Want to upgrade my Computer.

Karma25

I knew very little bout buying a computer when I bought the Inspirion about four years ago. I got a good processor at the time (i think) so im going to keep it. I have a crappy graphics card which I want to update. I am looking to do this on the cheap. The games I play are Football Manager and Skyrim which can only get 30 Frame rates when I'm down to 640 x 480 res.

Here is some info of the processor:
Number of cores 2 (max 2)
Number of threads 2 (max 2)
Name Intel Core 2 Duo E8200
Codename Wolfdale
Specification Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E8200 @ 2.66GHz
Package (platform ID) Socket 775 LGA (0x0)
CPUID 6.7.6
Extended CPUID 6.17
Core Stepping C0
Technology 45 nm
TDP Limit 65 Watts
Core Speed 1995.0 MHz
Multiplier x FSB 6.0 x 332.5 MHz
Rated Bus speed 1330.0 MHz
Stock frequency 2666 MHz
Instructions sets MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, EM64T, VT-x
L1 Data cache 2 x 32 KBytes, 8-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L1 Instruction cache 2 x 32 KBytes, 8-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L2 cache 6144 KBytes, 24-way set associative, 64-byte line size
FID/VID Control yes
FID range 6.0x - 8.0x
Max VID 1.225 V

This is the motherboard I am thinking of getting since it seems my processor limits my choice but am open to suggestions. What graphics card and casing would be good?

Motherboard

Procrastastudy

Jesus christ €170! I'd look at doing a complete rebuild if I were you and trying to sell what I'm left with on adverts.ie

Do you have a link or picture of the case and PSU?

Do you know if your HDDs and Optical (DVD) drives are SATA?

Item|Price
ASRock H61M-HVS (B3), Sockel 1155, mATX|€41.99
4GB-Kit G-Skill PC3-10667U CL9|€19.94
Intel Pentium G620 Box, LGA1155|€55.20
HIS HD 7750 iCooler GDDR5 1024MB DP/DVI/HDMI|€97.53
Shipping|€18.99
Total|€233.65

Thats a Mobo, more RAM and a better processor + a GPU for not much more.

Couple of issues:

I've picked components based on a crappy case and PSU (e.g. no external power req for GPU) with more info I might make better selections.
You will probably need a new version of windows as OEM copies (e.g. from Dell) are locked tot the motherboard which you are replacing. One of the many reasons never to buy a prebuilt system ever again.

glynf

Hey Kama,

That's a lot of money to invest in an outdated mobo, €170 would be 2/3's the cost of a very good modern 1155 CPU & motherboard:

Item|Price
MSI Z77A-G43, Intel Z77, ATX, DDR3 €94.14
Intel Core i5-3570K Box, LGA1155 €219.38
Shipping|€18.99
Total|€332.51

Whats your budget etc. ? Give a look here and fill it out-makes it easier for people to put a build togeather for you.


Edit: +1 GCD's post, beat me to it.

Karma25

Thanks for the quick reply lads. Here is so more info.
1. What is your budget? [€400]

2. What will be the main purpose of the computer? [Gaming/Video editing/3D Modelling/HTPC/Internet] (If gaming include which games) Skyrim low level gaming

3. Do you need a copy of Windows? [Yes/No] I may need it considering GCDlawstudent's post. I have a cd and key for it.

4. Can you use any parts from an old computer? [Hard drive/DVD Drive/Case/PSU/etc.] (If possible state brand and model of the parts to ensure compatibility) Hard Drive is an ATA

5. Do you need a monitor? [Yes/No] No

5a. If yes, what size do you need. [19'/20'/22'/24'/etc.]-

5b. If no, what resolution is your current monitor and do you plan to upgrade in the near future? [1920x1080/1440x900/etc.] [Yes/No] Maybe. Current: 1680 x 1050

6. Do you need any of these peripherals? [Keyboard/Mouse/Wireless Card/Card Reader/Speakers/etc.] No

7. Are you willing to try overclocking? [Yes/No] No

8. How can you pay? [Bank Transfer/Credit Card/Laser] Credit or Laser

9. When are you purchasing? [In x days] Within the month

10. If you need help building it, where are you based? [South Dublin City/Cork City/Kerry/etc.] No.

Procrastastudy

When you say ATA is it IDE or SATA? 40pin cable or like a small L shaped cable?

