DIY PC (upgrading)

[sweetm]

Hi all,

upgrading PC...currently having pentium dual core cpu 3.06ghz /2gb ram

any recommendation that can last me probably another 3 or 4 years of usage?

i only surfing web and Diablo 3

Budget 1k.

 

[Alternative X]

Please give a more detailed list of the parts in your rig.

 

[sweetm]

oh...apology as i am nt that tech savy...its a DIY pc also that a friend of mine set it up about 5 years ago..still can play D3 thou but rather slow in loading graphics..was thinking to reuse the parts that i had, wondering if its feasible.

win 7 home edition
500gb hdd .
graphic card (nt sure)

 

[Alternative X]

Download and run HWinfo and use this software to extract more information about the parts of your system.

Do also take special note whether your RAMs are DDR2 or DDR3 RAMs.

Also, open the side panel of your casing (it's just a couple of screws) and read off the label of the PSU and post the exact brand, model and wattage of your PSU.

 

[sweetm]

is this the info?


the psu is rs-460-pcar-a3 coolmaster

CPU:Intel Pentium Dual Core E6600 (Wolfdale-2M, R0)
3066 MHz (11.50x266.7) @ 1599 MHz (6.00x266.6)
Motherboard: ASUS P5G41-M LX
Chipset: Intel G41 (Eaglelake) + ICH7
Memory: 2048 MBytes @ 333 MHz, 5.0-5-5-15
- 1024 MB PC5300 DDR2-SDRAM - Kingston
- 1024 MB PC5300 DDR2-SDRAM - Kingston
Graphics: MSI R5450 (MS-V212)
ATI/AMD Radeon HD 5450/5470/5490/5530/6230/6250/6290, 1024 MB DDR3 SDRAM
Drive: ST3500418AS, 488.4 GB, Serial ATA 3Gb/s
Drive: ST380817AS, 78.2 GB, Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s
Drive: WDC WD3200BMVS-11F9S0, 312.6 GB, Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s <-> USB
Drive: HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GH22NS50, DVD+R DL
Sound: Intel 82801GB ICH7 - High Definition Audio [A1]
Sound: ATI/AMD Cedar/Park/Robson - High Definition Audio Controller
Network: RealTek Semiconductor RTL8102E/8103E Fast Ethernet NIC
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Build 7601

 

[Alternative X]

Good enough.

Suggested upgrade parts:
RAM: 2X Kingston PC2-6400/DDR2-800 (2GB) (92)
GPU: Powercolor R7 260X 2GB Turboduo (179)
PSU: FSP Aurum S 500W (89)
SSD: Plextor M6S/Sandisk Ultra+ 128GB (99) (optional)

Total Cost: $459

Bring this list and your rig to PC Care & Solutions, #02-32, Sim Lim Square, and ask Nigel to go parts shopping with you for these parts and to help you to install these upgrades for you for a fee.

Notes:

1) The RAM upgrade is intended to upgrade your overall system RAM to 4GB RAM which is adequate for Diablo III. However, as your motherboard has only 2 RAM slots, your 2X 1GB sticks of RAM will need to be taken out of the system. Can choose to keep these RAM sticks in case you need them again, DDR2 RAM are a bit hard to find nowadays.

2) The R7 260X will allow you to be able to play Diablo III at max settings in 1920X1080 display resolution.

3) A new and better quality PSU is included as your old PSU is not known for excellent build quality and energy efficiency. Also, since it has been used for 5 years, best to change the PSU.

4) The Solid State Drive (SSD) is optional, but loading the OS into the SSD will allow you to enjoy fast bootup speeds and loading games into the SSD will help reduce loading times with the game. Also, you have 3 HDDs in your system? I noticed that you have a 80GB, 320GB and a 500GB HDD in your system.

Due to the limited number of SATA connectors in your motherboard (4 SATA connectors only), your motherboard can only support 3 storage drives with your DVD-RW. It is suggested that if you want to get a SSD, it is a good idea to transfer important data from your 80GB HDD and retire this HDD in favor of the SSD.

Also, which of these HDDs did you use to install the OS? You are going to need to transfer important data from the OS drive into your other drives so that the disk image is small enough that a disk cloning can be done to transfer the OS into the 128GB SSD. The OS drive will be normally be formatted later to allow the HDD to be reused as a storage drive.

