Motherboard = P5LD2
CPU = E4300
Ram = 2 Gig DDR2
Video Card = Geforce 7900 GS

So I was thinking of getting a new CPU and Video card.
CPU would be E6700 and the video card would be something powerful that is compatible. I use windows XP pro, so I don't think 4 gig of ram is neccesary.

Would you upgrade this computer or buy a new one?
Is Windows 7 worth the switch? would I have to add 2gig ram for it?
I keep my computer in pretty good shape and so far it still runs like a beast even though its outdated. Just not sure if I upgrade or buy all new!

Have you tried OCing the CPU at all? You should easily be able to overclock that chip 25-30% for a nice free upgrade.

As for actual hardware, I suggest a GT240 (DDR5 model). It's a huge upgrade over the 7900GS for a tiny price. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...5-304-_-Product

More ram would certainly help too. http://cgi.ebay.com/Kingston-2GB-DD...=item2c57593760

Total cost after rebate for both upgrades = $72

If you OC your CPU 25%-ish and get those upgrades, you should be able to squeeze a few more years of gaming out of your current rig.

If you don't mind spending a little more, they have a 1GB version of the GT240 for $75 after rebate - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...0-531-_-Product

Last edited by Capitalizt on Sep-13-2010 at 17:54

If youre going to go win7 then yes, get another 2 gig of ram (you cant use 4 gig in XP).

This is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for this advice, it will be put to use.

Make sure you download the newest drivers for the card once you get it. The default ones are usually out of date. Let us know how it goes.

Finally have some money for ordering but I have 1 final question.

I have 2 sticks of PC2-5300 on my mobo that has a bus speed of 200 MHz and a rated FSB of 800 MHz.

Now I want to know if my ram can be upgraded to something better than 5300. I'm not sure how to calculate all this to see if 5300 is optimised for 200 MHz bus speed.

Anyone have any idea?

Well for me i am going to buy a new one.Tricore and ASUS is also very reliable parts.


Floor Tape

quote:

Originally posted by Dj Nacht Finally have some money for ordering but I have 1 final question. I have 2 sticks of PC2-5300 on my mobo that has a bus speed of 200 MHz and a rated FSB of 800 MHz. Now I want to know if my ram can be upgraded to something better than 5300. I'm not sure how to calculate all this to see if 5300 is optimised for 200 MHz bus speed. Anyone have any idea?

The bus speed is "quad pumped"...so 200 x 4 = 800mhz max speed.

DDR2 5300 memory is actually 667mhz. DDR2 PC2-6400 = 800mhz. Don't ask me how the numbers work..I don't have a clue. If I were you I'd splurge and get this - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16820211188

Only 3GB will show up in your system if you're running a 32bit OS. If you ever get Windows 64 bit, the full 4GB will be available. I don't know how many memory slots you have available but if you have 4, it may be cheaper just to get another 2 x 1GB 667mhz sticks. The performance difference between 667mhz and 800mhz isn't very noticable anyway. Here is a good option - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16820146526

yeah, what cap said. if your FSB is 800 you want ram of that speed as well, as he said, 6400. its OK to overclock your ram if its quality, but dont go overboard. i always used to buy expensive corsair for overclocking, and realised i'd made a great investment when my PC melted my mate's cheap jew ram. haha, unlucky!

quote:

Originally posted by Capitalizt The performance difference between 667mhz and 800mhz isn't very noticable anyway. Here is a good option - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16820146526

it isn't, but it will limit how far you can push your CPU.