Do you know the case can take an ATX mobo? Is it an odd shape? e.g. small?

Any clue what PSU you have?

Do you want to spend €400 and be done or are you willing to keep dropping money into it on a regular basis?

Karma25

GCDLawstudent wrote: »

When you say ATA is it IDE or SATA? 40pin cable or like a small L shaped cable?

Do you know the case can take an ATX mobo? Is it an odd shape? e.g. small? Here is a picture on the net of my current casing :Outer casingInside casing

Any clue what PSU you have? I would be willing to buy a new case and PSU.

Do you want to spend €400 and be done or are you willing to keep dropping money into it on a regular basis? Well I would like to possibly upgrade down the line.

I will check the hard drive now.

Procrastastudy

If thats your PC they're SATA HDDs which is good news - the case isn't though its a mATX at most.

Regards sinking money into it - €400 and done or will you look to upgrade it over the next few months?

Karma25

GCDLawstudent wrote: »

If thats your PC they're SATA HDDs which is good news - the case isn't though its a mATX at most.

Regards sinking money into it - €400 and done or will you look to upgrade it over the next few months?

Ya there sata. 400 and will look to upgrade down the line.

Procrastastudy

Item|Price
8GB-Kit G.Skill PC3-10667U CL9|€36.97
BitFenix Merc Beta|€33.04
Super-Flower Amazon 80Plus 450W|€42.20
ASRock B75 Pro3, Sockel 1155, ATX|€72.86
Intel Celeron G540 Box, LGA1155|€39.19
XFX DD RADEON 7770 1000M 1GB D5 mDP HDMI DVI|€114.72
Shipping|€18.99
Total|€357.97

Download a copy of Windows 8 Preview and use that until it comes out - I've left a few quid in the budget for the OS.

When an i5 becomes affordable pop it in there and you've a great system

I've spec'd a 7770 - ideally if you can get one buy a second hand 6870 of adverts - €100 should get you a mint condition one. People selling them for more than that are chancers so offer them €90-100 depending on whether it has the box etc.

You may wish to look at getting an SSD as well for you system drive - a 64GB would be loads for what you are using it for.

1680x1050 res is still a good monitor I'd hang on to it.

Eboggles

Those 7770s are dropping in price, I think I could actually recommend one over a 6850 due to its power consumption and overclockability.

Karma25

Thanks for your time man, much appreciated. I will be buying it soon.

Monotype

If you're going to get a B75 board, the Z77 is €15 or so more. I think it's worth it to maximise the options for the future.
http://www2.hardwareversand.de/DDR3/59321/ASRock+Z77+Pro4-M%2C+Sockel+1155%2C+mATX.article

Have you checked to see if the DVD drive is SATA also?
What graphics card have you got at the moment, by the way?

Procrastastudy

incidently if you dropped in a i3 straight away - upping the budget to €500 you'd probably be golden... actually this might be a better build if you just want to bomb along for about 3 years are forget about it.

Item|Price
8GB-Kit G.Skill PC3-10667U CL9|€36.97
BitFenix Merc Beta|€33.04
Super-Flower Amazon 80Plus 450W|€42.20
XFX DD RADEON 7770 1000M 1GB D5 mDP HDMI DVI|€114.72
Intel Core i3-2100 Box, LGA1155|€111.23
ASRock H61DEL, Sockel 1155, ATX|€56.69
Shipping|€18.99
Total|€413.84

CPU is a dual core but 4 logical threads - so okay for gaming and other stuff.

Mobo is a bit naff but will do the job - you'll have a solid base for your next upgrade with a reasonable case and PSU.