Please Help! Upgrading advise needed

[Jasonandme]

I am currently using an older comp and would like to upgrade:

CPU: 2.40 gigahertz Intel Core2 Quad
Motherboard: ASUSTeK Computer INC. P5QL-E Rev 2.xx
Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS
RAM: 4GB DDR2
Harddrive: 500GB HDD
Sound card / Network Card (LAN): On board

I would like to upgrade it so that it supports at least 8GB, preferably 16GB RAM

I guess the easiest route is to add more RAM to it. However, I find DDR2 RAM are quite expensive,
even more expensive than the DDR3 ones!

Unfortunately, my existing motherboard only supports DDR2 RAMs, so I believe i will need to change my
motherboard so it supports DDR3.

My friend also gave me his DDR3 8 RAM (4 x 2GB), so I believe switching to DDR3 will save me a bit also.

If this makes sense, what motherboard should I go for? Its an older comp, so I dont know if motherboard that
support 2.4GHz Core2Quad still exist?

Any advise will be appreciated.

[willy]

$$$ ?

What are you planning to do with the upgrade ?

[george__]

Core 2 Quad is old. So finding a motherboard with DDR3 support for that CPU is probably going to be very difficult and timely (especially if you're going to buy new).

Might be better to get a new rig ivy or sandy. <-- They are LGA 1155 but your core 2 is lga 775

Also why do you want to add more ram?

That video card is old, so adding more ram to play video games = unlikely to happen

[Jasonandme]

Thanks for the advise again, george.
Should I just abandon this plan then? It doesnt seem to be time worthy?

[Mark77]

Quickest/easiest/largest impact for most users is probably just to add a SSD. 128gb Crucial M4's are a hundred bucks.

Once you've done that, if you're still not satisfied -- then look at the Ivy Bridge stuff as mentioned above. The SSD can be moved to the new hardware with ease.

[Jasonandme]

Quickest/easiest/largest impact for most users is probably just to add a SSD. 128gb Crucial M4's are a hundred bucks.

Once you've done that, if you're still not satisfied -- then look at the Ivy Bridge stuff as mentioned above. The SSD can be moved to the new hardware with ease.

Thanks Mark.
How will SSD help boost the overall performance?
I thought SSD is 'storage' and i dont quite need extra storage. 500GB is enough for me.

My initial response based on my needs is to boost RAM (since I have a 8GB DDR3 RAM sitting here).
However, as george mentioned, it will probably be very hard to find C2D DDR3 mothreboard?

Thanks again. Appreciated.

[george__]

Save the memory for another build, I think adding SSD will improve your performance and it'll be less costly and time consuming. Even though your board only does SATA II, it will be faster than your hard drive.

For your info, LGA 1366 is going to die in 2012. The LGA 775 died in 2011. My post above was wrong, it's LGA 1155 that supports Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge.

If you can spend the dough, you might be able to use like the hard drive, case, power supply and ram and buy a new motherboard and CPU. I made a post earlier about my file server going down (it's even older than your computer) and for roughly (~$400) you can build a decent sandy bridge or ivy bridge system. Might be less for you because you don't need ram and a new power supply.

[Jasonandme]

Save the memory for another build, I think adding SSD will improve your performance and it'll be less costly and time consuming. Even though your board only does SATA II, it will be faster than your hard drive.

For your info, LGA 1366 is going to die in 2012. The LGA 775 died in 2011. My post above was wrong, it's LGA 1155 that supports Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge.

If you can spend the dough, you might be able to use like the hard drive, case, power supply and ram and buy a new motherboard and CPU. I made a post earlier about my file server going down (it's even older than your computer) and for roughly (~$400) you can build a decent sandy bridge or ivy bridge system. Might be less for you because you don't need ram and a new power supply.

Thanks again.
So whats the file-server all about? isnt it more wise to subscribe to a serve for cloud-storage - like mediafire and stuff?
I, of course, not a techy, thats why i am curious.