 

[berber]

Hello, since there is already a similar existing thread thought it's better to ask here instead of opening a new one (hope you don't mind TS)

Curious how often do you guys usually upgrade/overhaul you rigs? Been on my current rig (first gen i7) which is still going strong for 5 years plus now. How does the i7-920 compare to current gen cpus? Do you reckon its finally time to upgrade? Cheers

 

[zenniz]

Hello, since there is already a similar existing thread thought it's better to ask here instead of opening a new one (hope you don't mind TS)

Curious how often do you guys usually upgrade/overhaul you rigs? Been on my current rig (first gen i7) which is still going strong for 5 years plus now. How does the i7-920 compare to current gen cpus? Do you reckon its finally time to upgrade? Cheers

You won't see much difference in your basic usage and gaming performance if you change to 4th gen.

 

[sweetm]

Thanks !

appreciate the clear explanation !

The PSU can be replace? thought its attached/come with the casing?
i only have 2 HDD (1x 500GB (partition 200GB/300GB), 1x80GB) the other is my usb ext hdd that i plugin.

OS is installed in the 200GB partition hdd


Also...if you dun mind mme asking another question....assuming if i wanna have a new set of desktop, what will be the best setup? Saw some of the shops like fulwell, bizgram all having DIYs custom done and some even selling close to my budget.

 

[Goodshot]

Hello, since there is already a similar existing thread thought it's better to ask here instead of opening a new one (hope you don't mind TS)

Curious how often do you guys usually upgrade/overhaul you rigs? Been on my current rig (first gen i7) which is still going strong for 5 years plus now. How does the i7-920 compare to current gen cpus? Do you reckon its finally time to upgrade? Cheers

i7-920 is like a modern i3 -4160 performance , infact i3 is only $135 and 54w only , and if single thread apps is powerful than old i7 alot

 

[sweetm]

Good enough.

Suggested upgrade parts:
RAM: 2X Kingston PC2-6400/DDR2-800 (2GB) (92)
GPU: Powercolor R7 260X 2GB Turboduo (179)
PSU: FSP Aurum S 500W (89)
SSD: Plextor M6S/Sandisk Ultra+ 128GB (99) (optional)

Total Cost: $459

Bring this list and your rig to PC Care & Solutions, #02-32, Sim Lim Square, and ask Nigel to go parts shopping with you for these parts and to help you to install these upgrades for you for a fee.

Notes:

1) The RAM upgrade is intended to upgrade your overall system RAM to 4GB RAM which is adequate for Diablo III. However, as your motherboard has only 2 RAM slots, your 2X 1GB sticks of RAM will need to be taken out of the system. Can choose to keep these RAM sticks in case you need them again, DDR2 RAM are a bit hard to find nowadays.

2) The R7 260X will allow you to be able to play Diablo III at max settings in 1920X1080 display resolution.

3) A new and better quality PSU is included as your old PSU is not known for excellent build quality and energy efficiency. Also, since it has been used for 5 years, best to change the PSU.

4) The Solid State Drive (SSD) is optional, but loading the OS into the SSD will allow you to enjoy fast bootup speeds and loading games into the SSD will help reduce loading times with the game. Also, you have 3 HDDs in your system? I noticed that you have a 80GB, 320GB and a 500GB HDD in your system.

Due to the limited number of SATA connectors in your motherboard (4 SATA connectors only), your motherboard can only support 3 storage drives with your DVD-RW. It is suggested that if you want to get a SSD, it is a good idea to transfer important data from your 80GB HDD and retire this HDD in favor of the SSD.

Also, which of these HDDs did you use to install the OS? You are going to need to transfer important data from the OS drive into your other drives so that the disk image is small enough that a disk cloning can be done to transfer the OS into the 128GB SSD. The OS drive will be normally be formatted later to allow the HDD to be reused as a storage drive.

Thanks !

appreciate the clear explanation !

The PSU can be replace? thought its attached/come with the casing?
i only have 2 HDD (1x 500GB (partition 200GB/300GB), 1x80GB) the other is my usb ext hdd that i plugin.

OS is installed in the 200GB partition hdd


Also...if you dun mind mme asking another question....assuming if i wanna have a new set of desktop, what will be the best setup? Saw some of the shops like fulwell, bizgram all having DIYs custom done and some even selling close to my budget.

 

[Alternative X]

Thanks !

appreciate the clear explanation !

The PSU can be replace? thought its attached/come with the casing?
i only have 2 HDD (1x 500GB (partition 200GB/300GB), 1x80GB) the other is my usb ext hdd that i plugin.

OS is installed in the 200GB partition hdd


Also...if you dun mind me asking another question....assuming if i wanna have a new set of desktop, what will be the best setup? Saw some of the shops like fulwell, bizgram all having DIYs custom done and some even selling close to my budget.

1) The PSU is replaceable, it is only attached to the casing by 4 screws.

