640GB Western Digital
Graphics: 512MB Radeon 4870

Any thoughts? Do I need to upgrade anything? I like to play games on the machine (24" LCD @ 1920...) mostly shooters.

This is probably a stupid thread and I probably don't need anything right now since everything I play runs fine. But answer anyway

 

[brianj320]

maybe add some more RAM. or if you are really itching to do something, a sound card perhaps? get the most from your gaming experience.

 

[dmw16]

I had thought about RAM or a sound card. Also was thinking some sweet headphones.

 

[Denithor]

Originally posted by: dmw16
This is probably a stupid thread and I probably don't need anything right now since everything I play runs fine. But answer anyway

There's your answer right there.

Now, let me help you scratch your upgrade itch.

For 1920x1200 a 1GB 4870 would make a difference in some games, especially in the minimum fps (which is where you will feel it most). A 4850 X2 would probably be a better buy, much stronger, make sure you grab the 2GB model, but be warned - most of the reviews state it's a noisy beast of a card. Make sure it will fit your case before buying.

For overall performance, grab either the Intel X25-M (80GB @ $350) or one of the OCZ Vertex SSD drives - those will give you a noticeable improvement in overall system responsiveness, games will load faster and transition loading times will be drastically reduced. If you go this route, use the SSD as your boot drive & install your games on it. Either of these drives will be significantly faster than that RaptorX you're sitting on.

 

[imported_wired247]

what is your PSU?

 

[Blain]

Just save your money. There will be expensive components coming down the river in the near future.

Exercise a little restraint and delay gratification

 

[dmw16]

Thanks. Since Im not home during the week at all for the next 3 months there probably isn't much sense in an upgrade for now.

 

[wjgollatz]

add a fanless video card for Folding at Home and join the Anandtech.com team (team #198)

 

[octopus41092]

Go crossfire w/ HD4870's, GTX 295 or... buy a larger monitor, or another one. Get a SSD?