Building new comp, upgrading the other!

NVX_185

NVX_185

Member
Hey everyone, this post will be a bit lengthy, please stay with me! It's pretty darn complicated.

Okay. Well, my parents require a new desktop computer. It need not be state of the art - they will pretty much use the machine for light web browsing, downloading moderately-sized files, listening/streaming multimedia (video, music), and burn DVDs and CD's. Well, my current setup (which I use primarily for heavy-demand gaming and moderate multi-tasking) is a bit old by computer years, so I figure I can basically 'transfer' most of my current components towards my parent's computer, and upgrade my own. This my my computer's current setup:

PSU: 600W
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo e6550 @ 2.33GHz
GPU: nVidia 9800GT 512MB (Inno3D)
RAM: 2046MB DDR2 @ 667
HDD: 250GB SATA @ 7.2kRPM
MoBo: P31-DS3L (Gigabyte)
Wireless network adapter. (PCI)

Now, I plan on removing all components EXCEPT for the PSU & GPU, into another case which I have for my parent's comp (I'd like to keep my current case for its number of fan slots, size, and other capabilities).

Then, I'm looking at purchasing the following, for my computer:

CPU: Core i5-750
GPU: (same, 9800GT)
MoBo: Gigabyte H55M -S2H
RAM: PNY 4GB Kit @ 1333
HDD: 500GB SATA.

Would I be better off investing in an Intel Quad-Core setup (i.e., Q9xxx), that will run on my existing platform, along with different RAM sticks that will also run on my current MoBo? What should I keep, and what should I put towards my parent's comp? All suggestions welcome... I'm just looking for a decent spot to start.
 
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daisymtc

Active Member
Don't invest on C2Q if you are gaming. Just give that PC to your parent. Add a cheap video card

While for your new set-up, I would suggest go for P55 chipset instead of H55, RAM may be getting DDR3 1600 instead, not much of difference in price...
 
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NVX_185

NVX_185

Member
Yeah, I will add my old 8600GT for my parents setup.

So, which cheap P55 motherboard would you recommend? Also, would the i5-750 cope well under moderate multitasking? (i.e. recording a game using FRAPS with minimal FPS loss, and viewing HD 1080p/i videos)
 
NVX_185

NVX_185

Member
I never plan on an SLi or a Crossfire setup, ever. Nor any of the other fancy features as a matter of fact, however I'm inclined to believe a P55 setup will benefit me in the long-run as those extra features will get some use.

Also, would the i5-750 cope well under moderate multitasking? (i.e. recording a game using FRAPS with minimal FPS loss, and viewing HD 1080p/i videos) would you recommend another i5/i7 core around the same price?
 
NVX_185

NVX_185

Member
I will go with the P55 already!.

However, out of these two motherboards that fit my price range, which would you suggest: Gigabyte P55A-UD3 or the ASUS P7P55D LE. ?
 
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xxartanisxx

New Member
NVX_185 said:
I never plan on an SLi or a Crossfire setup, ever. Nor any of the other fancy features as a matter of fact, however I'm inclined to believe a P55 setup will benefit me in the long-run as those extra features will get some use.

Also, would the i5-750 cope well under moderate multitasking? (i.e. recording a game using FRAPS with minimal FPS loss, and viewing HD 1080p/i videos) would you recommend another i5/i7 core around the same price?
Click to expand...


To answer the second question the i5 750 will handle it fine but not nearly as well as an i7 860. The 860 comes in at $80 more but has HT creating 4 more cores for you and will outperform the i7 920 (most of the time) while both at stock speeds. In my opinion it is the best bang for your buck today.

daisymtc said:
Don't invest on C2Q if you are gaming. Just give that PC to your parent. Add a cheap video card

While for your new set-up, I would suggest go for P55 chipset instead of H55, RAM may be getting DDR3 1600 instead, not much of difference in price...
Click to expand...

If you can get DDR3 1333 RAM for $5 less do it... The processors only support speeds up to 1333.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.360551
Good motherboard with the i7 860

Ahh and for your video card i would get a little better one and leave the 9800 GT in your parents comp. If you do get the i7 860 the video card will most likely bottleneck it. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...8&cm_re=radeon_hd_5770-_-14-131-328-_-Product is a good deal for $120.
 
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NVX_185

NVX_185

Member
The 9800's a great card, really. It's done all I've ever asked for in regards to gaming, I think I'll keep it. And about the 1333 RAM, do ALL of the i5/i7 processors limit the speeds to 1333?

Anyway, I'll stick with the i5-750, however I'm pressed to decide between Gigabyte's P55A-UD3 or ASUS' P7P55D LE motherboard. the GA-UD3 has impressive 2xSATA running at 6gbps and 2xUSB at 3.0, however will these ever be of use if none of my hardware or USB devices was 'made' to run on these ports?
 
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xxartanisxx

New Member
Alright as far as im aware both the i5 750 and i7 860 only go 1333. IDK about the 900 series but i doubt they go any higher.
 
NVX_185

NVX_185

Member
Meh, I'd still pay an extra $7 or so for the 1600MHz RAM because you never know when they will come in handy. As far as I am concerned, I'd expect this entire setup to last me a good 3-4 years before I have to upgrade, while keeping my RAM.

As for the motherboard, I've decided to go with the ASUS P7P55D LE instead of the Gigabyte. I read that if you want SATA 3 and USB 3 to work, the PCI-E x16 slot will be downgraded to x8 on the Gigabyte. I personally tilt more towards the gaming side and want to squeeze those extra few FPS' onto my games, and my current hardware will make no use of SATA3 and USB3 as far as I know.
 
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