Also, what do most people do with their old comp anyways? I mean... look at my existing comp now;
I dont even know what to do if I dont upgrade it. Its not powerful for anything, but at the same time, its not garbage yet. Its stuck in between.

I google'ed about this, and some people claim to use it for proxies etc. Thats a waste to me, since those proxy service/vpn is only $5 per month
Even my electricity bill is gonna cost more than that.

So yeah..

[MkmBandit]

Thanks Mark.
How will SSD help boost the overall performance?
I thought SSD is 'storage' and i dont quite need extra storage. 500GB is enough for me.


The only thing SSD will do for you is speed up caching and load times. SSD's will not boost performance when it comes to tasks like rendering/transcoding/gaming. That being said, you will definitely notice a huge boost in the overall response of your computer if you go SSD, especially with multitasking that involves constant read/write from multiple sources. Highly suggested.

And why are you looking to cram 16gb in there? Any particular reason? With your CPU I can't imagine more RAM would make any sort of difference. Even with rendering for example, I'd take 8gb and a faster CPU instead of 16gb and an ageing CPU. But you haven't mentioned anything about tasks that require that much resources...

[DavidY]

There are $45-$55 socket 775 mobos that support DDR3 (max up to 8 GB only...16 GB are hard to find) as follows (you will need a 64 bit OS for 4 GB+ memory support):

http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gag41mts2p DDR3-800/1333

http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/part/biostar-motherboard-g41d3c DDR3-800/1066/1333 (NOTE: Q6600's TDP appears to exceed this mobo's CPU TDP of 95W max)

http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gag41mts2pt DDR3-800/1066/1333

http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/part/asus-motherboard-p5g41tmcsm DDR3-800/1066/1333

If this mobo swap is an option, I suggest that you check the memory specifications of the prospective mobo....confirm the DDR3 support! Since most/all of these mobo only have 2 memory sockets, 2x4 GB would be advisable. Also, check the mobo CPU's TDP max! Q6600's TDP is 105W. http://ark.intel.com/products/29765/Intel-Core2-Quad-Processor-Q6600-(8M-Cache-2_40-GHz-1066-MHz-FSB)

Seems a lot of work/expense for a memory upgrade from 4 to 8 GB?

In terms of pass marks, the Q6600 is a bit faster than a Pentium G860...but slower than an i3-2100.

$48 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138315

$55 with free shipping http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=16950BD1595&vpn=GA-G41MT-S2PT&manfuacture=GIGABYTE

This LGA 775 mobo supports 16 GB DDR3...you might have a hard time finding it new:

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3857#sp

Dave

[Jasonandme]

There are $45-$55 socket 775 mobos that support DDR3 (max up to 8 GB only...16 GB are hard to find) as follows (you will need a 64 bit OS for 4 GB+ memory support):

http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gag41mts2p DDR3-800/1333

http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/part/biostar-motherboard-g41d3c DDR3-800/1066/1333 (NOTE: Q6600's TDP appears to exceed this mobo's CPU TDP of 95W max)

http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gag41mts2pt DDR3-800/1066/1333

http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/part/asus-motherboard-p5g41tmcsm DDR3-800/1066/1333

If this mobo swap is an option, I suggest that you check the memory specifications of the prospective mobo....confirm the DDR3 support! Since most/all of these mobo only have 2 memory sockets, 2x4 GB would be advisable. Also, check the mobo CPU's TDP max! Q6600's TDP is 105W. http://ark.intel.com/products/29765/Intel-Core2-Quad-Processor-Q6600-(8M-Cache-2_40-GHz-1066-MHz-FSB)

Seems a lot of work/expense for a memory upgrade from 4 to 8 GB?

In terms of pass marks, the Q6600 is a bit faster than a Pentium G860...but slower than an i3-2100.

