Upgrades of computer help!

[ShiNn1986]

Hi, I have an existing CPU which is in need of an upgrade. But I would like to upgrade just the motherboard, processor and RAM with a budget of 400-500 bucks. Is there any recommendations that I can get a good set of components that is able to run multiple photo editing programs with the ability to multi task with other on going office programs, mp3 players, etc.. Without getting major lag time.

 

[jtjt00]

TS, list down all parts of your current rig here.
Some of the parts may not advisable to be re-use.

 

[ShiNn1986]

Hi, my current specs are as follows,

Intel core 2 Quad Q8400 2.66 processor w/4mb L2 cache
Asus P5Q (Green) P45 LGA775/FSB1600MHZ/DDR2
Kingston hyper-X 4GB DDR 2
Asus 9600GT 512MB DDR3 PCI-E
Asus 500W power supply P-50GA

Am I able to just upgrade the motherboard, processor and RAM only to a better setup that is able to run multiple photo editing programs with the ability to multi task with other on going office programs, mp3 players, etc.. Without getting major lag time.

 

[Johnny777]

Hi, my current specs are as follows,

Intel core 2 Quad Q8400 2.66 processor w/4mb L2 cache
Asus P5Q (Green) P45 LGA775/FSB1600MHZ/DDR2
Kingston hyper-X 4GB DDR 2
Asus 9600GT 512MB DDR3 PCI-E
Asus 500W power supply P-50GA

Am I able to just upgrade the motherboard, processor and RAM only to a better setup that is able to run multiple photo editing programs with the ability to multi task with other on going office programs, mp3 players, etc.. Without getting major lag time.

what is your budget???

 

[Hailgod]

Hi, I have an existing CPU which is in need of an upgrade. But I would like to upgrade just the motherboard, processor and RAM with a budget of 400-500 bucks. Is there any recommendations that I can get a good set of components that is able to run multiple photo editing programs with the ability to multi task with other on going office programs, mp3 players, etc.. Without getting major lag time.

This. 10char

 

[Maverick_83]

Hi, my current specs are as follows,

Intel core 2 Quad Q8400 2.66 processor w/4mb L2 cache
Asus P5Q (Green) P45 LGA775/FSB1600MHZ/DDR2
Kingston hyper-X 4GB DDR 2
Asus 9600GT 512MB DDR3 PCI-E
Asus 500W power supply P-50GA

Am I able to just upgrade the motherboard, processor and RAM only to a better setup that is able to run multiple photo editing programs with the ability to multi task with other on going office programs, mp3 players, etc.. Without getting major lag time.

Suggest you save the money and just max out the ram at 8GB, that C2Q CPU/motherboard combo is actually already fairly capable of handling what you require. Can get the RAM/CPU(if super cheap, Q9550 like mine) 2nd hand from the IT Garage Sales sub-forum. What's your current HDD? Considered upgrading to a SSD for better boot/software-loading/response times?

My Rig on my right, also a C2Q CPU--->
Going strong after 5 years, with incremental upgrades

Assuming you go the 2nd-hand RAM/CPU route, & your existing 4GB RAM is already a 2x2GB kit.
IIRC Kingston HyperX DDR2 2 x 2GB 1066 kit 2nd hand about $50,
Q9550 $50 - $60
Total: $110
Still have remainder $290 for SSD

Xtra $145 Plextor M5S brand new
Still got leftover $145!

 

[fleas1]

Make sure your computer is on a 64bit OS or you won't able to use more than 4gb of ram

 

[ShiNn1986]

Hello. Thanks for your help guys. I am running on a 64 bit OS as well.

 

[ShiNn1986]

Thanks Maverick. Sounds like a very viable and cost effective option. I am thinking of just maximizing the RAM to 8GB and change the processor. SSD is still not on my radar yet. Probably I will add that in in the future.

 

[tungsten2]

try running these 2 generic patch :Speed up Windows 7 with hotfix update KB2510636 and KB2617858 [Tip]

If still doesnt help, then proceed with the hardware upgrade.

 

[Maverick_83]

Thanks Maverick. Sounds like a very viable and cost effective option. I am thinking of just maximizing the RAM to 8GB and change the processor. SSD is still not on my radar yet. Probably I will add that in in the future.

Do let us know the outcome of your upgrade, and if the advice was effective.

 

[MoneyFace =p]

Hi, I have an existing CPU which is in need of an upgrade. But I would like to upgrade just the motherboard, processor and RAM with a budget of 400-500 bucks. Is there any recommendations that I can get a good set of components that is able to run multiple photo editing programs with the ability to multi task with other on going office programs, mp3 players, etc.. Without getting major lag time.

Thanks Maverick. Sounds like a very viable and cost effective option. I am thinking of just maximizing the RAM to 8GB and change the processor. SSD is still not on my radar yet. Probably I will add that in in the future.

RAM and SSD are the keys.

CPU+MB: Intel Core i5-4440 + ASRock H81M-HDS @ $318
Make full use of XFastRAM for Photoshop acceleration.
RAM: ADATA Premier DDR3-1600 CL11 8GB @ $85 (Tradepac)
SSD: Kingston SSDNow V300 120GB @ $115

Total: $518

Buy others from PC Themes, #04-15.

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