Upgrading my PC (help wanted)

[gmangels]

Hi. I'm looking to upgrade my current PC. I've been out of the hardware game for awhile and all the new CPUs out there are confusing me. Here is the info requested in the sticky thread:

1. I use it to play WoW currently, would also play other games including RTS and FPS (like Crysis).

2. $500-$600

3. US

4. Only preference is stability.

5. I will keep my monitor, keyboard, mouse, Thermaltake Tsunami case, Coolmaster 500W PS, optical drive, hard drive. I'm looking for a CPU, Mobo, video card, and RAM. I currently have XP Pro, but will plan to upgrade to Vista in the future.

6. Yes, I have been lurking for a few days, but haven't found exactly what I need.

7. I do not plan on overclocking, unless I can do it stock and fairly easy.


My monitor is a 21" Gateway, and I play at 1650 x 1080. I'm not sure whether it would be better to go dual or quad core on the CPU. I'm also not sure whether I should grab 2GB or 4GB RAM for when I upgrade to Vista.


Thanks in advance!!

 

[imported_mystik]

Hey there. I'm also upgrading my PC which I'll be using for the same purpose (WoW & a few other games). Check out my thread if you want to see what I've planned on building, though it may be a couple hundred more than you want to spend.

I decided to go with a E8400 since it seems like it will be the best bang for the buck, I don't think a .5 multiplier increase warrants a $90 increase in price. I chose an eVGA 8800 GT knowing that if 9800s are released some time in the next 3 months I'll be able to step up and only have to pay the cost difference.

 

[MegaVovaN]

GO dual core & 4gb (2x2gb).
Good choice on 8800GT.

How many amps on +12 on your PSU?

mobo = something $90-120 based on Itel P35 chipset.

 

[aigomorla]

depending on your resolution

Crysis will kill you on the gpu requirements.

 

[DSF]

Mobo - $90-100 - Gigabyte P35-DS3L (or similar entry-level P35 motherboard from a good manufacturer.)

CPU - $125 - E4500 (I would especially recommend this if you're willing to overclock. This chip is 2.2GHz, and even on stock cooling you should be able to get up to 2.7 or even 3GHz without a problem.) If you don't want to overclock at all, then wait a bit and grab one of the new 45nm CPUs. The E8200 would probably be the easiest to fit into your budget.

RAM - $70-95 - 2x2GB DDR2-800 (There's plenty of good RAM out there. Pick something rated to run at 1.8V. Timings aren't terribly important.)

Video card - $250-270 - 8800GT 512MB

Total cost - $535-600

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: DSF
Mobo - $90-100 - Gigabyte P35-DS3L (or similar entry-level P35 motherboard from a good manufacturer.)

CPU - $125 - E4500 (I would especially recommend this if you're willing to overclock. This chip is 2.2GHz, and even on stock cooling you should be able to get up to 2.7 or even 3GHz without a problem.) If you don't want to overclock at all, then wait a bit and grab one of the new 45nm CPUs. The E8200 would probably be the easiest to fit into your budget.

RAM - $70-95 - 2x2GB DDR2-800 (There's plenty of good RAM out there. Pick something rated to run at 1.8V. Timings aren't terribly important.)

Video card - $250-270 - 8800GT 512MB

Total cost - $535-600

very good choice.... however the E2180 might be a better choice since he said he would do some easy overclocking.

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: aigomorla

Originally posted by: DSF
Mobo - $90-100 - Gigabyte P35-DS3L (or similar entry-level P35 motherboard from a good manufacturer.)

CPU - $125 - E4500 (I would especially recommend this if you're willing to overclock. This chip is 2.2GHz, and even on stock cooling you should be able to get up to 2.7 or even 3GHz without a problem.) If you don't want to overclock at all, then wait a bit and grab one of the new 45nm CPUs. The E8200 would probably be the easiest to fit into your budget.

RAM - $70-95 - 2x2GB DDR2-800 (There's plenty of good RAM out there. Pick something rated to run at 1.8V. Timings aren't terribly important.)

Video card - $250-270 - 8800GT 512MB

Total cost - $535-600

very good choice.... however the E2180 might be a better choice since he said he would do some easy overclocking.

Also true...if you want some simple overclocking, either CPU will do you fine.

 

[gmangels]

Thanks for the recommendations! That's exactly what I was looking for. Here is what I have for a proposed build:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail
Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
GPU: EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
RAM: G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

That comes to a total of 644.96. A little higher than what I had wanted, but possibly workable. (The "Holder of Monies" is currently reviewing the proposal.)

If that isn't possible, I was thinking of going with the E8200. That should shave off about $30 or so, however it seems like it is out of stock at most places.

Suggestions or comments?

Thanks!!

 

[Roguestar]

4GB RAM for $56 shipped
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...id=40&threadid=2145142

 

[DSF]

The only issue I see is that as far as I know, the P35-DS3L requires a BIOS flash to recognize the 45nm CPUs.

 

[BOLt]

Originally posted by: MegaVovaN
GO dual core & 4gb (2x2gb).
Good choice on 8800GT.

How many amps on +12 on your PSU?

mobo = something $90-120 based on Itel P35 chipset.

agreed--