$48 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138315

$55 with free shipping http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=16950BD1595&vpn=GA-G41MT-S2PT&manfuacture=GIGABYTE

This LGA 775 mobo supports 16 GB DDR3...you might have a hard time finding it new:

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3857#sp

Dave

Wow, so C2Q and DDR do exist. Thanks for all the recommendation, Dave.
However, is it worth to invest time and money doing this?

Based on what MkmBandit mentioned, will upgrading the mobo and adding 8GB DDR3 RAM on it, give me better overall performance?

Thank you

[DavidY]

Wow, so C2Q and DDR do exist. Thanks for all the recommendation, Dave.
However, is it worth to invest time and money doing this?

Based on what MkmBandit mentioned, will upgrading the mobo and adding 8GB DDR3 RAM on it, give me better overall performance?

Thank you

IMO, I don't think that it's worth the $$$ to make the mobo LGA775 switch unless you can find a used one with DDR3 memory slots for cheap...or can buy more used DDR2 memory at a reasonable price....they are typically around Kijiji/CL. This is assuming that you are using an 64 bit OS that can readily use the extra memory.

[george__]

Don't do it OP...
LooK at This
http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/605/Intel_Core_2_Quad_Q6600_vs_Intel_Core_i3_i3-2100.html

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/common_cpus.html
^^
Intel Core i3-2100 @ 3.10GHz gets 3,863
Intel Core2 Quad Q6600 @ 2.40GH 2,972

http://novabench.com/cpuchart.php?a=1
Intel Core i3-2125 3.30GHz 435 (avg score)
Intel Core2 Q6600 2.40GHz 366 (avg score)

[DavidY]

You could also put the mobo/CPU/DDR2 RAM for sale....and get a 1155 mobo/CPU/DDR3 RAM. There are some crazy asking prices out there for 775 mobo/CPU.

Dave

[george__]

OP could also use it for future server, if he is into that stuff. The chipset isn't too old to get decent support.

[Jasonandme]

OP could also use it for future server, if he is into that stuff. The chipset isn't too old to get decent support.

What can a 4GB RAM / C2Q server do? I am not a techy, so I am curious - since its pretty weak for even a desktop these days.


You could also put the mobo/CPU/DDR2 RAM for sale....and get a 1155 mobo/CPU/DDR3 RAM. There are some crazy asking prices out there for 775 mobo/CPU.

Dave

Not sure what you meant by 775 mobo/CPU
I assume 775 is what i have? C2Q mobo? Why would people ask for such old tech/mobo?

Thanks!

[george__]

It is MORE than enough for a decent file server using Freenas or Windows Home Server...
lga 775 is your CPU socket. Your motherboard chipset is a intel P43.
I googled that board and it got pretty good reviews.

There is also the P43 vs P45 debate to consider :D

[DavidY]

Yeah, 775 is the CPU socket type of your mobo (motherboard). 1155 is the CPU socket type of the latest Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge CPUs that are current.

Your 775 mobo/CPU/RAM is worth some $$....I would assume that someone would pay you $50-$100 for the combo. It's about supply and demand. I would assume that DDR2 is pricey because of short supply. It's definitely not due to performance....DDR3 is cheaper and faster.

Dave

[george__]

For now, stay away from AMD.

[MkmBandit]

For now, stay away from AMD.

lol?

Not sure if serious..

[george__]

lol?

Not sure if serious..

Well it depends. I just thought OP wanted newer rig for gaming purposes and a ivy bridge will eat a amd bulldozers right now.

Hopefully, AMD can resurrect themselves and AMD can go back to when the Pentium D were around. The Athlon X2s were great bang for buck. And they didn't change sockets so often

[MkmBandit]

More or less agreed. Probably not worth investing in over an Intel I5/I7 but PhenomII's are still very capable CPU's. My CPU chews through everything I throw at it, and I do some pretty intense tasking. An hour ago I was rendering out a 1080p vid in AfterEffects, playing Grimrock on my left display, and watching Whose Line on my right display. The video rendered with no glitching or popping, perfect quality. So yeah, far better then some people make it out to be.

