Need some help picking some PC parts

Viper007Bond · September 8th, 2006, 05:24 AM

At some point, I want to get rid of this AGP 6800 GT OC and upgrade to something a little better. This means I'll need a new mobo (since I'll need PCI-E), so it'll also be a good time to build a storage box using my current mobo (ASUS P4P800-E Deluxe).

This is the video card I'm eyeing: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130034

I have a few questions / items that I need input on though. Oh, and no, I'm not made of money, so cost should come into play when answering these questions:

I currently have a P4 3.0GHz CPU. Should I get a better CPU and put my current one in the storage box? Or should I save some money and keep my current one and buy a crappy one for my storage box?
If I should get a new CPU, what kind should I get? I hear the Core 2 Duo rock, but aren't they expensive?
What mobo should I get? This of course matters on what CPU I'll be using (my current P4 or a new one).

Besides that, the rest of the parts in my system are just fine: http://www.viper007bond.com/about/my-computer/

FATMOUSE · September 8th, 2006, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viper007Bond

I currently have a P4 3.0GHz CPU. Should I get a better CPU and put my current one in the storage box? Or should I save some money and keep my current one and buy a crappy one for my storage box?
If I should get a new CPU, what kind should I get? I hear the Core 2 Duo rock, but aren't they expensive?
What mobo should I get? This of course matters on what CPU I'll be using (my current P4 or a new one).

Besides that, the rest of the parts in my system are just fine: http://www.viper007bond.com/about/my-computer/

You should save a bit, and get a Core 2 Duo. There's one for $180 and another for $250 on newegg which are very nice. (since you are getting a new mobo anyways) What kind of socket does your current processor use? LGA or pins?

As far as mobos, tough to say. Not many out yet, and the ones that are out are pretty expensive. ($160+)

Viper007Bond · September 8th, 2006, 05:35 AM

My current CPU is like 2 years old, so pins.

jeffy777 · September 8th, 2006, 05:36 AM

That video card is sweet as molasses images/smilies/biggrin.gif

I am an ATI man, so I'd probably go with the X1900 XTX, but either one will surely get the job done, hehe.

I'm not entirely settled on what would be the best CPU, but I do know the Core 2 Duo rock. My wife has one in her laptop and it smokes.

Play around with this a little:
http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.html
The Core 2 Duo is incredible on those benchmarks images/smilies/eek.gif

Viper007Bond · September 8th, 2006, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffy777

That video card is sweet as molasses images/smilies/biggrin.gif

I am an ATI man, so I'd probably go with the X1900 XTX, but either one will surely get the job done, hehe.

A guy I know is selling 2 of those 'cause he's upgrading to something better. images/smilies/lol.gif

Anyway, while ATi cards are pretty nice, I absolutely hate their drivers and software (I'll never go back to them, ugh), so nVidia for me. images/smilies/smile.gif

jeffy777 · September 8th, 2006, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viper007Bond

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffy777

That video card is sweet as molasses images/smilies/biggrin.gif

I am an ATI man, so I'd probably go with the X1900 XTX, but either one will surely get the job done, hehe.

A guy I know is selling 2 of those 'cause he's upgrading to something better. images/smilies/lol.gif

They're pretty much top of the line dude images/smilies/tongue.gif

First ever to have GDDR4 memory....

Gives the card you posted a run for it's money:
http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/08/...xtx/page6.html

I don't mind their drivers at all. I just disable the control center and that's that, haha.

Viper007Bond · September 8th, 2006, 05:45 AM

I know, he's rich and nuts, so he has to have the absolute top of the line. He's selling his 4800 too I believe.

jeffy777 · September 8th, 2006, 05:51 AM

Yeah dude, scan through that Tom's Hardware article on the X1900 XTX. It does better than the 7900GT:
http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/08/...xtx/page6.html

But if you want nVidia, then go with the 7950 GX2 images/smilies/biggrin.gif

(although is the performance boost really worth the extra cash?). And on some games the 7900 GT is better, so...I'd say no, hehe

Viper007Bond · September 8th, 2006, 05:58 AM

Meh, I really do prefer nVidia over ATi. :/

And no, he's rich, I'm not. I can't afford to get a GX2, lol. images/smilies/wink.gif

jeffy777 · September 8th, 2006, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viper007Bond

Meh, I really do prefer nVidia over ATi. :/

That's cool man, everyone has their preferences images/smilies/smile.gif

You don't like AMD either, eh?

