[pAiNiNtHeAsS]

So I've been meaning to upgrade my motherboard and CPU. I saw this combo and was wondering what your guy's opinion on it was. I plan to use ATI's X1900 PCI-E with it. Good buy or not?

Here.

Thanks.

[temeteus82]

for gaming, hell no. for office use yes.

[pAiNiNtHeAsS]

Why so?

[Grace]

It's a simple, ok motherboard. It will work just fine, but if you are looking for extras and overclocking capabilities, you might want to look elsewhere.

[ChaosMinionX]

Originally Posted by pAiNiNtHeAsS

Why so?

Its not much in the "enthusiast" category, but for a general use no customizing PC its aight.

[Dyre Straits]

Originally Posted by pAiNiNtHeAsS

So I've been meaning to upgrade my motherboard and CPU. I saw this combo and was wondering what your guy's opinion on it was. I plan to use ATI's X1900 PCI-E with it. Good buy or not?

Here.

Thanks.

It might be wise to let us know what you're upgrading FROM.

Also, what kind of budget do you actually have for the upgrade?

[pAiNiNtHeAsS]

I'm currently running on:

ECS Elitegroup 848P-A
Intel P4 2.4 Ghz

I guess the budget would be $250 for the CPU and motherboard. I'm not looking for top of the line, just mid-range I guess.

[Dyre Straits]

Originally Posted by pAiNiNtHeAsS

I'm currently running on:

ECS Elitegroup 848P-A
Intel P4 2.4 Ghz

I guess the budget would be $250 for the CPU and motherboard. I'm not looking for top of the line, just mid-range I guess.

You won't be able to just upgrade the mobo/CPU then. The newer mobo you're looking at requires DDR2 RAM and you won't be able to use the DDR RAM from your current mobo.

As for the upgrade overall for YOU:

When I went from my previous ABIT IC7-G w/ P4 3.2 (478) w/HT, and 2 GBs of Dual Channel DDR RAM, to the system in my profile at left, I noticed a HUGE performance boost.

What you're looking at is not the best performer by any means. BUT, based on your budget, it would give you a nice performance boost. However, your budget won't allow for the needed RAM.

I say, keep looking and keep saving your money.

Good luck!

[pAiNiNtHeAsS]

Regarding the RAM, yes, I do plan to get new RAM for the motherboard. My $250 budget is for just the motherboard and CPU. Thanks for the input.

[Dyre Straits]

Originally Posted by pAiNiNtHeAsS

Regarding the RAM, yes, I do plan to get new RAM for the motherboard. My $250 budget is for just the motherboard and CPU. Thanks for the input.

If you're going to buy new RAM for the upgrade, don't bother getting anything less that 2 GB of Dual Channel RAM. You will NOT be happy with just 1 GB. With 2, though, you'll notice quite a difference. Get this RAM in 2x1 GB sticks for optimal performance.

Good luck!

[GutterPunk]

e6300 - $166
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115005
GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express - $130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128012
---------
$290
That is a little over budget but probably the best low end setup you can get now.

You will need ram and a pci-express video card.

[PangingJr]

many good DDR2 RAM's are now at an unbelievable cheap price.

[kris23]

dont waste his money with an E6300 when the E6320 is out for only a buck more, and is much better for overclocking and generally better performance.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115015

the 965P DS3 board GutterPunk has shown you is the best featured budget board around, well made using solid state capacitors for long life and efficiency, one of the best overclocking boards out for the money and just not very many problems in general.

for a video card, i would recommend a simple DirectX 9 card as it seems you're strapped on cash.... unless you are looking at something like an 8800GTS card

can you give me the maximum amount of cash you are willing to spend on the computer system?



this is some of the best DDR2 RAM out for the money
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231065

dont bother buying the low end sticks from Corsair and OCZ or anywhere else really as they all seem to have low quality chips in all but their highest rated sticks


this is also probably the best deal on a high end video card as of now, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814142091
it is very powerful and cheap for the performance.


as of now, DirectX 10 suppont isnt really necessary but it could be useful in the future, bet there would be alot better cards by the time you need to upgrade.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814122022

[pAiNiNtHeAsS]

I've already got myself a X1900. My uncle works at ATI, so he was able to get me one. =]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm actually thinking about holding up on the motherboard and CPU until the Memorial Day weekend. I'll be heading out to the local store then and see if there's might be any good sales that day.

[Dyre Straits]

Originally Posted by pAiNiNtHeAsS

I've already got myself a X1900. My uncle works at ATI, so he was able to get me one. =]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm actually thinking about holding up on the motherboard and CPU until the Memorial Day weekend. I'll be heading out to the local store then and see if there's might be any good sales that day.

Excellent idea. I like shopping the sales, too. Just don't be too impulsive. Make sure you know what you want and don't let some salesperson intimidate you into getting what you don't.

Good luck!

[kris23]

Originally Posted by Dyre Straits

Excellent idea. I like shopping the sales, too. Just don't be too impulsive. Make sure you know what you want and don't let some salesperson intimidate you into getting what you don't.

Good luck!

that there is the ultimate truth in shopping whether it is computers or not i mean so many people will try to get you to buy something like crap or too expensive that you need.

if they have the Gigabyte DS3 cheap then get it right then and there! and if they have the e6320 cheap then get it there too. just be sure you know what you're looking at.

i noticed that there is one ASUS board that you have to beware of if you want to run RAID arrays. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131030

that as far as i know is the only one that has such an annoying issue.

but what you really should do is look around today or tommorow before the sale and see what they have so you can do your research first and then buy.

[GutterPunk]

If you want, wait another 2 months in july when the c2d prices will drop another 50%

[kris23]

Originally Posted by GutterPunk

If you want, wait another 2 months in july when the c2d prices will drop another 50%

seriously?

so i can get a Q6600 for like 260? SWEET add to it, the mid range p35 boards are just about out now, so i suggest waiting a few weeks for them to appear on the shelves, you wont be dissapponted!