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Upgrading computer
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Author:  MrWhilshire [ Sun 03-01-2009 1:03AM ]
Post subject:  Upgrading computer

My computer has finally become to antiquated for my tastes. I was thinking it would cheaper to buy and install the few components myself rather than getting a whole new system. The components I want to replace are the motherboard, cpu and video card. My question is are there any special considerations I need to think about when shopping around and how do intel and AMD match up? I am upgrading this to play Dawn of War 2 as well as other games. I just don't want to buy parts that wont work together or with my case and other components.

Author:  dar9q7 [ Sun 03-01-2009 10:32AM ]
Post subject:  Re: Upgrading computer

What speed is your RAM and what manufacturer and socket is your CPU?

Author:  Kamakazi [ Sun 03-01-2009 10:42AM ]
Post subject:  Re: Upgrading computer

I don't know the current system you have but I am going to go out on the limb here and say you will need all of the following (if your rig is as "antiquated" as I think it is from what little you said about it).

CPU
RAM
Motherboard
Video Card
Power Supply

I add RAM to your list because you might have DDR RAM, which isn't compatible with new stuff (need DDR2 or 3) and my guess you have a really shitty power supply.

That being said, If you are looking for something on the cheap end of things I would look into AMDs Tri-core line, competes very well with similarly priced Intel Core 2 Duo's and the new 700 series can overclock like mad.

Author:  blitzvergnugen [ Sun 03-01-2009 10:56AM ]
Post subject:  Re: Upgrading computer

Wasn't there some news about some of the Phenom 3-cores being able to unlock a 4th?

Author:  MrWhilshire [ Sun 03-01-2009 11:46AM ]
Post subject:  Re: Upgrading computer

Here are the specs I rememeber:
3GHz Pentium 4 processor
2GB DDR 3200 Ram (2 X 1 gig sticks)
480-500 watt power supply
256MB 9600 ATI Radeon video card

I got this computer about 5-6 years ago and only upgraded the RAM. I do not remember a lot of the specs.

Author:  MrWhilshire [ Sun 03-01-2009 11:55AM ]
Post subject:  Re: Upgrading computer

MSI (Micro Star) MS-6788 (848P Neo-LS) Motherboard

That is the motherboard I am using

Author:  Kamakazi [ Sun 03-01-2009 2:27PM ]
Post subject:  Re: Upgrading computer

Yeah, I would say everything gyou listed needs to be replaced.

And yes, at Blitzy said, some AMD Tri cores can be unlocked to quad cores with the right mobo and the right stepping on the CPU. Granted this is not a guarantee, but even if it doesn't unlock, it is still a very solid processor for the money.

Author:  modernmystic [ Mon 03-02-2009 7:52PM ]
Post subject:  Re: Upgrading computer

Although this won't help with specifics, my general path is as follows:
Unless there's something odd that you need to do with this computer start with the processor that you want (as they started above)
Then motherboard,
Power supply,
RAM/Hard drive/video card depending on your likings,
extras (sound car, tv tuner, web cam, etc.).

This is assuming that you already have a good monitor that you want to keep.

I haven't been keeping up as well as I should lately, but from what I understand, I'd have to agree with Blitz and Kamakazi in that the latest Phenoms are a pretty good value for newer systems.

peace

Author:  amd2800barton [ Tue 03-03-2009 8:00PM ]
Post subject:  Re: Upgrading computer

you should probably decide the power supply last. if you pick one first, and then add 5 hard drives, you'll have to change something (power supply or other extras). better to decide what your computing needs are first, figure out what power supply would work best for that - then get a better one (so you have room to expand.

Author:  modernmystic [ Tue 03-03-2009 8:31PM ]
Post subject:  Re: Upgrading computer

From what I remember, hard drives/ most other accessories (PCI cards, DVD-drives, etc.) can be summed up to 5 watts per device. So when looked at it like this, it's pretty easy to anticipate what you might need.

peace

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