Recommend Me Parts To Upgrade

[teatime0315]

Hey everyone. It's that time to upgrade again. I currently have a rig that is a bit dated.

Cpu: AMD 3800+ X2
GPU: Nvidia 6800 GS
HDD: 500 GB WD + 100 GB
Sound Card: Audigy ZS2?
RAM: 2GB
Case: P180 Antec
PSU: Thermaltake 430w (For sure need to upgrade this)
MoBo: ECS A939

I need to get new parts ASAP and I need help picking out parts.
I think I only need to replace a few things.

CPU: Intel (a quad core) - Don't really know what to get
GPU: Most Likely an AMD/ATI 4870
RAM: 4GB / 8GB?
PSU: I need a new one to actually power this stuff. Preferably one with modular cables
MOBO: Something that is stable and is able to OC. Preferably an Intel based chipset
Soundcard: I'm not sure if i need to upgrade this. But if you guys recommend it, i'll look into it.

Budget: $500-$700
Thanks

 

[SAmalathion]

You definitely don't need 8gb ram for any purpose.

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: SAmalathion
You definitely don't need 8gb ram for any purpose.

I disagree, and the OP didn't state the purpose of this machine.

A quad core Core 2 with a P45/X48 board and a 4870 might break your budget though.

 

[teatime0315]

Oh Yeah sorry about not stating the use of this machine.
I'd like to turn pagefiling off.
Uses: Gaming of course, Photoshop,..
Its basically a gaming/photo editing machine
OS: Windows Vista ultimate 64bit

 

[teatime0315]

I guess you can exclude the 4870 from the budget, I can buy that later.
Thanks

 

[Teslacoiled]

PSU: I recommend the Corsair CMPSU-620HX. Modular, quiet and very efficient.

 

[teatime0315]

Originally posted by: Teslacoiled
PSU: I recommend the Corsair CMPSU-620HX. Modular, quiet and very efficient.

Thanks "Teslacoiled"
I'll keep this in mind. BTW will this be able to handle crossfired 4870?

 

[Denithor]

If you want true Crossfire you will need either an X38 or X48 chipset board. I would probably say though, go with single 4870 ($300) and a Gigabyte EP35-DS3L ($98).

4GB DDR2-800 ($66.50 AR) is fine for 99.x% of people out there.

For your uses, dual core is faster/cheaper/cooler than quadcore. Go with an e7200 ($130) if you're willing to OC or an e8400 ($190) if you aren't.

If going to Crossfire, go with the Corsair 620W PS mentioned earlier. If not, go with the Antec Earthwatts 500W model ($60).

Note that the 4850 has launched and is available for as little as $170 AR but the 4870 won't be available for probably another month.

 

[teatime0315]

Originally posted by: Denithor
If you want true Crossfire you will need either an X38 or X48 chipset board. I would probably say though, go with single 4870 ($300) and a Gigabyte EP35-DS3L ($98).

4GB DDR2-800 ($66.50 AR) is fine for 99.x% of people out there.

For your uses, dual core is faster/cheaper/cooler than quadcore. Go with an e7200 ($130) if you're willing to OC or an e8400 ($190) if you aren't.

If going to Crossfire, go with the Corsair 620W PS mentioned earlier. If not, go with the Antec Earthwatts 500W model ($60).

Note that the 4850 has launched and is available for as little as $170 AR but the 4870 won't be available for probably another month.

I think I might go with Crossfire later on, but I was wondering what the differences between X38 and X48 are and what is recommended?
Edit: I just checked on newegg and the price difference between the two chipsets seem to be about ~50 dollars.

 

[teatime0315]

Just did some more research... Seems like the X38/48 boards are costly. Is a P35 a good chipset? I think i'm going to drop the crossfire option.

Edit: I think I'm going to go for the Intel Q9450. Maybe you guys could recommend me a motherboard to match this CPU.

 

[Urtho]

Originally posted by: teatime0315
Just did some more research... Seems like the X38/48 boards are costly. Is a P35 a good chipset? I think i'm going to drop the crossfire option.

Edit: I think I'm going to go for the Intel Q9450. Maybe you guys could recommend me a motherboard to match this CPU.

GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L - $90

The board above is the standard recommendation we see around here all the time. Solid board, can overclock very well and has most features people need. If you need something different, there are other options for not too much more in the $110 - $150 range.

Quad core is perhaps overkill for your needs unless your photoshop usage is very heavy. An E7200 or maybe an E8400 would probably suit you just fine and both chips should overclock like crazy.

Vista Ultimate is not needed by most people, btw. Check the feature lists outlining the differences between that and home premium. Unless you really have to have the few items not included with HP, save yourself some money and go with that version.

 

[teatime0315]

I think you guys are right about the quad core. I think I might get the E8400 with the P35 from Gigabyte. Also forgot to note that I already have a copy of Ultimate. I just hope drivers aren't too bad with it.

 

[0roo0roo]

no ppoint turning off the page file. might be bad if a program expects it to be there. if you got the memory windows is smart enough to use it. don't worry about the page file.

 

[teatime0315]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
no ppoint turning off the page file. might be bad if a program expects it to be there. if you got the memory windows is smart enough to use it. don't worry about the page file.

Okay Thanks! I always thought that turning page filing off increased performance? haha Guess not.