upgrading

Ferret_Style · Aug 18, 2008, 02:24 PM

So been a while since i posted

figure i run a new system by you guys.

I currently have a pentium D 930 with 2 gigs of ram and a 7900 gt. Wost part is i bought the asus p5wd2-e premium (intel 975x) but it only supports the D line not the Core 2s, so it will have to go. PS case and rest seem up to spec. I am looking to upgrade the system to a new core 2 and a new video card but having a hard time deciding.

My budget is $800 ish US. I want intel processor and like intel chip sets.

Edit: And the motherboard needs to support raid as i run raid 0 currently and love it.

My main questions are what MB, video card and CPU should i go for?

E8600 vs Q9550
Nvidia 260 vs ati 4870
and no clue on MB but i love Asus.

**temeteus82** · Aug 18, 2008, 02:39 PM

Hi there!

For mobo the Asus P5Q SE/R looks good for you needs. I would get the quad and the ATi card, do look our review archives

cozumel · Aug 18, 2008, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferret_Style

My main questions are what MB, video card and CPU should i go for?

E8600 vs Q9550
Nvidia 260 vs ati 4870
and no clue on MB but i love Asus.

Q9550, 4870 and Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS4P ($189.99)

Edit: I love Gigabyte boards (you can call me a fanboi if you wish

). But seriously they build some real high quality boards that are rock solid stable, good overclockers and well built.

The P5Q looks a nice board but I'm just not sure I trust Asus. I've read too many bad things about their boards (stability-wise) in the last year or so.

Ferret_Style · Aug 18, 2008, 02:59 PM

Honestly i tend not to overclock as strange as it is as i usualy dont need the boost. So stability is number 1 for me. I will have to go back and read the reviews. I am concerned about the quad versus dual as i hear the duals are faster per core and not much supports quad right now.

**kris23** · Aug 18, 2008, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferret_Style

and not much supports quad right now.

thats where things go wrong......

wherever you heard that is old news..... almost EVERY new program coming out is mulit-threaded for Quad-Cores or higher.

this includes games, editing software, rendering software and all those other goodies...

they all run on Quad-Core... Z can even run some things with his 8 cores...

PangingJr · Aug 18, 2008, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cozumel

Edit: I love Gigabyte boards (you can call me a fanboi if you wish

). But seriously they build some real high quality boards that are rock solid stable, good overclockers and well built.

The P5Q looks a nice board but I'm just not sure I trust Asus. I've read too many bad things about their boards (stability-wise) in the last year or so.

you're right the Gigabyte board is better in terms of the quality of the motherboard and its component.
another thing is, as far as i know, Gigabyte just has successfully overcome the performance level problem in P45's as seen from results on user who are using certain Beta BIOS,
and Asus can't seem to get any better at this issue, many users, specially overclockers are complaining about Asus P45s still having poor memory performance (when compared to P35's) on all memory ratio settings.

Ferret_Style · Aug 18, 2008, 07:40 PM

Ahh ok then what is the best of the quad cores and cpu combo's? Also is the ati card superior for the price?

I am trying to keep the CPU, MB and Video card all together under 800. I will also be buying memory but that is a seperate budget.

So far i hear that quad core is the way to go and ATI video card.... is a quad i should name for.

**kris23** · Aug 18, 2008, 07:57 PM

i recommend an intel Q9550 CPU with a Gigabyte EP45-DS3R board and ATi HD4850

Ferret_Style · Aug 18, 2008, 09:06 PM

is teh 4870 much better the the 4850 to justify the cost with this system?

**kris23** · Aug 18, 2008, 09:10 PM

yup... as good a value as the 4850 except it still is expensive

Ferret_Style · Aug 18, 2008, 09:18 PM

ok next question... DDR3 or DDR2? I saw Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-EP45C-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards from gigabit

**kris23** · Aug 18, 2008, 09:38 PM

the EP45C is a good board that uses both DDR2 and DDR3, you can buy some good DDR2 now and get some better DDR3 later.

its a good board i forgot about it..... get it if you want.