2) Got 1TB external HDD? Can considering getting one and use it to backup your important stuff from your HDD if you want to transition to a SSD. You will also end up with a 1TB external HDD that you can use for storage or backup after this is done.

3) I think it is still cost effective to just upgrade your existing rig since Diablo III is not very CPU intensive and your E6600 can still run it fine without much adverse performance penalties, but if you must have a new rig,

CPU+ Mobo: ASROCK H81M-HDS + G3240 (159)
RAM: CRUCIAL PC 12800/1600MHZ DDR3 CL11 VALUE RAM (8GB) (99)
GPU: POWERCOLOR R7 260X 2GB TURBODUO (179)
SSD: PLEXTOR M6S 128GB (99)
HDD: TOSHIBA 1TB 7200RPM (69)
DVD-RW: LG 24X DVD-RW SATA OEM (25)
PSU: SEASONIC S12G-NON MODULAR 550W (105)
Case: DEEPCOOL TESSERACT (65)
OS: WINDOWS 7 HOME PREM (120)

Total cost: $920

Buy at PC Themes, #04-15, and ask for discounts. DIY yourself. If you can't into DIY, get PC Themes to assemble for you for a fee.

This rig is still good enough to play Diablo III at max settings at 1920X1080 display resolution and surf the web.

 

[Aviendar]

Hi,

my current build is as below (since 2011). There have been a few times whereby the PC is unable to boot up, ie power on but blank screen. Only after removing the ram and fixing it back will the PC start up again. Suspect GPU or Ram is dying and hence thinking of an upgrade.

I am a heavy multi tasker, downloading, streaming HD videos, watching videos, multiple web browsers/tabs and gaming at the same time. Mostly play WOW but also hope to play the latest games (COD, Skyrim, Shadows of Mordor etc) on Max settings. No intention to have dual GPU and only using single 23 inch monitor.

Had some items in mind: Any other recommendations? I was also thinking if I could upgrade just the GPU, SSD, Ram and not the CPU/Mobo.

1. I5-4670/MIS Z97 Gaming 5/Asus Z97-A
2. Gigabyte GTX 760 2GB Winforce OC DDR 5 (not sure if this suffices?)
3. Crucial MX100 512Gb
4. G-skill 1600 Mhz CL9 16GB

Current build:

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K (Sandy Bridge-DT XE, D2)
3300 MHz (33.00x100.0) @ 3392 MHz (34.00x99.8)
Motherboard: ASRock Z68 Extreme4
Chipset: Intel Z68 (Cougar Point) [B3]
Memory: 8192 MBytes @ 665 MHz, 9.0-9-9-24
- 4096 MB PC10600 DDR3 SDRAM - Kingston 99U5403-034.A00G
- 4096 MB PC10600 DDR3 SDRAM - Kingston 99U5403-034.A00G
Graphics: Intel Sandy Bridge-DT GT2 - Integrated Graphics Controller [D2/J1/Q0] [ASRock]
Intel HD Graphics 3000, 3952938 KB
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti, 1024 MB GDDR5 SDRAM
Drive: WDC WD10EALX-759BA1, 976.8 GB, Serial ATA 6Gb/s @ 6Gb/s
Drive: HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GH24NS70, DVD+R DL
Sound: Intel Cougar Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller [B3]
Sound: NVIDIA GF114 - High Definition Audio Controller
Sound: Creative SB X-Fi Titanium
Network: Broadcom BCM57781 NetLink PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (x64) Build 7601
ARUM CM Series: AU-550M PSU

 

[Alternative X]

Hi,

my current build is as below (since 2011). There have been a few times whereby the PC is unable to boot up, ie power on but blank screen. Only after removing the ram and fixing it back will the PC start up again. Suspect GPU or Ram is dying and hence thinking of an upgrade.

I am a heavy multi tasker, downloading, streaming HD videos, watching videos, multiple web browsers/tabs and gaming at the same time. Mostly play WOW but also hope to play the latest games (COD, Skyrim, Shadows of Mordor etc) on Max settings. No intention to have dual GPU and only using single 23 inch monitor.

Had some items in mind: Any other recommendations? I was also thinking if I could upgrade just the GPU, SSD, Ram and not the CPU/Mobo.

