Upgrading a system

[shikhan]

So I've decided to upgrade my system and use the parts I replace to make another computer. I've got a couple reasons I want to upgrade, with the first being that I've started pushing my computer to the point where I can notice it. I don't game that much (although I did try to play oblivion, and while it worked, it was choppy enough that I stopped pretty soon afterwords) and I have started to do some HD video editing for a non-profit org. I tend to keep certain apps up and running all the time (the usual suspects - firefox, outlook, trillian, utorrent, avg/some other lite virus scanner, etc).

I'm going for a pretty stable, fast, silent system.



Current system:
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+
Heatsink: Scythe SCNJ-1000
GPU: EVGA 256-P2-N516 GeForce 7800GT 256MB
replaced cooler with ARCTIC COOLING AVC-NV5R3 ARCTIC Ceramic NV Silencer Rev.3
RAM: G.SKILL Value Series 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200)
MOBO: ASUS A8N-SLI Premium 939 NVIDIA nForce4
HDs: 3x SAMSUNG SpinPoint P Series SP2504C 250GB
Case/PS: Antec Performance One P150 White Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 430W Power Supply
DVD: NEC 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Silver

I also have 2 500GB externals connected via USB. Dell 24" monitor, wireless keyboard/mouse.


I'm proposing to buy the following [alot which I got from :
here

CPU: Q9300 or E8500 - there is only $1 difference for me, and I get it dirt cheap, so I'm curious what people would suggest. I'm leaning towards the Q9300.

HS: Is it worth the ~30 for a different cooler, such as XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler

RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

GPU: I'm kind of torn what to get here. I haven't really kept up on this at all, and I know I don't want to spend too much here, so I'd like to stay around 100, maybe 150. The guide lists a few in my price range, but I don't know really which to pick. I'm currently debating between EVGA 384-P3-N851-AR GeForce 8800 GS 384MB and VGA 512-P3-N800-TR GeForce 8800 GT 512MB. What else should I look at? What about AMD products?

PS: CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W Overkill? Enough? How is it compared to SeaSonic S12 Energy Plus SS-550HT or would that not be enough?

I'll reuse my HD's, monitor, etc. I'm thinking about picking up a new keyboard since my keyboard and mouse interfere with each other, which gets annoying. It looks like my total for this will come out to around $500. What do you guys think? Suggestions?

 

[DSF]

550W is more than plenty for that setup, especially considering you're not going for a high end graphics card. 450W would really be fine. Most of the time the difference between the Q9300 and the E8500 isn't going to be very noticeable. If you do a lot of video editing with multithreaded apps though, the quad core will win out.

Are you planning on overclocking or running at default speeds?

 

[shikhan]

Hmm, I think I'd be willing to overclock, but only what I can with that MB and with non-noisy heat sink. So... yes, a little.

 

[shikhan]

Anyone have input on the graphics card?

 

[Denithor]

What resolution is your monitor?

1280x1024 or below the 8800GS for $80AR is a great deal.
1680x1050 or 1600x1200 the 8800GT for $110 (hot deals thread) is an awesome value.
1920x1200 and you are going to want either a 9800GTX or a 4850 (~$150AR).

If you're doing serious HD editing you definitely want to go with the Q9300, the extra cores will help immensely for grinding through the data. If you plan to OC (so easy/stable with these chips it's a pity not to do so) just go ahead and get the upgraded cooler, it'll help lots with keeping your temps down.

And one final thing: consider swapping those three hdds for a single WD 640GB drive, you will see better performance and lower power consumption (and lower temps as well).

 

[shikhan]

My monitor is 1920x1200. I'll look into the 9800GTX/4850, but how will those impact my PS? Is the motivation behind this suggestion just games? Or is it something else?

Hmm, I'll look into getting a new HD, but I dont know if I want to spring for it right now. Maybe down the road.

 

[Denithor]

Yes, the GPU recommendations are aimed at gaming at various resolutions.

If you aren't much into gaming, go for the EVGA 8800GS for ~$80AR. I have two of them and they're dead silent and pretty powerful considering the specs (and they OC nicely if you're into that). Take a look at this review at techpowerup.com, they were amazed at the low noise level and overall performance of the card.

 

[shikhan]

Hmm, I'm not really into gaming. Occasionally, I'll want to play something, perhaps like Oblivion. I'm really torn between the two, but it looks like the 4850 is having some issues with the stock cooler, heat and noise. Hmmm...