04-08-2006, 02:42 AM
I suppose I should clarify why I feel the need to buy a new system right now, and what my intentions are.
Like I said before, I'm currently using an Athlon XP 1700+/512MB RAM/9600XT AGP computer. It works well enough for what I use it for, but I realise that there is almost zero upgrade room for me. That's okay by me, because other than Oblivion there aren't too many current games I wish to play. I can run Guild Wars, Empire at War, and Bloodlines decently enough.
I'm in a position now that I want to have a second computer networked in my home (so that my son and/or my wife can use it while I'm busy ignoring them while playing Diablo 2 searching for phat lewt). I'd like to relegate my old system to this task, and buy something new. I'm not looking to upgrade just to be able to play the latest games (though that would be a bonus), but I'd like something that CAN be upgraded over time. I'd like something with versatility. The socket 939 and PCI-E motherboard should allow me to do this.
I'd also like a main computer with a little more "zip" for everyday tasks, as stupid as that sounds. I currently have (by today's standards) a slow processor, slow RAM, and a slow HDD.
But my birthday is in April and not in July :(
No, I'm pretty set on getting something new right now.
I'll never be running more than a single optical drive, a single HDD, and a single video card. 350W should be plenty for that. I've always been under the assumption that Antec PSUs were excellent and performed way better than their wattage figures suggest when compared to cheap no-name PSUs.
Almost none at all. Video encoding isn't an issue. Dual-core is definitely out of my price range, though it's an option for the future.
Sweet, thanks for the link.
The motherboard I plan to get can handle up to 4GB RAM, so that's definitely an upgrade route.
Like I said before, I'm currently using an Athlon XP 1700+/512MB RAM/9600XT AGP computer. It works well enough for what I use it for, but I realise that there is almost zero upgrade room for me. That's okay by me, because other than Oblivion there aren't too many current games I wish to play. I can run Guild Wars, Empire at War, and Bloodlines decently enough.
I'm in a position now that I want to have a second computer networked in my home (so that my son and/or my wife can use it while I'm busy ignoring them while playing Diablo 2 searching for phat lewt). I'd like to relegate my old system to this task, and buy something new. I'm not looking to upgrade just to be able to play the latest games (though that would be a bonus), but I'd like something that CAN be upgraded over time. I'd like something with versatility. The socket 939 and PCI-E motherboard should allow me to do this.
I'd also like a main computer with a little more "zip" for everyday tasks, as stupid as that sounds. I currently have (by today's standards) a slow processor, slow RAM, and a slow HDD.
Drasca,Apr 7 2006, 08:59 PM Wrote:I would SERIOUSLY wait until July for a new computer. There's going to be a drastic drop in CPU prices for higher quality chips from both Intel and AMD. Please consider putting the money off a few months, as you'll get much higher quality stuff for far lower prices pretty darn soon.[right][snapback]106561[/snapback][/right]
But my birthday is in April and not in July :(
No, I'm pretty set on getting something new right now.
Drasca,Apr 7 2006, 08:59 PM Wrote:As for parts now, the PSU seems drastically underpowered. A solid PSU is the heart of your system. Underpowered PSU's can and will damage the rest. Don't skimp on this bit. Consider 400W as you rminimum, 450W being reasonable, and 500W safe.. Also make sure to get Dual 12V rails.
Use this PSU calculator as a guide to what you'll need.[right][snapback]106561[/snapback][/right]
I'll never be running more than a single optical drive, a single HDD, and a single video card. 350W should be plenty for that. I've always been under the assumption that Antec PSUs were excellent and performed way better than their wattage figures suggest when compared to cheap no-name PSUs.
Drasca,Apr 7 2006, 08:59 PM Wrote:Current CPU's: Do you do any video encoding? Not a whole lot of games take advantage of Dual-core specific abilities. Oblivion is one of them, so if you do plan on getting that, it might be an option. Otherwise single core is probably better for you.[right][snapback]106561[/snapback][/right]
Almost none at all. Video encoding isn't an issue. Dual-core is definitely out of my price range, though it's an option for the future.
Drasca,Apr 7 2006, 08:59 PM Wrote:You might want to look at anandtech's article on some recent CPUs relative power.[right][snapback]106561[/snapback][/right]
Sweet, thanks for the link.
Drasca,Apr 7 2006, 08:59 PM Wrote:Current RAM: Get a 2Gb kit (2x 1GB sticks) You won't regret it.
[right][snapback]106561[/snapback][/right]
The motherboard I plan to get can handle up to 4GB RAM, so that's definitely an upgrade route.