[seabiscuit68]

Hey Guys,

Over the past 4 years I have been building and upgrading my buddy's computer (typically he calls up and says, it feels slow, what should I upgrade). Well it's that time again...

He currently has:

Asus P5Q Pro Motherboard
Wintec 2x2 GB DDR2 800 Mhz RAM
WD 7200 RPM WD HDD
Intel Core2Quad Q9300 @ 3.2 Ghz
Hyper 212+ cooler
ATI 5770 (1GB)

I think it is a pretty solid rig. He games and that's about it. His current complaint is "it feels sluggish and I have money to spend." When asked for details he says that folders are laggy opening and startups are slow.

He also wants a new case...

He says he has $500 or so for a full revamp (I can probably sell the motherboard, RAM and processor for $150-$200 so that leaves a budget of about $650).

I think his is pretty solid still and a few minor upgrades will bump him up enough. What do you think?

Here's what I was suggesting:
1) 64-96 GB SSD Drive to use as a windows install drive $60-$120
2) New Case (Antec 900 V2) $80
3) Another 5770 (motherboard allows CrossfireX @ 8x, 8x) $100
4) New Powersupply - he has an off-brand 575 watt - $75

So that would be $350 - $375 and a solid all around upgrade
(Please don't suggest overclocking the Q9300 more - I am not the owner of this machine and don't enjoy troubleshooting for hours when something causes instability because I don't have enough time to make it fully stable)

The other option is to scrap most of the stuff and try and fit a i5 2500k in there with DDR3 1600 Mhz memory (keeping the 5770) and an SSD...

Thanks for any help

 

[Z13]

If it's being a little sluggish, sometimes all it needs is a fresh install of the OS.

 

[seabiscuit68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z13;14147168
If it's being a little sluggish, sometimes all it needs is a fresh install of the OS.

Trust me, I know. Conveying that to a person who doesn't know anything about computers and WANTS to spend money...not as easy as you might imagine...

He wants to spend money, necessary or not

 

[Z13]

Quote:

Originally Posted by seabiscuit68;14147423
Trust me, I know. Conveying that to a person who doesn't know anything about computers and WANTS to spend money...not as easy as you might imagine...

He wants to spend money, necessary or not

Well, if you're going to xfire some cards, you should upgrade to a 750-850W PSU.

 

[Johnny Guitar]

Not for such low end cards

 

[Z13]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Guitar;14147482
Not for such low end cards

I know, but better safe than sorry; and if he ever wants to go for some higher-end cards, he has room to expand without having to buy a new PSU.

 

[seabiscuit68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z13;14147491
I know, but better safe than sorry; and if he ever wants to go for some higher-end cards, he has room to expand without having to buy a new PSU.

I really dislike when people over estimate how much power is needed in a computer. A quality 650 watt PSU would be more than enough to xfire through the 68-- series cards

 

[obsidian86]

stripe a set of f3's and get him on win 7 if he isn't already

 

[seabiscuit68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by obsidian86;14147871
stripe a set of f3's and get him on win 7 if he isn't already

He's already on Windows 7

 

[0CALEFACTION0]

I'm not too familiar with the old Intel Core 2 Quads but something tells me that the architecture is holding him back. A new video card couldn't hurt as well.

 

[Wr3ckin_Cr3w]

Your second option...that thing is pretty outdated.

 

[Ubernoobie]

nope, the intel core 2 quads are fine even by todays standards, it's probably his harddrive being slow, so either get an ssd or a fast harddrive with a fresh installation should speed it up

 

[0CALEFACTION0]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ubernoobie;14147923
nope, the intel core 2 quads are fine even by todays standards, it's probably his harddrive being slow, so either get an ssd or a fast harddrive with a fresh installation should speed it up

Hey thanks, I learn something every day.

 

[Shame486]

Tell him, to save money for one 560TI. Its worth every penny. 560Ti >2x5770. Tell him to sell current graphic card.

 

[mental.patient]

For the first $500....
i5 2500k - $180-200
Gigabyte z68 d3 - $100-120
gtx560/6950 - around $200

Then sell the rest to replace RAM, PSU and case.
RAM - 4gb 1600mhz - <$40
PSU - xfx pro 450/550 or corsair cx430/antec 420 or along those lines - <$50
case - your choice.

Then if budget allows, a better cooler/SSD.

 

[seabiscuit68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0CALEFACTION0;14147893
I'm not too familiar with the old Intel Core 2 Quads but something tells me that the architecture is holding him back. A new video card couldn't hurt as well.

He's on a cheap LCD monitor at 13xx x 768 so I don't think he needs much more power in that regard...

Plus, the Q9300's @ 3.2 Ghz should be more than enough for 99% of games right now

 

[seabiscuit68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mental.patient;14148009
For the first $500....
i5 2500k - $180-200
Gigabyte z68 d3 - $100-120
gtx560/6950 - around $200

Then sell the rest to replace RAM, PSU and case.
RAM - 4gb 1600mhz - <$40
PSU - xfx pro 450/550 or corsair cx430/antec 420 or along those lines - <$50
case - your choice.

Then if budget allows, a better cooler/SSD.

Honestly, I went from a GTX 260 + Q6600 @ 3.2 Ghz + 4 GB DDR2 1000 Mhz RAM recently (to what I have now), and the difference in gaming is large at 1680x1050 but...
Overall, my computer really doesn't feel that much different day to day. I think he would be better off with an SSD and a 6870 - they actually make it FEEL differently - we all know an i5 2500k is faster, but he only cares about how it feels

SSD and 6870 would be most perceptible

 

[rdr09]

New PSU, SSD (128 GB min) and this . . .

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104098

if it fits.

Save and wait for SB to go down in price.

 

[lapengu]

Get Him a 2500k and some faster RAM.

 

[seabiscuit68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdr09;14148900
New PSU, SSD (128 GB min) and this . . .

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104098

if it fits.

Save and wait for SB to go down in price.

You think 200 Mhz faster RAM will have that large of impact?