Hey Everyone, I'm going to be upgrading some hardware components this Christmas, and I'm not totally sure what the complete budget will be, but I have a budget in mind for the individual components I want. First-off: I'm getting a new HardDrive to replace the 60GB one I have now, because I'm sick of rationing space on it. I'm really not sure as to which one I should go with, but I want something in the range of 200-300GB, and it needs to be a decent performance drive, since I'll be using it for gaming. Second: I am looking at the Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz Processor It's $309 on Newegg. What kind of performance increase would I see from that over my 2.4 GHz Pentium 4? Third: I suppose I need a new Mobo to support all this new tech, so I want a recommendation on that too. I don't know much about Motherboards, so I just need something to support all this tech without a huge price. Fourth: I need to upgrade my RAM if I get a new Mobo, because I have 1Gig of a really strange RAM right now. I'm using a Gateway motherboard that came with the computer (I know I know, Gateway sucks). So I'm looking at CORSAIR XMS 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) for $277 on Newegg. If anybody knows of a RAM that can compete with this for a lower price, please let me know! Lastly: If I change my Mobo, I think I need to change my GPU, since it's AGP, and I would be switching to a PCI mobo. I currently have an ATI Radeon X800 XL. Can anyone point me towards a card with better performance, but not a Bank-Breaking price?? Thanks a lot everyone, I think this is all I need for now, but I'd really appreciate all the advice you can give me. THANKS!
As you are getting a new Mobo, which will definately support the SATA drives....So go for Seagate SATA2 HDD.... A big difference in performance! You have to buy DDR2 RAM with it instead.. Definately ..a PCIe Video Card... But One more thing u need to consider, PSU(Power Supply Unit). If u dont look at this side then u might end up damaging your whole unit....
Thanks a lot. I did upgrade my PSU at the same time I upgraded my GPU. I think it's either 400 or 450 Watts. Is that enough? Or should I look for a bigger one? Thanks again
It depends on your brand and model. I've had a 400W PSU fail with an Athlon XP 2700 and a Geforce 5900. So you'll be wanting about a 500W from Antec, Thermaltake, Sparkle. check this great PSU help thread: http://www.hardwareforums.com/power-supply-sticky-5218/
