Considering my next build on same PC case ...

[great_big_abyss]

Originally Posted by GreenPC

Now I wonder what's the latest new video card around here? I dare say my old one wouldn't be able to fit on a new Gigabyte mobo now.

Actually, it would fit. The X800 was PCI-E, and all the PCI-E 2.0 and 3.0 boards are backwards compatible. Technically speaking, if you really wanted to, you could still use your X800. BUT, that would be kinda dumb, and completely defeat the purpose of upgrading to a new platform.

[kirbster]

dont worry about the frequency seeming to be only a bit higher. The efficiency of the chips has improved greatly. So you cannot compare only frequency.

[GreenPC]

Originally Posted by great_big_abyss

Actually, it would fit. The X800 was PCI-E, and all the PCI-E 2.0 and 3.0 boards are backwards compatible. Technically speaking, if you really wanted to, you could still use your X800. BUT, that would be kinda dumb, and completely defeat the purpose of upgrading to a new platform.

Really? That is good to know the little fact. Yeah, I agree with you - I'd be a fool to continue use same card. The objective of my goal is to build a better newer PC in the same case, so I'd rather go with new parts. That's a upgrade and not a downgrade ... heh!

My old video card is all done - I got my money's worth out of it anyway. It still runs good even with my mod in there. Time for a new one.

[great_big_abyss]

There will be a review coming out early next week concerning 'new video cards'.

One can only assume that it will be reviews and launch of the 7800 series radeon cards.

Apparently we'll be very happy with their performance, so definately wait until then before making a decision.

PS: I have a Radeon X1950Pro kicking around. I'll sell it to ya . Technically speaking, it's an upgrade...

[ilya]

If you aren't doing any intense gaming or anything there's no point in buying a new graphics card. No point in using your old one either, the Z68 motherboard will allow you to use the 2500k's onboard video that is way faster than an X800.

You won't really need a new PSU either, unless you want better efficiency/cleaner power/modular cables/quieter.

I don't really see the point in jumping all the way to a 2500K from a 478 P4 either. That's a massive performance jump!

Memory brand really doesn't matter much. Warranties/quality/performance are pretty much identical across the spectrum. You'd merely be paying for a lower DOA rate and customer service. G.Skill does have the best DOA rate for RAM though.

[great_big_abyss]

That's why I recommended he go with a Llano build. For an IGP build, it's probably one of the best. Strike that, it IS the best integrated graphics solution. It's also cheaper than a 2500k build. If you want to skip buying a graphics card (which for your uses, you very well could) go Llano. If you're going to buy a video card anyways, go with Sandy Bridge and the i5.

This demonstrates the superiority of Llano's integrated graphics. Note, it is NOT an indication of processor performance.


See the full review here.

[GreenPC]

ilya, great_big_abyss - you both do make few good points and I'll want to discuss a bit on that. For now, I gotta go out on a few errands and stop at memory express to have a look and check what the parts are going by cost. Just getting some ideas to put on paper.

BRB in couple hours or so.

[GreenPC]

Back from my errands and had been to Memory Express to quiz about the costs on the parts. I got some copies printed out with info about the cpu, motherboard and video card. Looks like memory express can do "bundles" - pairing a cpu and a motherboard for lower cost.

This is what I have on table:

For Intel: Intel Core at $339.99

For AMD: AMD FX-6100 Processor Bundle w/ Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 Motherboard at Memory Express at $279.99
or go one level up: AMD FX-8120 Processor Bundle w/ Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 Motherboard at Memory Express at $369.99

I noticed the AMD cpus both have turbo boost (if needed to) like what Intel have. And that it seems AMD are said to provide better regulation if I want to hook up with my HDTV to watch movies. My TV already have the PC connection built in for HDMI cable, so that may be a good bonus for me.

But that's only coming from one store, I'm sure I'll find something at better deals from other places. I think I should begin by getting some RAM sticks as I'm seeing good ones at great prices. I see that the video cards are going from $80 to $200 for with 1GB memory and HDMI - which is what I want to link with my TV.

Now, to discuss on points by ilya:

I don't really see the point in jumping all the way to a 2500K from a 478 P4 either. That's a massive performance jump!

Mind explain to me why you think I shouldn't swap my 478 P4 for a 2500k? By your comment - I feel like there's more between your words and your sarcasm at the ending. My curiosity get the "cat" within me, are you telling me that my P4 478 cpu is still that good?

Remember I had said recently - that my computer already had told me my cpu had been max'ed. Actually, up at least about 6 times in the last 2 months. I'm thinking maybe needs more ram - what?

[Galcobar]

If you're going for a higher-end processor, avoid the Bulldozer (AMD FX) chips. They might be good for servers and for specific, heavily-threaded applications, but are not good consumer/gamer chips.

As it stands right now, as soon as you add in a discrete graphics card Intel is the better CPU choice. AMD's Llano chips have much better integrated graphics processor, but don't have the CPU horsepower of an equivalent-price Intel chip (which makes sense, it's a trade-off). At the same time, if you use a discrete card the money spent on the GPU portion of the Llano chip is wasted.

The 2500K is a very powerful chip. Short of gaming or similar workloads, it's massive overkill. A home office/home theatre PC doesn't need anything like that kind of horsepower.

[Bond007]

Everyone's suggestions are great, but consider he has said no gaming and only web browsing/ video watching on the computer. For those things I say grab an H67 based motherboard with the features you want, 2x4gb 1600mhz ddr3, and an i3 2100 (or if you really feel the need an i5 2400). Integrated graphics will be more than enough for what you want to do. I would also grab a new power supply to power your new rig to be on the safe side. Pocket the saved money for something else (you have no need for a high end gaming computer with your wants).

Consider that the i3 is about 4 times as powerful as your p4...here is a comparison of a 3.6ghz p4 660 vs the i3 2100.

AnandTech - Bench - CPU

EDIT: put the saved money into a new monitor.