Viper007Bond · September 8th, 2006, 06:03 AM

Never had one, so I have no opinion of them. images/smilies/smile.gif

I'm typing on the first (and only) PC I ever built and that was 2 years ago. My first PC (the one before this) was a Dell and all my parents have ever had were Dells (except for the 486 days and earlier of course).

jeffy777 · September 8th, 2006, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viper007Bond

Never had one, so I have no opinion of them. images/smilies/smile.gif

They're good, but obviously the Core 2 seems to be mopping the floor pretty well with them at this point.

You have to get a PCI-E motherboard, so you may as well get a better processor now, if you can afford it.

Jacobfox · September 8th, 2006, 06:13 AM

that 7900gt is great, viper. I have 2 of the 256 ones in my box right now. the only issue is you're gonna want to get an Nvidia chipset for the core 2 duo. If you cant get your hands on an intel nforce 590 SLI, then you should get an Nforce 4 SLIx16 that way you can upgrade to SLI along the way. You should get a BFG PSU, 650 watts for like $130, plenty for an SLI system.

Also, I've got 2 sticks of nice low latency ddr2 memory for your LGA 775. Corsair XMS 800mhz...selling on newegg for like $135 (1 total Gb). I'll sell to you for like $100. PM me if ur interested.

for cooling, you're gonna want a silverstone nitrogon CPU fan (on newegg for $60). CPU mag says that that's the best one for the core 2 duo.

as for the cpu, you should get the 6600 core 2 duo ($330).

Hope you've got enough cash. Otherwise, an AM2 might be better. Nothing wrong with an AMD. In fact, that's what i've got in my compy and it hauls ass. images/smilies/vampire.gif

Viper007Bond · September 8th, 2006, 06:25 AM

Yeah, I'm not looking to build a whole new PC right now. I can't afford it. I'll get newer RAM and such later on. For now, I'm just looking to get a better video card. images/smilies/smile.gif

I mean, the 2 gigs of PC3200 DDR I have now is fine as is my Antec TruePower 550W PSU.

Oh, and RE: CPU -- this PC is mostly for gaming, so multitasking isn't really that big of a deal to me. I just want whatever will get me the best performance in my games without making me poor. images/smilies/smile.gif

jeffy777 · September 8th, 2006, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viper007Bond

Yeah, I'm not looking to build a whole new PC right now. I can't afford it. I'll get newer RAM and such later on. For now, I'm just looking to get a better video card. images/smilies/smile.gif

I mean, the 2 gigs of PC3200 DDR I have now is fine as is my Antec TruePower 550W PSU.

Oh, and RE: CPU -- this PC is mostly for gaming, so multitasking isn't really that big of a deal to me. I just want whatever will get me the best performance in my games without making me poor. images/smilies/smile.gif

Yeah, then I think you'd be good to stick with your current CPU images/smilies/wink.gif

Viper007Bond · September 8th, 2006, 06:33 AM

Sounds good. images/smilies/smile.gif

Okay, so then what's a good motherboard that'll support my current CPU while still allowing me to upgrade as much as possible in the future when the time comes?

It doesn't need integrated audio as I have a Audigy 2 ZS and if it has a NIC, it needs to be gigabit. No NIC is fine though because I just just buy a PCI one.

Any suggestions?

jeffy777 · September 8th, 2006, 06:37 AM

I'm not an expert on Intel based mobos, so I'll let someone else handle this one 8)

September 8th, 2006, 05:24 AM	#1
Viper007Bond Lazy Head Dude Joined: Sep 21st, 2003 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 21,086 Car: Dodge Viper (I wish!) Rep Power: 237	Need some help picking some PC parts At some point, I want to get rid of this AGP 6800 GT OC and upgrade to something a little better. This means I'll need a new mobo (since I'll need PCI-E), so it'll also be a good time to build a storage box using my current mobo (ASUS P4P800-E Deluxe). This is the video card I'm eyeing: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130034 I have a few questions / items that I need input on though. Oh, and no, I'm not made of money, so cost should come into play when answering these questions: I currently have a P4 3.0GHz CPU. Should I get a better CPU and put my current one in the storage box? Or should I save some money and keep my current one and buy a crappy one for my storage box? If I should get a new CPU, what kind should I get? I hear the Core 2 Duo rock, but aren't they expensive? What mobo should I get? This of course matters on what CPU I'll be using (my current P4 or a new one). Besides that, the rest of the parts in my system are just fine: http://www.viper007bond.com/about/my-computer/ __________________ Fight back against the evil Quiky by +1'ing this post! There is no replacement for displacement. - Wolfgang Bernhard, Chief Operating Officer, Chrysler Group talking about the Dodge Viper SRT-10 ... I ask Herb Helbig, vehicle synthesis manager for SRT and a member of the original Team Viper development group since day one, if they'd ever thought of adding traction control. "It comes with two," he says, pointing at my feet. "Learn to use them." Got it. - Motor Trend on the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe, November 2005