1. I5-4670/MIS Z97 Gaming 5/Asus Z97-A
2. Gigabyte GTX 760 2GB Winforce OC DDR 5 (not sure if this suffices?)
3. Crucial MX100 512Gb
4. G-skill 1600 Mhz CL9 16GB

Current build:

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K (Sandy Bridge-DT XE, D2)
3300 MHz (33.00x100.0) @ 3392 MHz (34.00x99.8)
Motherboard: ASRock Z68 Extreme4
Chipset: Intel Z68 (Cougar Point) [B3]
Memory: 8192 MBytes @ 665 MHz, 9.0-9-9-24
- 4096 MB PC10600 DDR3 SDRAM - Kingston 99U5403-034.A00G
- 4096 MB PC10600 DDR3 SDRAM - Kingston 99U5403-034.A00G
Graphics: Intel Sandy Bridge-DT GT2 - Integrated Graphics Controller [D2/J1/Q0] [ASRock]
Intel HD Graphics 3000, 3952938 KB
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti, 1024 MB GDDR5 SDRAM
Drive: WDC WD10EALX-759BA1, 976.8 GB, Serial ATA 6Gb/s @ 6Gb/s
Drive: HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GH24NS70, DVD+R DL
Sound: Intel Cougar Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller [B3]
Sound: NVIDIA GF114 - High Definition Audio Controller
Sound: Creative SB X-Fi Titanium
Network: Broadcom BCM57781 NetLink PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (x64) Build 7601
ARUM CM Series: AU-550M PSU

1) Fastest way to prove that your GPU is dying is to just pull out your GPU, connect monitor to mobo and see if you still got blank screen bootup or not. Might not be able to game for a while, but still can use the rig to DL and watch videos for the time being.

2) Download and run Memtest 86+ to test your RAMs and see if there are any issues with your RAMs. 8GB RAMs are good enough for gaming, don't need until 16GB RAMs.

3) The GTX 760 is good for max settings in Shadows of Mordor and Skyrim but can only play COD at max settings if you turn the AA off. Why not consider AMD? AMD's GPUs are pretty cheap right now and a Powercolor R9 280 can be had for $285 while the Gigabyte GTX 760 costs $379. The Powercolor R9 280 is slightly more powerful than the GTX 760 and is going for a cheaper price, thus the R9 280 is a better deal than the Gigabyte GTX 760.

Alternatively, it might be a better idea to top up a bit more and get a far more powerful Zotac GTX 970 Twin Fan for $448 and be able to play the latest games at max settings.

 

[dreadknight]

Hi,

my current build is as below (since 2011). There have been a few times whereby the PC is unable to boot up, ie power on but blank screen. Only after removing the ram and fixing it back will the PC start up again. Suspect GPU or Ram is dying and hence thinking of an upgrade.

I am a heavy multi tasker, downloading, streaming HD videos, watching videos, multiple web browsers/tabs and gaming at the same time. Mostly play WOW but also hope to play the latest games (COD, Skyrim, Shadows of Mordor etc) on Max settings. No intention to have dual GPU and only using single 23 inch monitor.

Had some items in mind: Any other recommendations? I was also thinking if I could upgrade just the GPU, SSD, Ram and not the CPU/Mobo.

1. I5-4670/MIS Z97 Gaming 5/Asus Z97-A
2. Gigabyte GTX 760 2GB Winforce OC DDR 5 (not sure if this suffices?)
3. Crucial MX100 512Gb
4. G-skill 1600 Mhz CL9 16GB

Current build:

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K (Sandy Bridge-DT XE, D2)
3300 MHz (33.00x100.0) @ 3392 MHz (34.00x99.8)
Motherboard: ASRock Z68 Extreme4
Chipset: Intel Z68 (Cougar Point) [B3]
Memory: 8192 MBytes @ 665 MHz, 9.0-9-9-24
- 4096 MB PC10600 DDR3 SDRAM - Kingston 99U5403-034.A00G
- 4096 MB PC10600 DDR3 SDRAM - Kingston 99U5403-034.A00G
Graphics: Intel Sandy Bridge-DT GT2 - Integrated Graphics Controller [D2/J1/Q0] [ASRock]
Intel HD Graphics 3000, 3952938 KB
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti, 1024 MB GDDR5 SDRAM
Drive: WDC WD10EALX-759BA1, 976.8 GB, Serial ATA 6Gb/s @ 6Gb/s
Drive: HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GH24NS70, DVD+R DL
Sound: Intel Cougar Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller [B3]
Sound: NVIDIA GF114 - High Definition Audio Controller
Sound: Creative SB X-Fi Titanium
Network: Broadcom BCM57781 NetLink PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (x64) Build 7601
ARUM CM Series: AU-550M PSU

1. your cpu is still good, try overclocking if you haven't .. you may need a better cooler if still on stock
2. savings from sticking to your mobo and cpu goes here so gtx 970 is one best card to get
3. if you need 512GB ssd and have money to spare after gfx card... or else just get 256GB and keep only the heavily used game and OS on it
4. ram... if your ram is tested to have issues... get 8 GB kit enough. i used less than 6GB total...even with 300 tabs......

