Best Value CPU, Mobo, RAM, VPU?
It's time to upgrade the core components of my system--CPU, motherboard, RAM, and video card (and power supply, if necessary). There's usually a sweet spot when it comes to price for these (especially CPU and video card). A decent investment will get you the best in the mid-range, before dollar per performance point begins to rise and you get into the really high-end stuff. That's what I'm looking for. I've been out of computers for a little too long to know what the current favourites are.
I'd like my new build to be able to do a bit of everything, potentially. Will definitely be doing gaming, though I don't need cutting edge stuff. Budget is variable, though I'd like to come up with the least I could spend for a viable system as well as something a little more luxurious. Value is definitely an issue for me.
As well, I'm interested in upgrades that do and don't include upgrading the video card, depending on your recommendations. If my 8800GS still has life in it, great. If not, I'd be happy to pick up a worthwhile mid-range successor. That would make it easier to stick the stuff I'm upgrading into an old case to act as a back-up, anyway. (I.e., I don't want to spend cash on a cheap PCI-X VPU to get my back-up rig running when I could invest that money in a better card for my main rig.)
Here's what I currently have:
- Athlon 64 3200+
- ECS GF6100-M754
- 1GB DDR-RAM
- 8800 GS 384MB
- Thermaltake 420w (I presume this will likely need to be upgraded?)
Components I don't feel the need to upgrade:
- Audigy 2 ZS
- 500GB HD
- Viewsonic VX2025wm 20.1"
- XP Pro (Probably want to upgrade to Vista/7 eventually--perhaps immediately, if I need 64-bit OS support?)
Your recommendations are appreciated! Thank you.
I'd like my new build to be able to do a bit of everything, potentially. Will definitely be doing gaming, though I don't need cutting edge stuff. Budget is variable, though I'd like to come up with the least I could spend for a viable system as well as something a little more luxurious. Value is definitely an issue for me.
As well, I'm interested in upgrades that do and don't include upgrading the video card, depending on your recommendations. If my 8800GS still has life in it, great. If not, I'd be happy to pick up a worthwhile mid-range successor. That would make it easier to stick the stuff I'm upgrading into an old case to act as a back-up, anyway. (I.e., I don't want to spend cash on a cheap PCI-X VPU to get my back-up rig running when I could invest that money in a better card for my main rig.)
Here's what I currently have:
- Athlon 64 3200+
- ECS GF6100-M754
- 1GB DDR-RAM
- 8800 GS 384MB
- Thermaltake 420w (I presume this will likely need to be upgraded?)
Components I don't feel the need to upgrade:
- Audigy 2 ZS
- 500GB HD
- Viewsonic VX2025wm 20.1"
- XP Pro (Probably want to upgrade to Vista/7 eventually--perhaps immediately, if I need 64-bit OS support?)
Your recommendations are appreciated! Thank you.