Solved Update to SSD - Is this my imagination ?

[FredM8]

RE: Update to SSD - Is this my imagination ?

Just a few days ago I updated to a SSD, and although I run a SATA2 system, it still gave improvements.
But what I had not anticipated was that my "Display" would show all round improved definition.
Is this normal, or am I just dreaming ?

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
A ssd will improve all areas and even your processor will benefit
http://www.sevenforums.com/performance-maintenance/275710-show-us-your-wei-4-a.html

 

[AddRAM]

You`re dreaming, it`s hysteria.

Because you are thrilled at the new performance, everything seems better.

 

[ThrashZone]

it doesn't hurt it

 

[AddRAM]

Now you just need a better Core 2 Quad, (the X9650) or a Core 2 Extreme

ARK | Intel® Coreâ„¢2 Quad Processor Q9650 (12M Cache, 3.00 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)

ARK | Intel® Coreâ„¢2 Extreme Processor QX9650 (12M Cache, 3.00 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)

8 GB of memory, if the board can handle it, and a 980

The manual I pulled up says 4 GB max, not sure if that`s total or per slot, but most likely total, so then you would have to get just maybe a 960, but still very good. Post your WEI scores so we can ponder over them

EVGA - Products - EVGA GeForce GTX 960 4GB SuperSC ACX 2.0+ - 04G-P4-3966-KR

 

[FredM8]

Aha !
It had crossed my mind that someone would give a opinion on this. As you have got the manual for my motherboard and details of my system on my profile, what would you say are my options for a GPU upgrade ?
Please advise, please, please !

WEI scores will be uploaded soon !

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
3D graphic's is much better than desktop graphic's :/
I have the GT640 and is at 7.1 for both,

Of course my processor is at 6.0 so it's the lowest score,
So yes indeed a new card would go a long way in your case

 

[FredM8]

So, with this card I should hit 7.1 all round is that correct ? I have checked the price here in the UK and it is quite affordable at just under £70. I will have to check the physical size first to make sure that it will fit in the available space, I think that it is going to be a very tight fit if it does go in. My main concern now is will my available power be enough. From the advertisement that I am looking at here it seems that 400w plus is needed, I have 400w max ! I have heard that a inadequate graphics card can cause programs to open or operate slowly. One of my DTP programs is OK once it is up and running, but while it is opening, even with the SSD, it is like a donkey pulling a cart up-hill.

 

[ThrashZone]

The GT640 says it needs 300w
I only have 220w psu so that can be stretched a bit but you should be fine with a 400w

I don't know if you need a gtx980 but the 970's are dropping in price like a rock.
4th of July sells will be fun not sure if they apply to the uk though :/

 

[Boozad]

Have a quick read through this guide. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/337229-choosing-gpu-core-basics.html

A 400W power supply will hold you back quote a bit, especially if it's a cheap generic PSU. What's your budget for a GPU? A 750Ti may be the card for you.

 

[FredM8]

This is my PSU as a JPEG. I don't want to any higher with the card really as on my Sata2 system it will be pointless as it will not go above 7.1
Plus, my machine is not used for gaming. It's just a general purpose domestic workhorse to do all the stuff that a domestic workhorse does these days. But it does not get the sort of industrial strength demands made upon it that gamers machines get.
But something else that I have wondered about to overcome memory limitation on my motherboard, is what would be the result of connecting another SSD on a spare Sata port on my motherboard and then dedicating it to readyboost or paging file ?

 

[ThrashZone]

I read that as a 365w not a 400w,
You have other items to power too

Compared to gpu's the psu's are pretty cheap.

 

[Mellon Head]

Get a quality PSU. It's the heart of your rig. Something in the 500 to 650W range would do you nicely and provide lots of headroom for adding devices, or a better GPU.

An added bonus is that you can take a good PSU to a new build, if it isn't too old by the time you do it.

 

[AddRAM]

Ya that PSU is a piece of junk.

Now again, what GPU are you considering ?

Don`t even consider a 970, I posted a good 960 for you or the 750 Ti is a fine choice too.

EVGA - Products - EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti w/ EVGA ACX Cooling - 02G-P4-3755-KR

EVGA - Products - EVGA GeForce GTX 960 4GB SuperSC ACX 2.0+ - 04G-P4-3966-KR

Power Supply

EVGA - Products - EVGA SuperNOVA 650 GS Power Supply - 220-GS-0650-V1

Either of these cards will put you at 7.8 or 7.9 in WEI

 

[FredM8]

Would the NVIDIA GT640 function OK with this PSU ?
Specifications | GeForce

And what else do I have to consider if I want to replace the PSU ? How can I tell if the Motherboard will take it ?

 

[ThrashZone]

Most psu's accommodate a lot of mobo's if not all and do come with new wiring
EVGA has some very nice looking wiring and reasonable prices,

The GT640 is not reaching very high but you wouldn't need to upgrade your psu with that card it's well under your current psu's wattage
I believe there are 350w minimum cards out there that are in the same price range as the GT640

Here's a 300w minimum that AddRam posted spec's sheet,
EVGA - Products - EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti w/ EVGA ACX Cooling - 02G-P4-3755-KR
EVGA - Product Specs - EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti w/ EVGA ACX Cooling

 

[FredM8]

Thanks a lot for that info ! It has made me think again as since my last post I have been looking at the GT740 along with the possibility of upgrading my PSU. For the PSU I waiting to hear back from StarTech about the suitability of any of these products for my system.
80 Plus® Power Supplies | StarTech.com United Kingdom
The GT750 that I have been looking at is the Asus passive cooling one. My current GPU the 610 is the Asus passive cooling version. I like the silence, and my present card still give me access to use the backplate for the blanked off m/board slot, for my eSata output cables
Asus NVIDIA GT 740 DirectCU Silent Graphics Card - 2GB - GT740-DCSL-2GD3 - Scan.co.uk

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Well I believe your aiming low but that asus card only uses 64watts so it will be fine with your current psu,
The better cards use better fans so the noise level isn't much at all
But your budget will overrule anything else

 

[FredM8]

Like I said, one of the other main considerations is keeping my access to the back plate that connects to my two eSATA outputs. But I have not decided what to do yet. It's not out of the question to get busy with the tool kit and relocate the eSATA output back plate. I will also wait to hear from Startech, decide on a PSU if applicable, and then a new GPU after that. There are so many considerations it's nightmare to know what to do. But the common consensus among you all is that my PSU SUCKS !! and needs to be updated, so I am going to go there first. I will let you know what I decide.
Many thanks to you all for your advice and info.

 

[FredM8]

I have just bought this ...
630 Watt Power Supply | 80 Plus PSUs | StarTech.com United Kingdom

The next item on the shopping list will be one of the GPU's you recommended or similar, then I suppose it will be time to update the Motherboard. Not a bad way of slowly building your own PC