is this the best way to go about upgrading a pc?

humph · 18th October 2011, 12:41 PM

So I'm thinking of upgrading my pc to something that can run the likes of Battlefield 3, Skyrim etc

Current one is by no means shite, but its 3 years old and wasn't that high end when i got it.

Thinking of at least an i5, with maybe a SSD and then putting the old components in my parents pc which they only use for internet and photos.

Oh and i can't go blowing money all at once, so i was thinking I'd buy a new component every month and installing it myself when everything's arrived, sound okay?

current spec is:
intel Q9400 2.66ghz
nvidia 9800gt 1024mb
2X 360gb hdd
4gb ram

windows experience index gives it a 5.9!

Could someone recommend a good motherboard and I'll start from there? I've been out of this for three years so I've no idea what socket I should be going for.

Nannou · 18th October 2011, 01:00 PM

You should be looking at LGA1155 socket for Sandybridge and Ivybridge (when they're released) processors

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/mot...us-iv-gene-z/1

Flabb · 18th October 2011, 01:09 PM

Could just get an I5 2500K, mobo and 8gb ram for about £300 should set you right

humph · 18th October 2011, 01:11 PM

Thanks, looks like I'm best being patient then for Ivybridge.

looks like motherboard this month, and memory the next. Sounds like new graphics card are around the corner (again) so I might just see if i can get a top end one that's reduced instead of waiting even longer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flabb

Could just get an I5 2500K, mobo and 8gb ram for about £300 should set you right

you mean and keep my current graphics card?

sounds reasonable,

Gingga · 18th October 2011, 01:16 PM

All you need is a new gpu, your cpu is plenty fast enough for any game on the market.

Town End Farmer Giles · 18th October 2011, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by humph

Thanks, looks like I'm best being patient then for Ivybridge.

looks like motherboard this month, and memory the next. Sounds like new graphics card are around the corner (again) so I might just see if i can get a top end one that's reduced instead of waiting even longer.

you mean and keep my current graphics card?

sounds reasonable,

I’d have said the graphics was the weak point in what you have, but I’m no expert.....

How much are you looking to spend? I’ve a 2 year old ATI 5850 I’d consider offers on, as I’m tempted to go for summat ridiculous

You may well want summat more powerful yourself mind, but it was just a thought.

humph · 18th October 2011, 01:32 PM

haven't completely made up my mind but, think I'm gonna buy a new gpu with a free batman and see how that runs, if I'm not happy I'll upgrade the rest.

cheers for the offers and advice

Town End Farmer Giles · 18th October 2011, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by humph

haven't completely made up my mind but, think I'm gonna buy a new gpu with a free batman and see how that runs, if I'm not happy I'll upgrade the rest.

cheers for the offers and advice

Thats what I’d do with your system, just make sure your PSU is up to the job.

Incidentally you do know your windows experience figure is limited to the lowest score. In your case (same as me) it’ll be your hard drives. All my stuff gets 7’s except my hard drives so my score is 5.9 as well, despite having better components than yours across the board.