What to do?

JLuchinski

JLuchinski

Well-Known Member
So I figure it's about time to do some upgrading, I want to build a better gaming rig, here's what I got:

Intel Dual Core E5200 Overclocked to 2.8 ghz
Gigabyte Motherboard G31M-ES2L
Logisys 575 watt PSU
Diamond Radeon HD 3870
2 gigs of Kinsgton DDR2 value RAM (not sure what speed)
80 gig HD
LG DVD Writer

I'm going to start with a new PSU, probably Antec. Obviously going to upgrade Hard Drive and DVD to SATA which is cheap. Now here's where I'm torn, Quad Core or the I series? Or AMD? I'm not familiar with AMD processors, but I heard there better for gaming. I'd like to keep my video card for now, and maybe get another 3870 for Crossfire. Or are the new 5000 series with Direct X 11 a better way to go? My current rig does just fine @ 1280 x 1024, but I'd like to go bigger. I'm also going to get Windows 7 and run a dual boot with XP. I only use my comp. for gaming, internet, sorting pictures stuff like that. No video editing or movie watching. And I'm looking on going the cheapest route possible. TIA.
 
Last edited:
AMD is better if you are on a budget. I would upgrade to a 5770, i have one and also game at 1280x1024. the rig in my sig can max crysis out with 4xAA :D

You say cheapest route possible, how much exactly do you want to spend?

here's some parts:

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...44&cm_re=phenom_ii_940-_-19-103-644-_-Product

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...cm_re=AM2+_motherboard-_-13-131-618-_-Product

GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...4150462&cm_re=xfx_5770-_-14-150-462-_-Product

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...m_re=2gb_kingston_ddr2-_-20-104-019-_-Product (tho of these)

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...7341017&cm_re=ocz_600w-_-17-341-017-_-Product

that will allow you to do some really heavy gaming (at 1280x1024 anyway) because a quadcore + 4gb of ram = gaming heaven.
 
Last edited:
Linkin's list is pretty good. But he recommended a processor that doesn't come with a heatsink. I would also look at DDR2 1066 over DDR2 800 RAM.

Take a look:

G.SKILL 4 gigabytes (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) RAM - $95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...=ddr2_1066_4gb_240-pin-_-20-231-226-_-Product

This processor is also just as fast as the Phenom II 940 but it only uses 95 Watts instead of 125 Watts:

AMD Phenom II 945 Deneb Quad-Core Processor - $151
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...09&cm_re=Phenom_II_945-_-19-103-809-_-Product

Edit: Also, here is a Windows 7 installation disk for only $100:

MICROSOFT Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Installation Disk - $100
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10011180&prodlist=celebros
 
Last edited:
Cool, thanks. At this point I'm leaning towards AMD. And I'm going with an aftermarket cooler, because from what I read most of AMD's fan's and heat sinks aren't very good. Here's what I'm thinking:

MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128415&Tpk=Gigabyte GA-790FXTA-UD5

CHIP: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...uad-Core_Black_Edition-_-19-103-674-_-Product


RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226101

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371020&Tpk=Antec True Power New 550W

I know it's not the cheapest route, but within my price range. I'm going to keep my card for now and save up for something good.
 
I have bought several AMD processors. The heatsinks that come with Advanced Micro Devices processors work fine unless you decide to overclock.

The parts you have chosen look good.
 
Yeah but I'm paranoid none the less, plus it's worth the extra $40 to keep it 10 degrees cooler. Thanks again for the advice, will post once I build which is hopefully soon.
 
I do believe the three year AMD processor warranty is voided if you use a different heatsink other than the one provided with the AMD central processing unit. I would rather keep the warranty but it's obviously your preference.

Happy building!
 
Warranty on a CPU is somewhat useless, unless it is defective, and that almost never happens. so i'd just go ahead and use an aftermarket one.

to the OP, if you want until the end of march or to mid april you can buy a 5770 for cheaper because nvidia is releasing their DX11 cards.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top