To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade

Gigabyte G31M-ES2L s(775)Motherboard, is that a good choice or should i go for a new model, remember i want to keep the expense to as low as possible, this one is the cheapest i could find. www.arc.com.au
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 32-Bit2.8 Ghz Core 2 Duo4.0gb DDR2 1067 MhzGigabyte 9500GT 1gb DDR2
OS
Windows 7 32-Bit
CPU
2.8 Ghz Core 2 Duo
Memory
4.0gb DDR2 1067 Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
Gigabyte 9500GT 1gb DDR2
Screen Resolution
1440x900
Other Info
Windows Experience Rating of 4.9
Also should i get Intel 2.5 Ghz Dual Core ($97) or Intel 2.8 Ghz Dual Core ($156), which oen is more worth while and serve more purpose. please not the prices are in Australian currency ($AUD)
This is what i am thinking to upgrade to
Gigabyte G31M-ES2L s(775)Motherboard,
INTEL Dual-Core E5200 2.5Ghz CPU,
Kingston 4GB KIT DDR2 800MHz
Gigabyte 9500GT PCI-E 2.0 1GB 128-bit
Please tell me if there is any conflicting hardware, and thank you for quick responses, this forum is great! Windows 7 is awesome!!!!
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 32-Bit2.8 Ghz Core 2 Duo4.0gb DDR2 1067 MhzGigabyte 9500GT 1gb DDR2
OS
Windows 7 32-Bit
CPU
2.8 Ghz Core 2 Duo
Memory
4.0gb DDR2 1067 Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
Gigabyte 9500GT 1gb DDR2
Screen Resolution
1440x900
Other Info
Windows Experience Rating of 4.9
If you want to shell out for the 2.8 then get it,

Also, the 9500 dont get it they are crap for gaming. especially GPU intense ones like GTA4

9600GT UMart

Go to Staticice

Type in the stuff your looking for

It finds the cheapest prices in this great land of ours
 
Last edited:

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit, Mac OS Snow Leopard...P4 2.4ghz @ 2.56Ghz1gb DDR7600GT AGP 4X
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit, Mac OS Snow Leopard 10.6
CPU
P4 2.4ghz @ 2.56Ghz
Memory
1gb DDR
Graphics Card(s)
7600GT AGP 4X
Sound Card
Onboard
Monitor(s) Displays
19LG
Screen Resolution
1280x1024
Hard Drives
120GB WD Caviar
80 Seagate Barracuda
PSU
430W Thermaltake
Keyboard
Logitech Media Keyboard
Internet Speed
1.5MB
Go to Staticice

Type in the stuff your looking for

It finds the cheapest prices in this great land of ours

But not always at the most reputable sites ;)

OP, start with a good motherboard first. This will serve as a good base in which to upgrade better components later. One that supports at least DDR2 1066 RAM (DDR3 would be better, but is cost prohibitive)

For a CPU, try aiming for a Q6600 or Q9XX series for Quad core, or a E8400/E8500 in the dual core. These chips are proven performers and will give the option for good overclocking in the future. (cheap bang for buck :))

For a graphics card, you can afford to cheap out here for a little while. A 7600 will not cut it, but something like the 9600GT fullyloaded suggested would be a good cheap temporary card. Also take into account your current PSU.

Considering the games you wish to play, the better the hardware, the happier you'll be ;)
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

8 Pro x64i7 3770K 4.6GHz16GB G.Skill Trident X 2666mhzx2 EVGA 780 Ti Superclocked SLI
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Systems by SmartEyeball
OS
8 Pro x64
CPU
i7 3770K 4.6GHz
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Memory
16GB G.Skill Trident X 2666mhz
Graphics Card(s)
x2 EVGA 780 Ti Superclocked SLI
Sound Card
SB X-FI Surround 5.1 PRO USB / ATH-AD900 Headphones
Monitor(s) Displays
x3 Dell U2410 / 58" Samsung
Screen Resolution
5760*1200/ 1920*1200
Hard Drives
2x Intel 520 240GB (RAID 0) * 2x WD Caviar Blacks 2TB (RAID 0) * 2TB WD Caviar Black * Sony Optirac DVD
PSU
Silverstone Strider Evolution 1200W
Case
Thermaltake Level 10 GT Snow Edition
Cooling
Noctua NH-D14
Keyboard
Topre Realforce // Ducky Shine MX Black // Filco Ninja TKL
Mouse
Thermaltake Theron (Highly Recommended) + Razer Imperator
Antivirus
MSE
Browser
IE, FF, WaterFox
Other Info
GT Extreme V2 Sim Racing Cockpit + 40" LCD and K/B Mouse stand ▼
Fanatec CSR Elite Wheel + Clubsport V1 Pedals + CSR shifter/7G-H ▼Saitek X52 Pro ▼ TrackIR 5 Pro
Buttkicker v2 Seat Rumbler with Dedicated 5.1 and Sub Woofer attached to frame ▼
=
Bloody Big Grin
But not always at the most reputable sites ;)