Ferret_Style · Aug 18, 2008, 10:18 PM

https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/M...px?ID=10440448 is what i am currently looking at.

**temeteus82** · Aug 18, 2008, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferret_Style

https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/M...px?ID=10440448 is what i am currently looking at.

can you tell us non US members what it is, we can't have accounts on newegg

**kris23** · Aug 18, 2008, 11:21 PM

that memory is just not worth it, get the 2x2GB OCZ Platinums

Newegg.com - OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

cozumel · Aug 19, 2008, 12:29 AM

I agree with kris. The memory you chose is a waste of cash when you look at the rediculously low price of 2x2GB kits. I nominate the CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500). This costs $20 more than the OCZ 2x2GB kit but it comes with the airflow cooler which retails at $24.99 thrown in free. Extra cooling means extra longetivity and overclocking capabilities if you choose to go down that route. At $109.99 (after rebate) the package represents unbeatable value. The reputation of the Dominator series speaks for itself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by temeteus82

can you tell us non US members what it is, we can't have accounts on newegg

Wish List:
Gigabyte GA-EP45C-DS3
Sapphire 100247L RadeonHD 4870 512MB
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83MHz 12MB L2 Cache
OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)

Ferret_Style · Aug 19, 2008, 12:53 AM

One thing is i will not over clock it. But the cooler does seem cool. Is DDR3 ram worth the cost though currently or is ddr2 fine?

**kris23** · Aug 19, 2008, 01:07 AM

DDR3 is only worth it if overclocking, if you arent then DDR2 is more than enough

cozumel · Aug 19, 2008, 01:10 AM

DDR3 is slower than DDR2 until you reach 1600MHz. The 'bang to buck' or performance to $ ratio of the DDR3 is very poor, in my opinion, when compared to DDR2. And in the real life, noticeable to the eye performance stakes, you would have to take the DDR3 well above the 1700MHz level to visually see the difference.

So to answer your question in just one solitary and simple word without even a hint of a waffle. NO

Ferret_Style · Aug 19, 2008, 01:16 AM

Heheh thanks! Appreciate all the Help guys. I think i have most of it figured out now

Q9550 CPU
the Gigabit MB i linked earlier
The ram above from corsair

Now i am still trying to decide if i should go for a ATI 4850 or 4870.... not sure quite yet

**kris23** · Aug 19, 2008, 01:19 AM

if you can afford the 4870 then by all means, get it!

cozumel · Aug 19, 2008, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kris23

if you can afford the 4870 then by all means, get it!

I can relate to that...

Ferret_Style · Aug 19, 2008, 01:30 AM

Now the question though is getting 2 4850s better then 1 4870? reason i ask is i have seen the 4850s as low as 150ish....

**kris23** · Aug 19, 2008, 01:36 AM

yup.....

**kris23** · Aug 19, 2008, 01:37 AM

and i completely forgot about my own creation

http://www.hardwareheaven.com/hardware...lick-here.html

give it a skim, it may answer your current and future questions

Ferret_Style · Aug 19, 2008, 04:58 AM

Ok so final descision is what Motherboard as i am a bit confused after reading the post sicked for the forum. I see 2 gigabit boards for 30 difference but dont see a difference.

Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS4P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards
or
Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-EP45C-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards
or
Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DQ6 LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards

It must be good for CF as i will be running the HD4850's, have raid, and be intel based chipset.... i will not overeclock so want stability. I have no idea what the difference is.

cozumel · Aug 19, 2008, 05:25 AM

There's a whole load of differences in memory capacity and type (DDR2 or DDR3), PCIe 2.0 or not, PCIe x16 slots, PCIx4 slots, number of SATA ports, the number of LAN chipsets, the number of and type of on-board USB ports, the number of on-board firewire ports and the ports configuration on the back panel. These are things that vary on the various boards but apart from that I think they are identical

Open each model on a separate tab to compare htem. I would be here all day listinbg each boards precise difference.

