PC Upgrade

[SilverLord]

I'm basically just looking to buff some specs on my system, especially for TOR/PS2. Right now in TOR Beta, I feel some graphic lag with everything maxed with what seems to me mediocre AA from the drivers, but none from in-game.

So, here are my current specs, any advice is helpful.

Mobo: ASUS M3A79-T Deluxe

CPU: AMD Phenom 9950 Quad-Core Processor @ 2.61 GHz

GPU: nVidia GeForce GTX 285

RAM: 4GBs, DDR2

Budget: Let's say around $500, preferably cheaper! Basically looking to get the most bang for my buck!

Thanks in advance!

[SilverLord]

Was looking around and found that RAM could be a quick and painless upgrade, and I'm trying to buy now because of the Labor day specials.

However, would I really see a performance difference between 8 to 16 GBs of memory? Found these two deals:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 31402-L01B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 33198-L01C

[Goku]

What PSU and size monitor do you have?

Your links are broken, but I am assuming that is DDR3. You cannot put DDR3 into DDR2 motherboards as it will not even fit into the slot.

What will really help you the most is upgrading your processor. I would recommend either a Phenom II X4 or X6 if you want to spend the extra cash. The 955 BE (four core) for $119.99 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808) or the 1090T BE (six core) for $159.99 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103849) with the EMCKBGK27 coupon code. Either of those will run circles around your current 9950 quad. If you plan on moving to a new system with in the next year just get the quad, but if you are planning on longer I would go with the six core. One of my clan mates went from a original Phenom to that 1090T and boosted his performance quite a bit in ToR (I am assuming that is Star Wars).

Once I figure out your PSU and resolution I can recommend a video card if you want to upgrade that too.

[SilverLord]

Forgive me but what is PSU? I run on dual 23" running at 1920x1080 each.

[Goku]

Power supply.

Do you have any interest in upgrading your video card? That 285 is still a decent card and that processor is what is really holding you back. If the processor can do it for now there is new cards coming out later this year that would be a more worthwhile upgrade for you is all.

[SilverLord]

I think I'll go with that 6 core, new motherboard and new RAM. How do I find information on my power supply? Will I have to crank the case open?

[Goku]

Is your system from like Dell, HP, or another manufacture?

The 1090T can be dropped into your current motherboard and ram. If you are looking for the most cost effective upgrade that is the best way. Do you want a entire new CPU/Mobo/Ram? You will be looking at getting a Core i5 based system if that is the case then. The 1090T isn't worth the money towards putting a new mobo/ram towards.

[SilverLord]

I bought it off a site, I told them what parts and they shipped it to me. What exact specs do you want from it? I can tear open the case.

Id like to just go with the Mobo/RAM/CPU upgrade, I have extra cash and I'd rather spend it on something that will last more than half a year.

So with that in mind, suggestions?

[Goku]

On the PSU there should be a chart that looks like the picture below. Either figure out the model from the chart or take a picture posting it in this thread.

http://itshootout.com/kuzals/maxtoppsu/psu2.jpg

Do you have any interest in overclocking? Do you live near a Microcenter?

[SilverLord]

Model number: XON-800R14N.

I live about an hour away from one but driving for me is fun so if the deal is worth it then I'd have no problem going.

[Goku]

Ok then. Are you interested in overclocking the CPU?

[SilverLord]

I'd like to do it, but while keeping it safe, if that makes sense, a broken one isnt useful to me, but Overclocking is fun as long as the CPU has a decent program to do it.

[Bags]

By the way Goku, this site seems to include links randomly on certain words. I don't think he was linking stuff.

[Goku]

@ Bags

His Newegg links were broken for the memory he was trying to show is all. The site does use keywords for adverts too.

@SilverLord

No programs :blowup:.

Only use the bios for overclocking. If you are interested in learning the 2500K is pretty easy to learn with if you read the proper guides. Many people get them up to 4.8 GHz.