Still,

U-Mart is probably the best in my experience

all the places over in WA are shocking with customer service and price
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit, Mac OS Snow Leopard...P4 2.4ghz @ 2.56Ghz1gb DDR7600GT AGP 4X
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit, Mac OS Snow Leopard 10.6
CPU
P4 2.4ghz @ 2.56Ghz
Memory
1gb DDR
Graphics Card(s)
7600GT AGP 4X
Sound Card
Onboard
Monitor(s) Displays
19LG
Screen Resolution
1280x1024
Hard Drives
120GB WD Caviar
80 Seagate Barracuda
PSU
430W Thermaltake
Keyboard
Logitech Media Keyboard
Internet Speed
1.5MB
Yeah U-Mart's okay. But some of those other places... ;)

Unfortunately you guys do get the rough end of the pineapple in W.A with stores :(
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

8 Pro x64i7 3770K 4.6GHz16GB G.Skill Trident X 2666mhzx2 EVGA 780 Ti Superclocked SLI
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Systems by SmartEyeball
OS
8 Pro x64
CPU
i7 3770K 4.6GHz
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Memory
16GB G.Skill Trident X 2666mhz
Graphics Card(s)
x2 EVGA 780 Ti Superclocked SLI
Sound Card
SB X-FI Surround 5.1 PRO USB / ATH-AD900 Headphones
Monitor(s) Displays
x3 Dell U2410 / 58" Samsung
Screen Resolution
5760*1200/ 1920*1200
Hard Drives
2x Intel 520 240GB (RAID 0) * 2x WD Caviar Blacks 2TB (RAID 0) * 2TB WD Caviar Black * Sony Optirac DVD
PSU
Silverstone Strider Evolution 1200W
Case
Thermaltake Level 10 GT Snow Edition
Cooling
Noctua NH-D14
Keyboard
Topre Realforce // Ducky Shine MX Black // Filco Ninja TKL
Mouse
Thermaltake Theron (Highly Recommended) + Razer Imperator
Antivirus
MSE
Browser
IE, FF, WaterFox
Other Info
GT Extreme V2 Sim Racing Cockpit + 40" LCD and K/B Mouse stand ▼
Fanatec CSR Elite Wheel + Clubsport V1 Pedals + CSR shifter/7G-H ▼Saitek X52 Pro ▼ TrackIR 5 Pro
Buttkicker v2 Seat Rumbler with Dedicated 5.1 and Sub Woofer attached to frame ▼
=
Bloody Big Grin
ill have a look at the 9600 video card, but i believe the mother board i am trying to get is quad core compatible, and i think the mother board is a good quick replacement for the real bad one i currently have, only supports Pentium 4 :mad: i want to keep the mother board for as cheap as possible, o yes one more thing, the shop i am getting from the website is
www.arc.com.au
if you guys can have a look there it would be appreciated...thanks guys once again, this forum is GREAT
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 32-Bit2.8 Ghz Core 2 Duo4.0gb DDR2 1067 MhzGigabyte 9500GT 1gb DDR2
OS
Windows 7 32-Bit
CPU
2.8 Ghz Core 2 Duo
Memory
4.0gb DDR2 1067 Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
Gigabyte 9500GT 1gb DDR2
Screen Resolution
1440x900
Other Info
Windows Experience Rating of 4.9
i personally think the 9500GT is better because the mother board i am getting does not support DDR3, what do you think holo88, any way i am preparing my computer mainly for the new games at the end of this year, Assassins Creed 2, Call of Duty 6, FIFA 2010, i personally think that 9500GT is pretty good for me, cheap for me as well, $94
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 32-Bit2.8 Ghz Core 2 Duo4.0gb DDR2 1067 MhzGigabyte 9500GT 1gb DDR2
OS
Windows 7 32-Bit
CPU
2.8 Ghz Core 2 Duo
Memory
4.0gb DDR2 1067 Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
Gigabyte 9500GT 1gb DDR2
Screen Resolution
1440x900
Other Info
Windows Experience Rating of 4.9
Anyone have any idea, whats better, primarily for gaming, 9500 GT or 8600 GT or will 9500GT work well for me considering my current specifications ?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 32-Bit2.8 Ghz Core 2 Duo4.0gb DDR2 1067 MhzGigabyte 9500GT 1gb DDR2
OS
Windows 7 32-Bit
CPU
2.8 Ghz Core 2 Duo
Memory
4.0gb DDR2 1067 Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
Gigabyte 9500GT 1gb DDR2
Screen Resolution
1440x900
Other Info
Windows Experience Rating of 4.9
CurryMan,

