Somewhat cheap upgrade but highly flexible/upgradable

[rsalazar]

Hi,
I'm trying to upgrade my old PC to a "highly" upgradable one, albeit only the foundation. I don't like Intel, so I'm thinking on sticking to AMD, but I'm open to suggestions.

Basically what I want is to build the core of a powerful PC (with support for 2 monitors), investing little money (not sure, maybe up to $400), reusing most of what I got, and ending up with quite a better PC (than my current one, which shouldn't be difficult).

What I have:
■ Mobo: Gigabyte GA-K8VM800M (Socket 754)
■ Micro: AMD Athlon64 3000+ 2GHz
■ RAM: Kingston 1x1GB DDR 400MHz
■ Video: (Something) nVidia GeForce FX-5500
■ HDD: 2 x Seagate SATA 120GB + 250GB —all I remember about them
■ PSU: CoolerMaster 500W
■ Monitor: 1 x LG L1718s

What I intend to get:
■ Case: Cooler Master Centurion 534 (not relevant, will choose locally)
■ Mobo: Gigabyte GA-MA770G-UD3 AM2+
■ Micro: AMD Athlon64 X2 7750+ 2.7GHz 3MB AM2 Black Edition
■ RAM: Kingston 2x2GB DDR2 800MHz KVR800DN2N5/2G

Something else I could get:
■ Case: Cooler Master Mystique 632s
■ Mobo: Gigabyte GA-MA780G-UD3H Hybrid AM2+ ATI3200 512MB
■ Micro: AMD Phenom X3 8650 2.3GHz 2MB AM2
■ RAM: Kingston 1x4GB DDR2 HyperX 800MHz KHX6400D2K2/4G (out of stock)
■ Video: XFX HD-465X-ZDFC HD4650 1GB DDR2 2xDVI PCIe 2

Thank you in advance.

P.S. I'll edit it later to add links to the components

 

[batuchka]

Hmm for less than $400 an overhaul like this? $357.96 after free shipping and MIR

That mobo has been reported successful in unlocking the 4th core for certain steppings of P2X3 series so you might get lucky hehe

Info

Combo's "said" to work".
CPU: 0904CPMW MoBo: Asrock AOD790GX/128MB --> Success
CPU: 0904EPMW MoBo: Biostar 790GX XE --> Success
CPU: 0904BPMW MoBo: Biostar TA790GX 128M --> Success
CPU: 0904CPMW MoBo: Gigabyte MA790GP-DS4H --> Success
CPU: 0904CPCW MoBo: Biostar TA790A GX2 --> Success
CPU: 0904EPMW MoBo: Asus M3A78-T --> Failure
CPU: 0904CPMW MoBo: Asus M3A78-T --> Failure
CPU: 0904CPCW MoBo: Jetway HA07 --> Failure

 

[rsalazar]

Back in my days Biostar was a crappy brand. Has this changed since then? I really don't want to buy a crappy Mobo

BTW, for what I've read in these couple of minutes, it seems it's more of a luck issue than anything else Also, I'm not from the US and don't have as much variety as other people when buying, so I guess I'll get a solid Mobo and a PII X3 (720?) and let the dice roll

 

[batuchka]

In the past Biostars were budget end and not really famed for OC capablity but the TSeries and TPower in recent times have changed that IMO but not make their mobos too steep in price ^^

 

[rsalazar]

Hey batuchka, thanks for replying every time.

I've been looking around and I have a simple question, I hope you can help me with this:
» Looking a bit into the future, would it be better to wait until next year to get an affordable AM3/DDR3 Mobo or is it better to get an AM2+/AM3 DDR2 Mobo now?
—thinking on keeping this set up for a couple of years with good performance.

What do you think?

 

[batuchka]

AM3 socket Phenom 2s are backwards compatible with AM2+ mobos and run on DDR2 and since you are on a P2X3 720BE your next step up if you ever need one would be a P2X4 BE. For me current AM3 chipsets are not worth it because they have essentially the same southbridge as their AM2+ counterparts plus the only difference is DDR3 DIMM slots which has been tested exhaustively as giving 0-4% performance gains at the costs of higher priced chipset+rams but that would be IMO hehe Would be great if AMD churns out some AM3 in future with more innovation in terms of performance/features/pricing because there is actually a budget AM3 770 out soon for those not needing multi GPUs
http://www.pcgameshardware.com/aid,679477/MSI-introduces-low-priced-AM3-motherboard-770-C35/News/

 

[rsalazar]

I see. I had pretty much the same thoughts, but I needed to ask someone else with more knowledge & experience on this

OK, you've been a great help batuchka, thank you. I think I'll get an AM2+ set up, assuming I do update my computer

 

[batuchka]

You are welcomed and happy shopping if you do decide to update rig

 

[g3force]

Hey batuchka, thanks for replying every time.

I've been looking around and I have a simple question, I hope you can help me with this:
» Looking a bit into the future, would it be better to wait until next year to get an affordable AM3/DDR3 Mobo or is it better to get an AM2+/AM3 DDR2 Mobo now?
—thinking on keeping this set up for a couple of years with good performance.

What do you think?

Theres a chance that AMD will come out with a different socket within the next two years. Usually I'd suggest the AM2+ board because of the steep DDR3 price, but since DDR3 is cheap at this time, it might be worthwhile to go for an AM3 board.

 

[Onus]

I think you've gotten some good advice from Batuchka. A 720BE should be nice.
If you're going to be playing games with this, you'll probably want something better than a 4650. The new 4770 would be a very nice choice. Your CoolerMaster PSU is not a great one, and may also be due for replacement, but should be able to handle a 4770. In your place, I would consider Antec, Corsair, PC Power & Cooling, Seasonic, or Enermax. An Antec Earthwatts 380 would be sufficient, but offer little headroom for growth.