36 replies to this topic

[Wipples]

I built my current computer in 2010, my first build ever and its worked like a dream, but Im looking to do some fairly significant upgrades so I can stream HQ on high settings when GW2 is officially released.

My current specs are as follow:

Phenom II X4 965 processor 3.4GHZ (Im probably going to get one of the Ivy Bridge chipsets when they are released)
4GB DDR3 Ram (Im thinking Ill go up to 8, undecided though)

Spoiler

http://www.ncix.com/...facture=Corsair
^^ Im pretty sure this is the same ram ive got, probably going to upgrade it.

Radeon 5850

Spoiler

Im looking at
http://www.ncix.com/...38;promoid=1259
and
http://www.ncix.com/...38;promoid=1259
I don't have an ATI vs. Geforce preference,

PSU 550W
Mobo: ASUS M4A78T-E


Also, Ive never upgraded a previously built computer before, would it be easier to get a new HD rather than going through all the drivers and uninstalling the ones that are no longer necessary? HDs aren't expensive so I'd have no problem getting a fresh one.

EDIT: After looking up a bunch of parts Im definitely going for 8GB of Ram (holy crap its gone down in price since 2010 XD), and Ive looked at a few Video cards to give an idea what Im looking at (under the spoiler tag). New Mobo is probable too.

Thanks for any help! If any more detail is required let me know.

[valharick]

I can't weigh in on the CPU as I'm a fan of Intel.

On the GPU - I'm back to liking NVidia again. Driver support is solid and when it comes down to it, that's what matters. I'm currently using a GTX 580 and I couldn't be happier with it.

HDD - unless you are planning to go SSD, I wouldn't bother getting a new one.
A new drive would necessitate a re-install of the OS and the associated drivers so there isn't really any savings in time/work. Given that, I'd just reformat your current drive if you were wanting a clean install.

On the RAM, 8 is a nice step up from 4. You didn't mention the OS, but I'm assuming you're 64 bit so you'll be able to utilize it.

Have fun! CPU building is good times!

[Wipples]

Im going to be upgrading to the new intel Ivy Bridge set when they come out, so Im pretty sure I know what Im getting there. Im pretty sure Im set on everything, I just want to make sure upgrading my Mobo is a good idea and that Im getting the best GPU for my money OS is windows 7 64 bit

Is getting a SSD a good idea? seems they've gone down in price since I built this, so I may consider it.

[ZeZackus]

Is getting a SSD a good idea? seems they've gone down in price since I built this, so I may consider it.

From what I've heard, once you go SSD you never want to go back. Boot and load times are so much faster, which could be especially convenient when trying to switch quickly between the WvW maps. I'm no expert, but I know you need to make sure your computer can utilize SATA III to get the most out of it.

[Freelancer]

Is getting a SSD a good idea? seems they've gone down in price since I built this, so I may consider it.

Ab-so-lutely.

[Wipples]

Just out of curiosty, would an SSD mount in the same location as the HD (My case has 4 mounts for HDs)? Or would it need a different mount? SSD's are new territory for me

[Chev]

It sounds like you are on the right track.

You pretty much will have a new computer though.

The only things that you will be reusing is your HDD, and your Optical.

Going to Ivy Bridge will require a Mobo. If you are going Ivy Bridge, the Mobo must be a 77 series Northbridge to take advantage of the new chip-set. You will be changing your ram, and GPU........ there is not much more to a computer.

So, for what you are saving......... the case and the optical drive, you may be better served by keeping your current rig for another purpose and buying a new case and optical drive. I like having multiple computers in the house.

As far as SSDs go, you pretty much must get a SATA 3.0 to take advantage of the speed they have, unless you go PCIe interface, but that is expensive and far from user friendly.

This is my current pick of SSD.
http://www.amazon.co...34662425&sr=8-1

It is almost at the top of the ratings on PassMark and the price is really good.

I will be getting 2 one for Windows and TS and one for games.

Most SSDs will mount with a bracket adapter. They should come with it, but if not you can either make one or buy them.

[Hegr]

Going to Ivy Bridge will require a Mobo. If you are going Ivy Bridge, the Mobo must be a 77 series Northbridge to take advantage of the new chip-set.

some Z68 models will work with the new Ivy Bridge features I believe.

As far as SSDs go, you pretty much must get a SATA 3.0 to take advantage of the speed they have, unless you go PCIe interface, but that is expensive and far from user friendly.

Dont you mean SATA 6?


OT: I suggest a Z77 mobo for the Ivy Bridge chip.

[valharick]

To echo someone above - I'll never go back to a standard HDD. My box cold boots in about 15 seconds, reboots are about 9. I'm using http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820148443. I went with this guy due to the $/gb versus the overall rating.

Hegr - SATA 6 and SATA 3.0 are the same - one is just referring to the speed while the other refers to the revision #.

[Chev]

some Z68 models will work with the new Ivy Bridge features I believe.



Dont you mean SATA 6?


OT: I suggest a Z77 mobo for the Ivy Bridge chip.

As mentioned above SATA 3.0 is 6g/s, so there is a matter semantics there.

As to the Z68 boards, they are limited by architecture to 2 SATA 3.0 ports and do not have native USB 3.0, nor do they have PCIe 3.0 support.

These things may not matter much today, but by the time I am ready to upgrade they will.

[Sammyeli]

Just out of curiosty, would an SSD mount in the same location as the HD (My case has 4 mounts for HDs)? Or would it need a different mount? SSD's are new territory for me

Every SSD comes with a case you can screw it in which mimics the width of an actual SSD.

[Wipples]

Ive been looking at the Z77 boards, seems I can get a good deal on one if I package it with an i5 processor. Ill see whats around when the ivy bridge processors come out. As for the SSD Ill be going for a less expensive one, as a student I don't have the money to go all out quite yet

Also you guys are awesome, thanks so much for your help

[Hegr]

As for the SSD Ill be going for a less expensive one, as a student I don't have the money to go all out quite yet

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820148448
Seems to be the best value

[Wipples]

So it turns out Im selling my current comp to my parents and getting a full on new one. Its gonna be awesome. Just wondering though, any suggestions on a good hundred-ish dollar case? I like my current case (Lancool K62-B ) but I don't think Ill be able to find a new one around here

[Auttoh]

Good ole case hunt! I really love my Haf-932 but it depends on what you're looking for. Full tower or smaller? Does steel or plastic matter?

[Wipples]

Steel is preferred, but its not a huge deal. Mid to full tower would be the preference.

[Hegr]

going to be hard to find a decent full size case for under 100

[Wipples]

I think Im aiming more for mid sized (like my current case). If I can find a full sized for around 100 thats good quality, then Ill snap it up, but its not necessary. Mid sized is the focus. Ive looked at a few. (NZXT Phantom, Zalman Z9, etc.). Just seeing what options i have that I havent looked at

[Auttoh]

I see you're using NCIX so I figured I'll search there to make it easier. Have you considered HAF 922?

[Wipples]

I was literally just about to post that XD Im looking at that one and the 932 Full Tower. Leaning towards the 922 though