Upgrade question (Yes, again)

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marmel

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#86188 2-Jul-2011 18:04

I know these threads pop up from time to time but technology moves so fast and prices fluctuate some of the older posts may not be so relevant now.

I have a Silverstone LC-17 HTPC case.

Looking to spend about $500 on a Motherboard, CPU and RAM upgrade.

I am currently using an old Asus A85NX with an Athlon running at 1.8ghz.

I'm not really up to the play with the current state of play between intel - AMD but I figure I could get a reasonable quad core, or possibly 6 core AMD set up for around $500.

My HTPC will be used for normal HD distribution etc but also for editing HD video and editing images from my DSLR, some RAW pics can top 24mb.

I already have an ATI 7650 1GB video card so don't need an upgrade there, just what is listed above.

I would appreciate any recommendations as to what to look out for and perhaps what set up is going to suit me best, intel vs AMD etc.

Cheers.

I also have some spare parts from my HTPC which I will give away once I have done the upgrade including an Audigy 2 PCI card, WINTV PCI card, ATI 256MB video card with HDMI out etc. Let me know if you are keen.

RealityClash

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#488667 2-Jul-2011 19:04

- Gigabyte GA-P67X-UD3
- Intel Core i5 2400 3.1GHz Quad core
- Kingston 4GB HyperX DDR3-1600

Total $617.60 from ComputerLounge.co.nz

I realise thats a fair bit over what you were wanting to pay but this should have better performance then most if not all current AMD quad core CPU's.

Otherwise you may want to wait for AMD's Bulldozer CPU's. (Someone else should know when theyre supposed to be getting released) :)

Any chance you could post me link me to that WINTV PCI card? :)

marmel

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#488670 2-Jul-2011 19:32

RealityClash: - Gigabyte GA-P67X-UD3
- Intel Core i5 2400 3.1GHz Quad core
- Kingston 4GB HyperX DDR3-1600

Total $617.60 from ComputerLounge.co.nz

I realise thats a fair bit over what you were wanting to pay but this should have better performance then most if not all current AMD quad core CPU's.

Otherwise you may want to wait for AMD's Bulldozer CPU's. (Someone else should know when theyre supposed to be getting released) :)

Any chance you could post me link me to that WINTV PCI card? :)

The WinTV is pretty old school, analog tuners only so it would only be of use for the next year until the switch off. It appears to have twin tuners and comes with an extra mini card which takes up another expansion bay in the back of your PC for video in. Has RCA and S-Video in and out as well as the standard aerial plug in and out.

timmmay

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#488784 3-Jul-2011 12:44

Intel = fast, and quite good value
AMD = good value, and fast enough for most people

Given the video editing and RAW processing i'd recommend an Intel i5 or i7.

michaelt

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#488799 3-Jul-2011 13:58

I'd also suggest a Sandy Bridge system, probably with that same i5-2400 CPU.

That Gigabyte GA-P67X-UD3 motherboard is overkill for your needs though.

I'd go with a cheap H61 (or maybe H67) based board and cheaper DDR3-1333 RAM. You could probably go well under the $500 mark if you look around.

Also, I think you have your graphics card model wrong. I've never heard of an ATI 7650 1GB.

marmel

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#488802 3-Jul-2011 14:05

The video card is a 7560, got the numbers the wrong way round.

Thanks for the suggestions, I have pretty much decided on an i5 2400, now just need to decide on how much to spend on the mobo/ram.

michaelt

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#488805 3-Jul-2011 14:49

I think you've got those numbers wrong again.

It'll either be a 5670, 5760, 6570 or 6750.

Just so you know, the cheaper Sandy Bridge chipsets (H61 and H67) only support DDR3-1333 RAM. Anything faster will run at 1333MHz. Not worth spending more unless you get a better (P67 or Z68) motherboard.

I'd recommend having a look at the Intel DH67BL motherboard. It's the cheapest H67 motherboard and silentpcreview indicates it has a very low idle power consumption so would be great for an always-on HTPC.

You could probably save another $50 by going for a dirt-cheap H61 motherboard, which might be just as suitable for you.

The Intel DZ68DB is a good option if you want to overclock a bit or use faster RAM.

Dyson

Shop now for Dyson appliances (affiliate link).

marmel

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#488809 3-Jul-2011 15:16

6570, third time lucky :-)