I suggest upgrading your computer to a dual-core processor, as well as adding another 1/2GB of RAM. You will need a newer graphics card, and a good one is the ATi Radeon HD4850. You may also need a power supply that can supply more power to you computer's parts.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Professional, Windows Longhorn 4074Intel Centrino Duo T2350 @ 1.87 GHz1GB (2x 512MB DDR2 400Mz)Intel Integrated 945GM Chipset
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Acer Aspire 5610
OS
Windows 7 Professional, Windows Longhorn 4074
CPU
Intel Centrino Duo T2350 @ 1.87 GHz
Motherboard
Acer Grapevine
Memory
1GB (2x 512MB DDR2 400Mz)
Graphics Card(s)
Intel Integrated 945GM Chipset
Sound Card
On-Board RealTek HD Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
Generic PnP Monitor
Screen Resolution
1280x800
Hard Drives
160GB SATA HD
PSU
Generic PSU
Case
Acer Aspire 5610 Standard Case (U.S. Version)
Cooling
Air
Keyboard
Built-In / Random Logitech wireless keyboard
Mouse
Synaptics Touchpad / Logitech Click! optical mouse.
Internet Speed
2.57 Mbps Download / 0.29 Mbps Upload / 57ms Ping
Other Info
I call it the craptop.
The RAM your board supports wont have an effect on the Graphics Card

The 9600GT had DDR3 on the actual card and wont make any difference to the Mobo
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit, Mac OS Snow Leopard...P4 2.4ghz @ 2.56Ghz1gb DDR7600GT AGP 4X
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit, Mac OS Snow Leopard 10.6
CPU
P4 2.4ghz @ 2.56Ghz
Memory
1gb DDR
Graphics Card(s)
7600GT AGP 4X
Sound Card
Onboard
Monitor(s) Displays
19LG
Screen Resolution
1280x1024
Hard Drives
120GB WD Caviar
80 Seagate Barracuda
PSU
430W Thermaltake
Keyboard
Logitech Media Keyboard
Internet Speed
1.5MB
but isnt 9500GT still pretty good, i mean not the best, but alrite for games, it is 1gb graphics
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 32-Bit2.8 Ghz Core 2 Duo4.0gb DDR2 1067 MhzGigabyte 9500GT 1gb DDR2
OS
Windows 7 32-Bit
CPU
2.8 Ghz Core 2 Duo
Memory
4.0gb DDR2 1067 Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
Gigabyte 9500GT 1gb DDR2
Screen Resolution
1440x900
Other Info
Windows Experience Rating of 4.9
Yeah,

But its going to struggle with GTA4 and MW2
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit, Mac OS Snow Leopard...P4 2.4ghz @ 2.56Ghz1gb DDR7600GT AGP 4X
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit, Mac OS Snow Leopard 10.6
CPU
P4 2.4ghz @ 2.56Ghz
Memory
1gb DDR
Graphics Card(s)
7600GT AGP 4X
Sound Card
Onboard
Monitor(s) Displays
19LG
Screen Resolution
1280x1024
Hard Drives
120GB WD Caviar
80 Seagate Barracuda
PSU
430W Thermaltake
Keyboard
Logitech Media Keyboard
Internet Speed
1.5MB
But the other graphics card 9600GT is only 512 mb video card and it costs around $40more
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 32-Bit2.8 Ghz Core 2 Duo4.0gb DDR2 1067 MhzGigabyte 9500GT 1gb DDR2
OS
Windows 7 32-Bit
CPU
2.8 Ghz Core 2 Duo
Memory
4.0gb DDR2 1067 Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
Gigabyte 9500GT 1gb DDR2
Screen Resolution
1440x900
Other Info
Windows Experience Rating of 4.9
Can someone please explain to me what is so bad about the 9500 GT although it has 1gb of memory (video card). shouldn't this perform very well when it comes to games.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 32-Bit2.8 Ghz Core 2 Duo4.0gb DDR2 1067 MhzGigabyte 9500GT 1gb DDR2
OS
Windows 7 32-Bit
CPU
2.8 Ghz Core 2 Duo
Memory
4.0gb DDR2 1067 Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
Gigabyte 9500GT 1gb DDR2
Screen Resolution
1440x900
Other Info
Windows Experience Rating of 4.9
Did you go the the U-Mart link i gave you??

its only $100 on there i think

And anyway the 9600 has a different core to the 9500
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit, Mac OS Snow Leopard...P4 2.4ghz @ 2.56Ghz1gb DDR7600GT AGP 4X
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit, Mac OS Snow Leopard 10.6
CPU
P4 2.4ghz @ 2.56Ghz
Memory
1gb DDR
Graphics Card(s)
7600GT AGP 4X
Sound Card
Onboard
Monitor(s) Displays
19LG
Screen Resolution
1280x1024
Hard Drives
120GB WD Caviar
80 Seagate Barracuda
PSU
430W Thermaltake
Keyboard
Logitech Media Keyboard
Internet Speed
1.5MB
Can someone please explain to me what is so bad about the 9500 GT although it has 1gb of memory (video card). shouldn't this perform very well when it comes to games.