 

[Aviendar]

1) Fastest way to prove that your GPU is dying is to just pull out your GPU, connect monitor to mobo and see if you still got blank screen bootup or not. Might not be able to game for a while, but still can use the rig to DL and watch videos for the time being.

2) Download and run Memtest 86+ to test your RAMs and see if there are any issues with your RAMs. 8GB RAMs are good enough for gaming, don't need until 16GB RAMs.

3) The GTX 760 is good for max settings in Shadows of Mordor and Skyrim but can only play COD at max settings if you turn the AA off. Why not consider AMD? AMD's GPUs are pretty cheap right now and a Powercolor R9 280 can be had for $285 while the Gigabyte GTX 760 costs $379. The Powercolor R9 280 is slightly more powerful than the GTX 760 and is going for a cheaper price, thus the R9 280 is a better deal than the Gigabyte GTX 760.

Alternatively, it might be a better idea to top up a bit more and get a far more powerful Zotac GTX 970 Twin Fan for $448 and be able to play the latest games at max settings.

Do you think there is a need for me to upgrade the cpu/mobo, or just upgrade the gpu and ram? If I get the Zotac GTX 970 twin fan, will my current rig be able to support it ? Not sure also if my psu is sufficient, currently 550w.

 

[Aviendar]

1. your cpu is still good, try overclocking if you haven't .. you may need a better cooler if still on stock
2. savings from sticking to your mobo and cpu goes here so gtx 970 is one best card to get
3. if you need 512GB ssd and have money to spare after gfx card... or else just get 256GB and keep only the heavily used game and OS on it
4. ram... if your ram is tested to have issues... get 8 GB kit enough. i used less than 6GB total...even with 300 tabs......

Not too sure how to overclock so might not want to do that. No cooler system currently as well.

Do you think 256gb ssd is enough? I see some latest game requirements require 26gb space (dragon age inquisition). Shadow of mordor requires 40Gb!

 

[-Synchronicity-]

Not too sure how to overclock so might not want to do that. No cooler system currently as well.

Do you think 256gb ssd is enough? I see some latest game requirements require 26gb space (dragon age inquisition). Shadow of mordor requires 40Gb!

You can take a look at this guide if you are interested in OC-ing:
Complete Overclocking Guide: Sandy Bridge & Ivy Bridge | *ASRock Edition*
For cooler, you can consider Deepcool Lucifer @ $65 IIRC. Pretty darn good air cooler for it's price.

I'm currently using a 250GB ssd and I'm perfectly fine with it. Using the 250GB mainly for OS and applications. For games etc, I just dumped them to my SSD.

BTW speaking from experience as your build is really similar to mine >>>>>

 

[sweetm]

1) The PSU is replaceable, it is only attached to the casing by 4 screws.

2) Got 1TB external HDD? Can considering getting one and use it to backup your important stuff from your HDD if you want to transition to a SSD. You will also end up with a 1TB external HDD that you can use for storage or backup after this is done.

3) I think it is still cost effective to just upgrade your existing rig since Diablo III is not very CPU intensive and your E6600 can still run it fine without much adverse performance penalties, but if you must have a new rig,

CPU+ Mobo: ASROCK H81M-HDS + G3240 (159)
RAM: CRUCIAL PC 12800/1600MHZ DDR3 CL11 VALUE RAM (8GB) (99)
GPU: POWERCOLOR R7 260X 2GB TURBODUO (179)
SSD: PLEXTOR M6S 128GB (99)
HDD: TOSHIBA 1TB 7200RPM (69)
DVD-RW: LG 24X DVD-RW SATA OEM (25)
PSU: SEASONIC S12G-NON MODULAR 550W (105)
Case: DEEPCOOL TESSERACT (65)
OS: WINDOWS 7 HOME PREM (120)

Total cost: $920

Buy at PC Themes, #04-15, and ask for discounts. DIY yourself. If you can't into DIY, get PC Themes to assemble for you for a fee.

This rig is still good enough to play Diablo III at max settings at 1920X1080 display resolution and surf the web.

Thanks so much for the advice !

 

[Aviendar]

You can take a look at this guide if you are interested in OC-ing:

For cooler, you can consider Deepcool Lucifer @ $65 IIRC. Pretty darn good air cooler for it's price.

I'm currently using a 250GB ssd and I'm perfectly fine with it. Using the 250GB mainly for OS and applications. For games etc, I just dumped them to my SSD.

BTW speaking from experience as your build is really similar to mine >>>>>

Thanks for the guide. Btw do you think I should upgrade my CPU/Mobo if I don't intend to overclock?