Edit: The cooling (heatpipe system) on the various boards differ too (and maybe the crazy cool does as well)

OldBuzzard · Aug 19, 2008, 06:52 AM

You haven't said anything about the most important component in your system.

PSU!

Are you planning on using the one you have now? If so, is it going to be adaquate, or is it going to be marginal, or at worst case, totally inadaquate, and likely to fail, taking some of your new 'goodies' with it as it goes out in a spectacular blaze of glory?

Ferret_Style · Aug 19, 2008, 07:38 AM

I have a neoHE 550 and everything says it should do fine.

Ferret_Style · Aug 19, 2008, 07:54 AM

Is there a difference between coforms with PCI-e 2.0 and being PCI-e 2.0

I did a compair of the motherboards but cant figure it out what the difference besides DDR2 vs 3

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/...2871,2839,2831

And even more so is the x48 worth it to run both cards at x16
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128336

Aug 18, 2008, 07:57 PM	#8
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	i recommend an intel Q9550 CPU with a Gigabyte EP45-DS3R board and ATi HD4850 __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Aug 18, 2008, 09:10 PM	#10
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	yup... as good a value as the 4850 except it still is expensive __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Aug 18, 2008, 09:38 PM	#12
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	the EP45C is a good board that uses both DDR2 and DDR3, you can buy some good DDR2 now and get some better DDR3 later. its a good board i forgot about it..... get it if you want. __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Aug 18, 2008, 11:21 PM	#15
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	that memory is just not worth it, get the 2x2GB OCZ Platinums Newegg.com - OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Aug 19, 2008, 01:07 AM	#18
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	DDR3 is only worth it if overclocking, if you arent then DDR2 is more than enough __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Aug 19, 2008, 01:10 AM	#19
cozumel I'm dangerous but cute... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Under the waves... Posts: 3,577 Rep Power: 60 System Specs	DDR3 is slower than DDR2 until you reach 1600MHz. The 'bang to buck' or performance to $ ratio of the DDR3 is very poor, in my opinion, when compared to DDR2. And in the real life, noticeable to the eye performance stakes, you would have to take the DDR3 well above the 1700MHz level to visually see the difference. So to answer your question in just one solitary and simple word without even a hint of a waffle. NO __________________ Don't worry about money - Be a beach bum! Scuba Rocks

Aug 19, 2008, 01:19 AM	#21
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	if you can afford the 4870 then by all means, get it! __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Aug 19, 2008, 01:36 AM	#24
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	yup..... __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Aug 19, 2008, 01:37 AM	#25
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	and i completely forgot about my own creation http://www.hardwareheaven.com/hardware...lick-here.html give it a skim, it may answer your current and future questions __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Aug 19, 2008, 05:25 AM	#27
cozumel I'm dangerous but cute... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Under the waves... Posts: 3,577 Rep Power: 60 System Specs	There's a whole load of differences in memory capacity and type (DDR2 or DDR3), PCIe 2.0 or not, PCIe x16 slots, PCIx4 slots, number of SATA ports, the number of LAN chipsets, the number of and type of on-board USB ports, the number of on-board firewire ports and the ports configuration on the back panel. These are things that vary on the various boards but apart from that I think they are identical Open each model on a separate tab to compare htem. I would be here all day listinbg each boards precise difference. Edit: The cooling (heatpipe system) on the various boards differ too (and maybe the crazy cool does as well) __________________ Don't worry about money - Be a beach bum! Scuba Rocks Last edited by cozumel; Aug 19, 2008 at 05:34 AM.

Aug 19, 2008, 06:52 AM	#28
OldBuzzard DH's oldest Geek Join Date: May 2003 Location: Oberlin, OH Posts: 2,783 Rep Power: 145 System Specs	You haven't said anything about the most important component in your system. PSU! Are you planning on using the one you have now? If so, is it going to be adaquate, or is it going to be marginal, or at worst case, totally inadaquate, and likely to fail, taking some of your new 'goodies' with it as it goes out in a spectacular blaze of glory? __________________ When looking for a reason as to why things go wrong, never rule out sheer STUPIDITY