Advice on upgrade or new system please

sam49 · 16 Sep 2012

Hi can I ask some advice please, I am looking to upgrade my computer and I don’t know if I should just modify my current system or buy a new one.
My system at the moment is an Intel I7 920 @ 2.67 with 6 GB triple channel DDR3 @ 534MHz (8-8-8-20 with a GeForce GTX 260n Graphics card.
I was looking to fit an SSD hard drive and a little more memory and maybe try a little overclocking (Just a little)
Or would I be just better getting a new system with say an Intel I7 3820 (3.6 GHz) or something similar
It is used for a lot of photo manipulation and a small amount of video editing one thing is it must be quite as I can get it.
If I go with the overclocking route and fit a new cpu cooler will that make a more noise
Regards to you all.

edwar · 16 Sep 2012

A SSD will greatly improve the overall speed of the system. That is if you put the OS, Programs and normally used data files on the SSD and use whatever spinning HDD as just a data storage system.

I don't see any need for you to buy a new system as the one you have is almost as fast as whatever you would buy today.

Depending on what Motherboard you are using some have a built in Overclocking function that I have found works very well for mild overclocking. Keeping everything working as it should and not stressing the system to much but yet giving you that little extra Boost. Again that all depends on what Motherboard you are using, you didn't post what make or model.

sam49 · 16 Sep 2012

Hi edwar

Thank you for your advice and yes I realise now I did not post the motherboard details, how silly of me as I know that makes a lot of difference.
The motherboard is an Asus P6T SE
And yes I intend to install the OS system and programs on the SSD and I was thinking on putting my data on a hard drive, but now you have said about putting the most used data on the SSD I think that is a good idea.
At the moment my pc is very noisy at time and I am not sure just what is making the noise so I thought if I am going to overclock I would fit a new CPU cooler and see if that is making the noise.
Any idea of a good CPU cooler for over clocking and is quite please.

bigmck · 16 Sep 2012

You have a good system, no need to buy another. I am not sure how much a jump from 6 to 8 GB of RAM would improve your system, but if you have the extra money burning a hole in your pocket you could go for it. Before you do that, get the SSD. It will definitely improve the overall performance of your system. From the time you click your mouse until the program opens is less than one second. They are getting very cheap now, under $100 when there are specials. You won't be sorry.

Layback Bear · 16 Sep 2012

Because you do photo and video editing a SSD and more ram should do the trick. I don't understand a custom made computer and not knowing the power supply. It's the most important hardware in the computer.

edwar · 16 Sep 2012

Most all Asus boards have a built in overclocking system. My P7P55 does and I think all the P6 version do also. Go into the BIOS setup screens and look for it. You may also want to update the BIOS to the latest version of you haven't already.

Get some Compressed air and blow the dust out of the system. that will make it quiter and make it cool better.

sam49 said:

Hi edwar

Thank you for your advice and yes I realise now I did not post the motherboard details, how silly of me as I know that makes a lot of difference.
The motherboard is an Asus P6T SE
And yes I intend to install the OS system and programs on the SSD and I was thinking on putting my data on a hard drive, but now you have said about putting the most used data on the SSD I think that is a good idea.
At the moment my pc is very noisy at time and I am not sure just what is making the noise so I thought if I am going to overclock I would fit a new CPU cooler and see if that is making the noise.
Any idea of a good CPU cooler for over clocking and is quite please.

whs · 16 Sep 2012

The SSD makes most sense. The rest is marginal.

sam49 · 16 Sep 2012

Thank you bigmck
Thanks for the advice I think you and edwar have told me what I think I already knew I just needed someone else to tell me.
I first need to see what causing the noise it’s not all the time when it first starts up is not too bad then after a while the vibrations are so bad it make the front door on my case rattle and then after a while it just as if a switch has been turned the noise goes away I can hear the fan or whatever it is stop, just don’t know what it is.
The SSD is on my list as well a new case one without front door that rattles and a new CPU cooler and then I might have a go at overclocking a little

Thank again to everyone for the advive

edwar · 16 Sep 2012

It is the fans in the system they are dirty and could be starting to fail and when the system is on for a time it heats up causing the fans to spin faster to try and keep it cool and causing the noise. Clean out the system and maybe replace the bad/failing fans.

linnemeyerhere · 16 Sep 2012

Just remember that good air flow and lower temps are key to any successful overclock much less a stock system. Please blow out and carefully clean the entire case paying special attention to clean fan blades and all cooler fins of both the CPU and GPU. Please hold the blades of the fans from moving and also Q-tips and old tooth brushes and a soft paint brush all work well for loosening the dust. I even use a vacuum to suck out the dust. As others have mentioned the SSD is a huge upgrade and highly recommended, as well the upgrade to faster and high qty. ram is especially sound for any editing. Depending on your case design a excellent Corsair H series sealed water cooler will work wonders and please consider the added cost of adding premium fans for the CPU cooler and all case fans.