Windows 7 - Upgrading my PC (Advices needed)

Hello, Forum

Well, the title says it all... i'm planning to upgrade (but a little bit) my PC, i'm not a hardcore gamer, i could call myself an occasional gamer.

Rig TODAY 11/17/2010

Processor: Intel Pentium E6500 @ 2.93GHz
MoBo: Gigabyte GA-G31M-ES2L Rev. 1.1 (Latest BIOS, F10)
RAM: 2 x 2GB DDR2 @ 800MHz Kingston
Video: XFX GeForce 8400GS 256MB with TurboCache
HDD: Samsung F3 500GB (HD502HJ), ExcelStor Technology J8080s 80GB
Optical: LG GH22NS40, Lite-On DH20A4P
Case: Ause (Generic)
Power Supply: Ause 480w (Generic)


Now, things i would like to upgrade (since i bought some things about 2 months ago):

Case: probably an Antec 300 or recommend...
Power Supply: IDK, recommend...
Video Card: IDK, recommend (but please don't suggest anything really expensive, just something that goes accordingly to what i already have)

I don't want to buy an expensive Video Card to find out my processor is bottlenecking it, or the ram, BTW, the MoBo i have doesn't have a PCI-E x16 2.0, it has a 1.0 one.. i don't know if that changes something.. thing is i don't wanna change MoBo because i bought it 2 months ago and i love it..

Thanks in advanced!

Antec 430 or 480 PSU
Antec 300 case is very nice, had 2 myself and just built my dad a new machine with an Antec 300 3 weeks ago.

I don't know what card to recommend since I haven't used any low end cards recently. we put an HD5770 in my dads machine and he is pleased with it, but I think that was $170 or so.

What is your budget for upgrades.

Probably 300$ (including everything), here's what i got so far (from Newegg):

1) Cooler Master HAF 912: 59.99$
2) Rosewill RV-700, 700w: 59.99$
3) EVGA GTX 460 768MB: 169.99$

Total so far: 289.97$, seems O.K. but i'm not completely sure about the PSU, sure it has nice reviews.. but 4 reviews are 1 and 2 eggs..

The Newegg PSU calculator indicated that i need at least 525w to operate with that GPU..

Oh, and my LCD is a LG W1943SS 18.5", 1360x768 @ 60Hz! so no hardcore resolutions that could really push the GPU

What is the purpose of your upgrade. Looks like a nice system as is. If I were you, I would consider a small SSD (threre is a 40GB Intel for $70) in lieu of all the other components - maybe a new PSU though.

Well, actually my main HDD, is fast as hell (i now it's not as fast as a SSD) but it's really decent.. probably 20 seconds from pushing the power button all the way to windows desktop.. i know that doesn't mean anything.. but i like my hdd as it is

The reason for the upgrade is mainly because of the Video Card, the 8400GS can't handle most games... or at least the ones i play every 2 or 3 weeks but i am aware that upgrading to a newer video card, means "probably" a new PSU and since my old psu/case came together.. i was planning on upgrade both...

Understand. So the upgrade is to get better gaming performance. I guess for that your choices make sense.
I am though amazed about your HDD performance. Is that a hybrid? I cannot beat 20 seconds with my SSDs - but I have a very long boot screen cycle.

I would steer clear of Rosewill PSUs. Unless they have changed lately, they are typically rebranded PSUS.
So you might get a good one, you might get a bad one. Its a gamble.

Being as the PSU is the lifeblood of any system, I wouldn't skimp here.

Perhaps look into Corsair or Antecs offerings:

I personally prefer Corsair, and would recommend something like their 550 or 550W.
Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply


Although it doesnt seem like it, this one will actually supply more power than the 700W Rosewill. And is more effecient.

There are of course a few other very good quality PSU makers to choose from.

Seriously.. i actually took time 5mins ago haha just to be sure and not make a fool of myself..

It takes 28 secs from the boot screen to Windows Desktop.. my PC's boot screen cycle is relatively short.. probably 5 ~ 8 secs.. the rest is windows startup screen and then desktop...


@Wishmaster

Ohh, didn't know that.. i guess i'll be looking into a 600w Corsair/Cooler Master/Antec PSU! cause i don't know, 550w seems kinda tight based on what i "need"...

OK, seems i can get this combo:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.558731

It's actually cheaper and it features a Cooler Master PSU! 600w, what do you think??

Amazing for a HDD. My 7200RPMs are all slower - a lot slower. But I have only Vista on spinners. All my /7's are on SSDs.

PS: Nice combo.

Case: fractal design Define R3 or one of the lower end lian Li aluminum. Well I will tell ou about my fractal design when I get it the end of this week. Looks good though.

Just get an XFX ATI 5000 series board or the Nvidia equivalent.

- Gene