Upgrading my computer

[cdc1287]

Hey guys,

I am planning on upgrading my computer(mainly the GFX card) and i would like some advice from you guys. I am after a gaming machine.

My current computer is:

Mobo: nVIDIA nForce 680i SLI

CPU: QuadCore Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, 2400 MHz (9 x 267)

RAM: 8GB DDR2-800

GFX: Nvidia 8800 GTS x 2

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional

I am looking to spend on GFX card however if you feel i should spend on other areas then please let me know.

I have been looking at this GFX card Sapphire HD 5970 OC 2GB GDDR5 Dual DVI PCI-E Graphics Card - Ebuyer. (sold out on ebuyer but i have found it here also: http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/-/667/87...0-Graphics-Card/Product.html?searchtype=genre )

Will that work with my current set up? Or would i need to upgrade other areas first?

Thanks in advance,



Chris

 

[Tews]

My only concern would be driver compatibility with high-end cards like that...other than that you look good to go...Nice Rig!

 

[cdc1287]

Thanks for the fast reply! Really appreciate it.

So the GFX card would work? My concern was that my computer use DDR2 ram and the GFX card uses GDDR5, does that matter? As you can tell i dont know much about upgrading lol.

When you say driver compatibility, do you mean with Windows 7?


Thanks allot!


Chris

 

[Tews]

The card should be fine... just make sure that the drivers are good for windows 7/vista and you should be good to go...

 

[cdc1287]

Thanks allot! You have really helped me.


Chris

 

[Tews]

Let us know how it goes...

 

[ThePizzaMan]

there could be some bottlenecking with that cpu of yours though..... i'd be planning to get a i7 somewhere down the line to

 

[cdc1287]

Would the I7 work fine with my motherboard?

Thanks,

Chris

 

[Dom]

No, you will need a 1156 or 1366 socket motherboard, depending which i7 you want.

EDIT: maybe this i7 http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-298-IN&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=1272
with this mobo:http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-207-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1495

 

[cdc1287]

This might be a bit much to ask, but could you link me to a good mobo which is good for the furture and can handle the new CPU's ?

Thanks in advance,


Chris


EDIT, would my current RAM work with that mobo? Also is that a good one for the future?

 

[Wishmaster]

The only other thing i would check is your PSU.

The higher end cards, both Nvidia and ATI, will need a good deal of power.

Not so much wattage, but the 12V rail amperage needed to be up to the task

Core i7 will require a new motherboard and DDR3 RAM.


If you do not want to invest in a new MOBO/RAM/CPU at this time:

A couple things you may consider as well

The only other way to extend the life (upgrade) your current config from what is, is a more powerfull socket 775 Quad,
OR:
OC your current one a little bit. (maybe to 2.8-3.0 or so) although many may frown on this method.
<<Not that Im suggesting such, just it is an option>>

Depending on what Motherboard you're running, a 45nm Quad (if you can get one cheap enough) might be the easiest/cheapest route. As they are faster clock for clock than thier 65nm counterparts. ((a bios upgrade may or may not be required for the 45nm architecture))


Beyond that, the only other upgrade option at this time will be move to a
1.Core i7 platform OR
2. AMD Phenom Quad Platform.

 

[cdc1287]

How do i check too see if my PSU is up to the task? I know it is a 1000W but nothing else.

thanks for all the replies,



Chris

 

[Wishmaster]

How do i check too see if my PSU is up to the task? I know it is a 1000W but nothing else.

thanks for all the replies,



Chris

At 1000W, regardless of brand I would say you are way in the clear.

but for refernce on how to check:
pull the cases side and look at the side of the PSU
Theres a section that gives a break down of Amperage. the one your looking for is 12V =
You may also have something like 12V1 12V2 12v3

these are your 12V Rail Amp ratings

 

[cdc1287]

Ok great, thanks!


So say I wanted to completly upgrade my computer then, what mobo would you go for? ( If i where to buy one i would prefer one with the best future support etc, which prob means the latest ones lol .)


What CPU would you go for? Intell or AMD? The computer will only be used for gaming, no multimedia etc.

Thank you very much!,



Chris

 

[ThePizzaMan]

one of these i7's will hold you for at least four or more years, (although i'd prefer AMD but thats just me ) i'd suggest one of these mobo's, both support crossfire for future upgrades,
Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD6 Intel P55 (Socket 1156) DDR3 Motherboard [GA-P55A-UD6] Motherboards Intel LGA1156 (P55 Chipset)
or
Gigabyte GA-P55-UD6 Intel P55 (Socket 1156) DDR3 Motherboard [GA-P55-UD6] Motherboards Intel LGA1156 (P55 Chipset)

and some ram along the lines of this all depending on how much you'd like to spend

Corsair 4GB (2X2GB) DDR3 PC3-10666C9 1333MHz Dual Channel Kit (CMV4GX3M2A1333C9) [CMV4GX3M2A1333C9] Memory DDR3 Dual-Channel - PC3-10666
or
Patriot Sector 5 Viper II 4GB (2x2GB) PC3-16000 2000MHz Dual Channel + 3D Mark Vantage (PVV34G2000LLKB) [PVV34G2000LLKB] Memory DDR3 Dual-Channel - PC3-10666
or
Corsair Dominator GT 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C7 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (CMG4GX3M2A1600C7) [CMG4GX3M2A1600C7] Memory DDR3 Dual-Channel - PC3-12800
now these are just idea's to get you started

 

[cdc1287]

Hey thanks for that.


I have just seen this on that website you linked me:

*OVERCLOCKED* Intel Core i7 920 D0 Stepping (SLBEJ) 4.00GHz / Gigabyte EX58-UD5 Intel X58 Motherboard / Corsair 6GB DDR3 PC3-12800C8 1600MHz DDR3 Bundle [] Overclocked Bundles Intel Bundles


Is that worth the price? As you get more or less everything with it in one bundle.

Thanks,


Chris

 

[Dom]

Hey thanks for that.


I have just seen this on that website you linked me:

*OVERCLOCKED* Intel Core i7 920 D0 Stepping (SLBEJ) 4.00GHz / Gigabyte EX58-UD5 Intel X58 Motherboard / Corsair 6GB DDR3 PC3-12800C8 1600MHz DDR3 Bundle [] Overclocked Bundles Intel Bundles


Is that worth the price? As you get more or less everything with it in one bundle.

Thanks,


Chris

Have you looked at my post on the first page at the last post?

 

[Wishmaster]

Totally your call, and your getting some good advice for a build.

As to which is better, generally speaking with current offerings:

AMD build will offer the most bang for buck

Intel will offer the greatest performance, at higher price tag.

 

[ThePizzaMan]

Hey thanks for that.


I have just seen this on that website you linked me:

*OVERCLOCKED* Intel Core i7 920 D0 Stepping (SLBEJ) 4.00GHz / Gigabyte EX58-UD5 Intel X58 Motherboard / Corsair 6GB DDR3 PC3-12800C8 1600MHz DDR3 Bundle [] Overclocked Bundles Intel Bundles


Is that worth the price? As you get more or less everything with it in one bundle.

Thanks,


Chris

Have you looked at my post on the first page at the last post?

he looked at it
hm... that is ok i guess you will need a copy of seven unless you already have one,
and yes amd is best bang for buck intel better performance but higher price..... its up to you... the bang for buck is why i pick amd

 

[cdc1287]

Yeah I read your post thanks Lil' Domii, very helpfull. I am just trying to get a few opinions before I buy any upgrades.

Thanks to everyone for all the help, I really appreciate it.



Chris