The higher the number the better the card eg 9500 is better than the 9400, the 9600 is better than the 9500 etc ect

The ram only effects the card if you have large resolutions, your monitor is 1400x900 so its not going to play a huge part
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit, Mac OS Snow Leopard...P4 2.4ghz @ 2.56Ghz1gb DDR7600GT AGP 4X
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit, Mac OS Snow Leopard 10.6
CPU
P4 2.4ghz @ 2.56Ghz
Memory
1gb DDR
Graphics Card(s)
7600GT AGP 4X
Sound Card
Onboard
Monitor(s) Displays
19LG
Screen Resolution
1280x1024
Hard Drives
120GB WD Caviar
80 Seagate Barracuda
PSU
430W Thermaltake
Keyboard
Logitech Media Keyboard
Internet Speed
1.5MB
The higher the number the better the card eg 9500 is better than the 9400, the 9600 is better than the 9500 etc ect

The ram only effects the card if you have large resolutions, your monitor is 1400x900 so its not going to play a huge part

Don't forget to mention that the numbers only apply to that series and for example a 8800 is far better then a 9400 or even a 9600 and would only be beaten by a 9800 which has now been renamed to the GTX250, I think if you really want the best bang for your buck you should look around for a decent 8800GT.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate Vista Ultimate x64Core 2 Duo E8500 3.16Ghz @ 3.8Ghz2x2Gigs Patriot PC2-6400 LLInno3D GeForce GTX260 216 SP
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Brew
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate Vista Ultimate x64
CPU
Core 2 Duo E8500 3.16Ghz @ 3.8Ghz
Motherboard
eVGA 750i FTW
Memory
2x2Gigs Patriot PC2-6400 LL
Graphics Card(s)
Inno3D GeForce GTX260 216 SP
Monitor(s) Displays
ASUS VW222U 22" 2ms Response time
Screen Resolution
1680x1050
Hard Drives
SATA 150GB
SATA II 250GB
USB IDE 750GB Ext.
PSU
HYTEC 600W & Thermaltake 650W Toughpower Power Exp
Case
Thermaltake Armor LCS (Liquid Cooling System)
Cooling
Liquid Cooling System
Keyboard
Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard
Mouse
Logitech G9 Gaming Mouse
Don't forget to mention that the numbers only apply to that series and for example a 8800 is far better then a 9400 or even a 9600 and would only be beaten by a 9800 which has now been renamed to the GTX250, I think if you really want the best bang for your buck you should look around for a decent 8800GT.

But your going to stuggle to find a 8800GT for less than a 9600, this guy is on a budget remember.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit, Mac OS Snow Leopard...P4 2.4ghz @ 2.56Ghz1gb DDR7600GT AGP 4X
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit, Mac OS Snow Leopard 10.6
CPU
P4 2.4ghz @ 2.56Ghz
Memory
1gb DDR
Graphics Card(s)
7600GT AGP 4X
Sound Card
Onboard
Monitor(s) Displays
19LG
Screen Resolution
1280x1024
Hard Drives
120GB WD Caviar
80 Seagate Barracuda
PSU
430W Thermaltake
Keyboard
Logitech Media Keyboard
Internet Speed
1.5MB
Go with ATi. If you're going to pay, like, $100 for those cards, you might as well buy an HD 3870 or an HD 4670.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Professional, Windows Longhorn 4074Intel Centrino Duo T2350 @ 1.87 GHz1GB (2x 512MB DDR2 400Mz)Intel Integrated 945GM Chipset
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Acer Aspire 5610
OS
Windows 7 Professional, Windows Longhorn 4074
CPU
Intel Centrino Duo T2350 @ 1.87 GHz
Motherboard
Acer Grapevine
Memory
1GB (2x 512MB DDR2 400Mz)
Graphics Card(s)
Intel Integrated 945GM Chipset
Sound Card
On-Board RealTek HD Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
Generic PnP Monitor
Screen Resolution
1280x800
Hard Drives
160GB SATA HD
PSU
Generic PSU
Case
Acer Aspire 5610 Standard Case (U.S. Version)
Cooling
Air
Keyboard
Built-In / Random Logitech wireless keyboard
Mouse
Synaptics Touchpad / Logitech Click! optical mouse.
Internet Speed
2.57 Mbps Download / 0.29 Mbps Upload / 57ms Ping
Other Info
I call it the craptop.
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