Here is a preliminary upgrade:

For Newegg
Intel Core i5 2500K/MSI P67-G43 combo - $329.99 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.660242)
G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 - $43.99 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231422)

Total = $373.97 - $20 MIR = $353.97

For Microcenter
Use the same ram from Newegg
Get the 2500K (http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354589) and MSI P67-G45 (http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0358172) with the combo discount and lower price on the 2500K it comes to $274.98 prior to tax and how much on gas it is to get there. Total that is $318.97 and with that rebate $298.97. Just figure out if there is savings between the gas and tax cost. Here is the combo advert (http://www.microcenter.com/specials/promotions/save40_promo.html).

Let me look a bit more into that PSU. I haven't found anything bad yet, but it is a bit old by the looks of it. When did you build this PC?

[Hamma]

By the way Goku, this site seems to include links randomly on certain words. I don't think he was linking stuff.

Yea haha especially on this forum when folks talk about products. I will probably turn that off I can't see it being very useful.

[Bags]

Aren't those microcenter sales done?

"PRICES GOOD 08/01/11 - 08/14/11 "

[Goku]

As far as I know its back. The discount showed in the cart too.

Your power supply is good to go for this new upgrade too. This setup will absolutely kill your current CPU/Mobo/Ram its way better then even the Phenom II series. Enjoy.

[SilverLord]

So will that combo discount work in store?

[Bags]

So will that combo discount work in store?

Could always call ahead.

[Goku]

So will that combo discount work in store?

Order online as that gives you the combo, but it should work in store. Like I said before make sure you are actually saving money. You said its a hour away, so thats 2 hours of gas and tax depending on your state. Maybe cutting it close for savings.

[SilverLord]

I've been on hold since I posted.

[SilverLord]

The CPU is in store only anyway.

[Goku]

Yeah thats why I asked if you were in driving distance due to having to pick up the mobo/cpu for that price.

The heatsink is the Cooler Master Hyper 212+ for $27.99 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065).

Here is some case recommendations:

$70 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112238) - Lian Li Lancool PC-K58W ATX Case
$90 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112235) - Lian Li Lancool PC-K56 ATX Case
$90 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119216) - Cooler Master CM690 II Advance ATX Case
$90 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112154) - Lian Li Lancool PC-K7B ATX Case
$100 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112099) - Lian Li PC-7B Plus II ATX Case
$100 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197) - Cooler Master HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$110 (http://www.amazon.com/Whisper-Black-Power-Aluminum-Computer/dp/B001H9ALF2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1295436362&sr=8-1) - NZXT Whisper WHI - 001BK ATX Full Tower Case
$110 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112251) - Lian Li PC-60FN ATX Case
$110 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112249) - Lian Li PC-7FN ATX Case
$120 (http://www.amazon.com/Velocity-GX2-W-Silver-Classic-Aluminum/dp/B00292BQRI/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1273830564&sr=1-13) - Velocity Micro GX2-W Silver Classic Aluminum Case with Side Window
$127 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352002) - Fractal Design Define R3 Black ATX Case
$140 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146067) - NZXT Phantom PHAN-001WT White Full Tower ATX Case
$140 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146068) - NZXT Phantom PHAN-001BK Black Full Tower ATX Case
$140 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112304) - Lian Li PC-9F ATX Case
$143 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146073) - NZXT Phantom PHAN-002OR Black Finish w/Orange Trim Full Tower ATX Case
$150 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139003) - Corsair Graphite Series 600T ATX Case

[SilverLord]

Thanks for the help! Everything is purchased!

[Goku]

Sweet! Enjoy the new parts.

[SilverLord]

Goku, after a lot of thought, I'm gonna buy a video card as well. Same as usual, not top end but 15-20% performance increase.

This will also allow me to sell my whole old rig for decent cash.

What do you think is a good price to start at? It would include everything but peripherals and a HDD.

[Goku]

That means you want a new PSU then too? Anything else?

For graphics cards either a 560 Ti (http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/330?vs=317) or 570 (http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/306?vs=317). Click those links for a comparison difference between your 285. Anything else from Nvidia is either performing to similar to your 285 or is overkill for your resolution/costing too much.