September 8th, 2006, 05:35 AM	#3
Viper007Bond Lazy Head Dude Joined: Sep 21st, 2003 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 21,086 Car: Dodge Viper (I wish!) Rep Power: 237	My current CPU is like 2 years old, so pins. __________________ Fight back against the evil Quiky by +1'ing this post! There is no replacement for displacement. - Wolfgang Bernhard, Chief Operating Officer, Chrysler Group talking about the Dodge Viper SRT-10 ... I ask Herb Helbig, vehicle synthesis manager for SRT and a member of the original Team Viper development group since day one, if they'd ever thought of adding traction control. "It comes with two," he says, pointing at my feet. "Learn to use them." Got it. - Motor Trend on the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe, November 2005

September 8th, 2006, 05:36 AM	#4
jeffy777 Joined: Feb 8th, 2005 Last Online: 06:06 AM Location: US Age: 27 Posts: 5,662 Car: '04 Toyota Sienna, crippled people like vans.... Rep Power: 53	That video card is sweet as molasses I am an ATI man, so I'd probably go with the X1900 XTX, but either one will surely get the job done, hehe. I'm not entirely settled on what would be the best CPU, but I do know the Core 2 Duo rock. My wife has one in her laptop and it smokes. Play around with this a little: http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.html The Core 2 Duo is incredible on those benchmarks __________________ A man named Jeffy once said, "If laziness is craziness, then I've lost my marbles...and I don't feel like trying to find them."

September 8th, 2006, 05:45 AM	#7
Viper007Bond Lazy Head Dude Joined: Sep 21st, 2003 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 21,086 Car: Dodge Viper (I wish!) Rep Power: 237	I know, he's rich and nuts, so he has to have the absolute top of the line. He's selling his 4800 too I believe. __________________ Fight back against the evil Quiky by +1'ing this post! There is no replacement for displacement. - Wolfgang Bernhard, Chief Operating Officer, Chrysler Group talking about the Dodge Viper SRT-10 ... I ask Herb Helbig, vehicle synthesis manager for SRT and a member of the original Team Viper development group since day one, if they'd ever thought of adding traction control. "It comes with two," he says, pointing at my feet. "Learn to use them." Got it. - Motor Trend on the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe, November 2005

September 8th, 2006, 05:51 AM	#8
jeffy777 Joined: Feb 8th, 2005 Last Online: 06:06 AM Location: US Age: 27 Posts: 5,662 Car: '04 Toyota Sienna, crippled people like vans.... Rep Power: 53	Yeah dude, scan through that Tom's Hardware article on the X1900 XTX. It does better than the 7900GT: http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/08/...xtx/page6.html But if you want nVidia, then go with the 7950 GX2 (although is the performance boost really worth the extra cash?). And on some games the 7900 GT is better, so...I'd say no, hehe __________________ A man named Jeffy once said, "If laziness is craziness, then I've lost my marbles...and I don't feel like trying to find them."

September 8th, 2006, 05:58 AM	#9
Viper007Bond Lazy Head Dude Joined: Sep 21st, 2003 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 21,086 Car: Dodge Viper (I wish!) Rep Power: 237	Meh, I really do prefer nVidia over ATi. :/ And no, he's rich, I'm not. I can't afford to get a GX2, lol. __________________ Fight back against the evil Quiky by +1'ing this post! There is no replacement for displacement. - Wolfgang Bernhard, Chief Operating Officer, Chrysler Group talking about the Dodge Viper SRT-10 ... I ask Herb Helbig, vehicle synthesis manager for SRT and a member of the original Team Viper development group since day one, if they'd ever thought of adding traction control. "It comes with two," he says, pointing at my feet. "Learn to use them." Got it. - Motor Trend on the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe, November 2005

September 8th, 2006, 06:03 AM	#11
Viper007Bond Lazy Head Dude Joined: Sep 21st, 2003 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 21,086 Car: Dodge Viper (I wish!) Rep Power: 237	Never had one, so I have no opinion of them. I'm typing on the first (and only) PC I ever built and that was 2 years ago. My first PC (the one before this) was a Dell and all my parents have ever had were Dells (except for the 486 days and earlier of course). __________________ Fight back against the evil Quiky by +1'ing this post! There is no replacement for displacement. - Wolfgang Bernhard, Chief Operating Officer, Chrysler Group talking about the Dodge Viper SRT-10 ... I ask Herb Helbig, vehicle synthesis manager for SRT and a member of the original Team Viper development group since day one, if they'd ever thought of adding traction control. "It comes with two," he says, pointing at my feet. "Learn to use them." Got it. - Motor Trend on the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe, November 2005