I still miss my socket939 3200+ and DFI LanParty nF4. =[

[george__]

More or less agreed. Probably not worth investing in over an Intel I5/I7 but PhenomII's are still very capable CPU's. My CPU chews through everything I throw at it, and I do some pretty intense tasking. An hour ago I was rendering out a 1080p vid in AfterEffects, playing Grimrock on my left display, and watching Whose Line on my right display. The video rendered with no glitching or popping, perfect quality. So yeah, far better then some people make it out to be.

I still miss my socket939 3200+ and DFI LanParty nF4. =[

Wow same motherboard as mine. Still at home. I uped it to the SLI-D and ram a Nvidia 6800 SLI rig for the longest time :P. Had to give it up though because of the 4gb memory limit.

Also a Budget I3 will compete with AMD Phenom IIs. So ARGUABLY, going i3 right now might be the better idea and later upgrade the cpu with a i5 or i7 later on.

[MkmBandit]

Wow same motherboard as mine. Still at home. I uped it to the SLI-D and ram a Nvidia 6800 SLI rig for the longest time :P. Had to give it up though because of the 4gb memory limit.

Also a Budget I3 will compete with AMD Phenom IIs. So ARGUABLY, going i3 right now might be the better idea and later upgrade the cpu with a i5 or i7 later on.

haha nice! I had SLI 6800's at that time. The first and only time I've either gone SLI and CFx. Definitely a beast for it's time.

I3's compete with PII's in benchmarks. I don't really care for benchmarks. Real world tests. If it can't handle what I'm already doing on a PII, then it's worthless to me. And I can already tell you that an I3, based on threads alone, would be brought to it's knees if I tried to do what I'm doing right now. But you're not wrong..

[george__]

haha nice! I had SLI 6800's at that time. The first and only time I've either gone SLI and CFx. Definitely a beast for it's time.

I3's compete with PII's in benchmarks. I don't really care for benchmarks. Real world tests. If it can't handle what I'm already doing on a PII, then it's worthless to me. And I can already tell you that an I3, based on threads alone, would be brought to it's knees if I tried to do what I'm doing right now. But you're not wrong..

Noo my point is, the guy would be wasting money with a AMD because aren't the newer Bulldozers coming out with new sockets and everything? But at least we know the INTEL cpus, he can still snag at least ivy bridge i7 in the future, which might keep him goin.

[MkmBandit]

Noo my point is, the guy would be wasting money with a AMD because aren't the newer Bulldozers coming out with new sockets and everything? But at least we know the INTEL cpus, he can still snag at least ivy bridge i7 in the future, which might keep him goin.

Definitely, that's the part I fully agree with haha..

I wouldn't really recommend AMD right now to anyone unless, they wanted a full-on render box for cheap. But even then, going i5 would be a better bet, and i7 would be the supreme setup for the extra threads.

Yeah for the OP, even an i3 would cut it. For me, not so much.. this 1100T hexa is going to get at least another year of heavy usage from me.

[george__]

I splurged on a i7 after waiting for the bulldozer, shouldn't have done it. My nas server went down recently :Llool: So i'm in the same shoes as the OP

[george__]

CPU: Intel i3-2120
Mobo: ASRock H77 Pro4-M
Ram:Kingston KHX1600C9D3B1K2/8GX 8GB Kit 2X4GB (~$40)
PSU: CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 (~$62)
roughly 400 after tax. PM with ME and Hookbag

[DavidY]

CPU: Intel i3-2120
Mobo: ASRock H77 Pro4-M
Ram:Kingston KHX1600C9D3B1K2/8GX 8GB Kit 2X4GB (~$40)
PSU: CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 (~$62)
roughly 400 after tax. PM with ME and Hookbag

If no O/C, this is a cheaper IB mobo:

http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gab75md3h

[george__]

If no O/C, this is a cheaper IB mobo:

http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gab75md3h

has less sata ports though