What to consider when upgrading hardware?

JohnJSal

JohnJSal

Active Member
Hi all. I built my PC nearly two years ago (two years in March, actually) and I'm starting to get the itch to upgrade a bit. Perhaps the new Core i7 CPU, and maybe a new graphics card...

Anyway, as my first time to upgrade, I'm wondering what things I need to be aware of when I start looking for parts. The initial build was easy since I had to buy everything, but now that I'll be working with existing hardware, I'm wondering what I may need to know before I even start looking.

For example, I guess if I upgrade the CPU, I would need a new motherboard? Would I need a new mobo just to upgrade the graphics card, though?

I also plan to get Win7 soon, probably the 64-bit version, so would that affect hardware? I would definitely get more RAM, but would that mean having to replace my existing 2GB of RAM also, or would other RAM (if I can't find the same kind that I have) be compatible?

Anyway, you see my point. Upgrading, ironically enough, seems more complicated than simply buying everything anew. ;)

Thanks.
 
JohnJSal said:
Anyway, as my first time to upgrade, I'm wondering what things I need to be aware of when I start looking for parts. The initial build was easy since I had to buy everything, but now that I'll be working with existing hardware, I'm wondering what I may need to know before I even start looking.

For example, I guess if I upgrade the CPU, I would need a new motherboard? Would I need a new mobo just to upgrade the graphics card, though?
Click to expand...

If you want to change the CPU to one of a newer socket type, you first need tocheck which socket(s) your mobo supports, then look for a CPU, or get a new mobo.

As far as mobo and graphics are concerned, I imagine you've got a PCI-e x16 slot. You can use any PCI-e card and even PCI-e 2.0 cause they're backwards compatible. you also want to check the wattage of your PSU and be sure it's not underpowered.
 
If its the one in your signature, not to bad. You could upgrade your memory to better and more. And update your Video card. How much you looking to spend?
 
StrangleHold said:
If its the one in your signature, not to bad. You could upgrade your memory to better and more. And update your Video card. How much you looking to spend?
Click to expand...

Hmm, not too sure yet. I haven't really even settled on *what* I'm going to buy. In fact, I don't even know if an upgrade is really necessary. My system seems to be able to handle even new games so far. I haven't checked the price of graphics cards lately. I know the new Core i7 is around $200. RAM is fairly cheap. I'd probably not spend more than $500 total.

Although while the system is open, I may put in a second DVD drive and another HDD, just for the heck of it.
 
JohnJSal said:
My system seems to be able to handle even new games so far. I haven't checked the price of graphics cards lately. I know the new Core i7 is around $200. RAM is fairly cheap. I'd probably not spend more than $500 total.
Click to expand...

You'd be buying DDR 3 Ram, new Motherboard, and CPU for the Core i7. IMHO - Probably not worth the money if your PC is doing ya good now. You could throw in a core 2 quad CPU if you wanted - but if your dual core is doing what you want it to - why spend the $200 bucks. I'd aim more at the Video card if you're into gaming. But it's your money - spend as you like :good:

Although while the system is open, I may put in a second DVD drive and another HDD, just for the heck of it.
Click to expand...

Those are cheap upgrades if ya have the interest. I really liked adding a TV tuner card - if you have 2 monitors. Mine was only 25 bucks and I get alot of use from it.
 
Jamin43 said:
You'd be buying DDR 3 Ram, new Motherboard, and CPU for the Core i7. IMHO - Probably not worth the money if your PC is doing ya good now. You could throw in a core 2 quad CPU if you wanted - but if your dual core is doing what you want it to - why spend the $200 bucks. I'd aim more at the Video card if you're into gaming. But it's your money - spend as you like :good:
Click to expand...

You're probably right. Until I actually notice a performance hit, I should probably not worry about upgrading at all. I don't think I need to upgrade just for Windows 7, and I'm pretty sure all my hardware is compatible with a 64-bit OS.
 
You have a nice computer in your sig. The only thing I would do is a RAM upgrade. Maybe 4GB of some fast DDR2.

You can get a nice graphics card for decent price now. It really depends how much you game and what you want from the system.
 
ScOuT said:
You have a nice computer in your sig. The only thing I would do is a RAM upgrade. Maybe 4GB of some fast DDR2.

You can get a nice graphics card for decent price now. It really depends how much you game and what you want from the system.
Click to expand...

Yeah, the only reason I never went to 4GB in the first place was because XP didn't use it all anyway. I suppose it's still good for the future, but probably I will upgrade the RAM along with the other hardware when the time comes, instead of just doing the RAM by itself.
 
I would just pay close attention to Task Manager while doing your everyday stuff. Look at what components are taking the biggest hit. Then decide from there.

Win 7 should run just fine on that pc. If anything it will run faster than it currently is. New OS means reformat which, means less fragmentation.

If anything I would recommend adding a hdd just dedicated to your OS and use your current as Media Storage. This helps to keep things cleaned up.
 
Option 1
Buy a $50 case and $50 PSU. Take out the soundcard for reuse. Sell your existing machine.
Rebuild the whole system with Core i7

Option 2
Add 2GB RAM, upgrade the video card to 5850.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top