Looking to upgrade with best value!

[JDye]

Hello, I am currently trying to squeeze a little more performance out of my existing rig and would love some help in doing so cost effectively.

My XFX mobo failed about 8 months ago and since then I have been getting by on a $50 intel matx.

Here are my existing specs to start:

Intel C2D E7200 M0 @ 2.53Ghz (Which wont overclock to save my freaking life and on several boards was not offically recognized and ran at 2.4Ghz until I flashed the damn bios)
Intel DG41RQ mobo
Corsair CM2X1064 -6400C4 x 4 (I am only running 2MB's as the cheap board only has 2 DIMM's
XFX 8800 GT 512MB Alpha Dog G92 (I have two but again can't sli on the cheap board)
X-Fi Gamer Fata1y edition (not using as I dont have the space)
1000W Modular PSU
2 x 150GB WD Velociraptor 15000 RPM HDD
Antec 900 Case


PLEASE when POST threads asking for input on system builds tell us...

1. What YOUR PC will be used for: Gaming.

2. What YOUR budget is: Money is very tight as I am a new father and my wife no longer works, I would like to spend ~400 CND.

3. What country: Canada or US

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. I prefer nvida, intel, and I like MSI and XFX as well.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are: I would like to keep my case, monitor, PSU, Razer KB and Mouse, HDD, and anything else I can.

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads: I have, but I would like feedback specific to my situation.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds: As it is important that I be as economical as possible I would like to do moderate O/C if I can. However my computer is in the living room and my wife does not like high pitched fans.

8. WHEN do you plan to build it: Oct or Nov 2010

9. What resolution do you use: 1680 x 1050

I would like to keep as many parts as possible I have a decent sound card, HDD, case, PSU etc. I have several components I can't use with this mobo. It sucks to have 2Gb's of Ram and an extra vid card sitting next to my desk.

I would like to upgrade the mobo primarily, and perhaps my ram, and then maybe run my 8800's SLI'ed for awhile until I can afford a better card. I realize my cpu is a bit of a bottle neck. Any creative suggestions would be very much appreciated I am looking primarily for excellent value. When I bought this system two years ago I wanted to be able to reuse parts for my next system and feel I have several items that are still good in a new system. (HDD, PSU, Case, etc)

Thanks!

[_dangtx_]

get one gtx 460 for the time being, worry about other upgrades later.

[Ikthus]

I'd say upgrade your CPU or try and overclock it to at least 3GHz...what problems are you having exactly?

I don't think getting a GTX 460 right now would make any difference when your CPU will probably hold it back.

[martin_metal_88]

I amlost forget,,,where are our manner...Welcome to the forum! Hope you like the place;)

Originally Posted by Ikthus

I'd say upgrade your CPU or try and overclock it to at least 3GHz...what problems are you having exactly?

I don't think getting a GTX 460 right now would make any difference when your CPU will probably hold it back.

Lol no a E7200 can handle a 460 without issue.

I would sell your CPU/ MOBO/ RAM so that will add a bit to your budget then buy a new CPU MOBO RAM in core I5 with a new video card. Everything will fit in budget and you will have a like new computer. Keep your 8800 for physix ( damn did I really say that ) ho god. Maybe you will be some day or few week without a comp but it`s worth the upgrade. How many of us have done it before.

[FiXT]

Welcome to the forums, and

Holy crap, the Corsair 1k You could be powering 10 of those systems

As far as the CPU goes, if you were to upgrade to a GTX 460, you would have a bit of a bottleneck, the GTX 460 would likely be the highest you could go. Unfortunately the E7 series has the small cahce size, which actually has a noticeable difference in many games.

You could however, get a quality Asus or Gigabyte motherboard and try and bump the thing up to 3GHz which I would say, would pair well with just a GTX 460 768MB

Otherwise, here is an upgradethought:


Gigabyte GTX 460 768MB - $179.99 - $20MIR

NCIX Value Bundle Deal AMD Phenom II x4 920 AM2+ CPU & Gigabyte GA-MA78LM-S2H DDR2 Motherboard - $199 - $10 MIR

Total: $378 - $30MIR


The PII x4 920, will give you a slight boost in many games. I would venture a good 10%+, and will pair well with the GTX 460.


Alternatively, I would also suggest looking at the BST section. You could likely get yourself a great deal on an older C2D, something like the E8400/8500 + LGA775 board, which will overclocker beautifully, or even go with a C2Q, like the 9450/9550/9650

[JDye]

Thanks for the replies so far guys, can any of you make specific recommendations on a great value Mobo? Intel only please.

[_dangtx_]

for which socket? :)

[stoanee]

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You can sli with this mobo. This comes in at a tad over $400 with shipping and taxes. You could go with a dual core to save some $ and satisfy your overclocking lust....

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