September 8th, 2006, 06:13 AM	#13
Jacobfox Joined: May 24th, 2005 Last Online: 04:06 AM Location: Sacramento, CA/Chicago, IL Age: 19 Posts: 2,538 Car: Audi S6, Armada, F430, BMW M3 Rep Power: 33	that 7900gt is great, viper. I have 2 of the 256 ones in my box right now. the only issue is you're gonna want to get an Nvidia chipset for the core 2 duo. If you cant get your hands on an intel nforce 590 SLI, then you should get an Nforce 4 SLIx16 that way you can upgrade to SLI along the way. You should get a BFG PSU, 650 watts for like $130, plenty for an SLI system. Also, I've got 2 sticks of nice low latency ddr2 memory for your LGA 775. Corsair XMS 800mhz...selling on newegg for like $135 (1 total Gb). I'll sell to you for like $100. PM me if ur interested. for cooling, you're gonna want a silverstone nitrogon CPU fan (on newegg for $60). CPU mag says that that's the best one for the core 2 duo. as for the cpu, you should get the 6600 core 2 duo ($330). Hope you've got enough cash. Otherwise, an AM2 might be better. Nothing wrong with an AMD. In fact, that's what i've got in my compy and it hauls ass. __________________ 2007 Ferrari F430 (Rosso Rubino Micalizzato, Cuoio Interior, Carbon Upper Dash & wheel, Stradale Rims) Jake- Priest of the Prancing Horse, Archbishop of the four rings. Blaro, No Boss and Jacobfox- RickRolling since 1989.

September 8th, 2006, 06:25 AM	#14
Viper007Bond Lazy Head Dude Joined: Sep 21st, 2003 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 21,086 Car: Dodge Viper (I wish!) Rep Power: 237	Yeah, I'm not looking to build a whole new PC right now. I can't afford it. I'll get newer RAM and such later on. For now, I'm just looking to get a better video card. I mean, the 2 gigs of PC3200 DDR I have now is fine as is my Antec TruePower 550W PSU. Oh, and RE: CPU -- this PC is mostly for gaming, so multitasking isn't really that big of a deal to me. I just want whatever will get me the best performance in my games without making me poor. __________________ Fight back against the evil Quiky by +1'ing this post! There is no replacement for displacement. - Wolfgang Bernhard, Chief Operating Officer, Chrysler Group talking about the Dodge Viper SRT-10 ... I ask Herb Helbig, vehicle synthesis manager for SRT and a member of the original Team Viper development group since day one, if they'd ever thought of adding traction control. "It comes with two," he says, pointing at my feet. "Learn to use them." Got it. - Motor Trend on the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe, November 2005

September 8th, 2006, 06:33 AM	#16
Viper007Bond Lazy Head Dude Joined: Sep 21st, 2003 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 21,086 Car: Dodge Viper (I wish!) Rep Power: 237	Sounds good. Okay, so then what's a good motherboard that'll support my current CPU while still allowing me to upgrade as much as possible in the future when the time comes? It doesn't need integrated audio as I have a Audigy 2 ZS and if it has a NIC, it needs to be gigabit. No NIC is fine though because I just just buy a PCI one. Any suggestions? __________________ Fight back against the evil Quiky by +1'ing this post! There is no replacement for displacement. - Wolfgang Bernhard, Chief Operating Officer, Chrysler Group talking about the Dodge Viper SRT-10 ... I ask Herb Helbig, vehicle synthesis manager for SRT and a member of the original Team Viper development group since day one, if they'd ever thought of adding traction control. "It comes with two," he says, pointing at my feet. "Learn to use them." Got it. - Motor Trend on the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe, November 2005

September 8th, 2006, 06:37 AM	#17
jeffy777 Joined: Feb 8th, 2005 Last Online: 06:06 AM Location: US Age: 27 Posts: 5,662 Car: '04 Toyota Sienna, crippled people like vans.... Rep Power: 53	I'm not an expert on Intel based mobos, so I'll let someone else handle this one 8) __________________ A man named Jeffy once said, "If laziness is craziness, then I've lost my marbles...and I don't feel like trying to find them."

September 8th, 2006, 06:47 AM	#18
cvrefugee Joined: Aug 16th, 2004 Last Online: 02:15 AM Location: Corona, CA Age: 28 Posts: 3,450 Car: 2005 Scion xB Rep Power: 60