GameBanshee Forums

I know this topic comes up on every forum, but through searching around the most recent here was about a year ago by Dragon Wench. So now it's my turn.

I don't think I need to build a computer from scratch, but there are a couple of components at least that I think need updating. So I'll give you my current setup and then ask for your recommendations to beef up my build a little. My uses are Gaming (Fable, Spellforce, BG, BG2, NWN and when they come out NWN2, HMM5), video encoding and general use. I'm not a huge super gamer so I don't need dual 512MB graphics cards, but I would like to know what's reasonable in the upper mid, lower high range that would make the most difference in my setup.

My current system was bought as a pre-made Compaq (hold your jeers, it's done OK by me).

Compaq 5423US ([url="http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?dlc=en&tool=prodinfoCategory&lc=en&product=93322&cc=us&dest_page=prodinfoCategory&docname=c00009511"]system specs[/url])
P4 1.6GHz processor
80GB primary hard drive ([url="http://www.seagate.com/cda/products/discsales/marketing/detail/0,1081,374,00.html"]Seagate 5400RPM ST380020A[/url])

From the base model I've added/upgraded:
768MB PC2100DDR RAM (total)
120GB secondary hard drive ([url="http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=704&p_created=1037222945&p_sid=4Skhak*h&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9MyZwX3Byb2RzPSZwX2NhdHM9JnBfcHY9JnBfY3Y9JnBfcGFnZT0xJnBfc2VhcmNoX3RleHQ9d2QxMjAwamI*&p_li=&p_topview=1"]Western Digital 7200RPM WD1200JB[/url])
GeForce FX5200 256MB graphics card (most of the specs I'm finding are saying 128MB but my startup splash screen says 256MB)
Sony DRU-810A DVD+/-RW

I think I'm definitely looking to upgrade my motherboard+processor (I've never done this so any thoughts on how to make sure they are compatible, where I can get combos, etc would be helpful). But I'm not sure whether I would need additional memory (or faster memory) or a better graphics card for my needs. I know pricewatch.com and tigerdirect.com have a lot of cheap options, but they both also offer refurb and knock-off brands so I'm a little hesitant to use them.

A couple of specific questions would be:

1. I've heard that AMD is better for gaming. What about video encoding? Would there be any compatibility issues with my existing hardware?
2. Would it make a significant difference to use my secondary drive (120GB 7200RPM vs. 80GB 5400RPM) to put my games on? What about switching the order and making the bigger drive the primary (master)?
3. Is there a way to be absolutely sure that a specific case is compatible with a specific motherboard? I know there are the standards (ATX, ATX-mini, etc.) but I've seen motherboards with strange layouts that still called themselves ATX.
4. How much work is it to upgrade a motherboard+processor? I've installed almost every other component in a computer and most take a couple of minutes to update drivers, jumper settings and that's about it. Where can I read up on what to do, and how to prepare myself (so I don't have to learn once it's busted)?

So here's where I open the floor to you guys to give me suggestions or recommendations. My budget isn't huge, but I don't mind spending money if it makes a clear difference. I'm thinking I'll end up somewhere around a 3.2GHz processor and if I need to upgrade the memory at least 1GB, maybe 2GB if I can find a really good deal. Other than that I'm looking for suggestions on what hardware is worth the price, websites to check out, etc.

Thanks
________________________
Darzog

There's a tech discussion forum, Darzog. I guess the SYM mods will soon move your topic there... Anyhoo, good luck with your new pc

I figured that thread was more for the "something is broken, please help" type of threads. But if that's the best place I don't mind moving (or being moved as the case may be).

ooh oooh ooh *waves hand in the air* i know, you should make it blue! with lights and flasheing thing and..blue!

Sadly enough my wife chose her last phone because it was blue with a blue-lit screen.

1. I've heard that AMD is better for gaming. What about video encoding? Would there be any compatibility issues with my existing hardware?
2. Would it make a significant difference to use my secondary drive (120GB 7200RPM vs. 80GB 5400RPM) to put my games on? What about switching the order and making the bigger drive the primary (master)?
3. Is there a way to be absolutely sure that a specific case is compatible with a specific motherboard? I know there are the standards (ATX, ATX-mini, etc.) but I've seen motherboards with strange layouts that still called themselves ATX.
4. How much work is it to upgrade a motherboard+processor? I've installed almost every other component in a computer and most take a couple of minutes to update drivers, jumper settings and that's about it. Where can I read up on what to do, and how to prepare myself (so I don't have to learn once it's busted)?

1. Intel single-core CPUs are faster than AMD single-core CPUs for video encoding, but AMD's dual-core CPUs are faster across-the-board compared to Intel's dual-core CPUs. For you your only choice is single core, so Intel is faster in encoding.
2. I don't think setting master/slave actually cause much performance impact. Putting your games on the 7200rpm hard disk will make them load faster. The same applies for your OS and files too.
3. ATX cases are compatible with ATX and micro-ATX motherboards. Micro-ATX cases, most of the time, are only compatible with m-ATX motherboards. The ATX motherboard layout, no matter how convoluted, always follows this pattern:
- Expansion card slots on the top left side
- South bridge (or North bridge for most NForce4 motherboards) below these slots
- CPU slot on the right hand side with the RAM slots
4. A lot of work, comparable to building a new computer. With motherboards you have to disconnect every component, while with CPUs you have to replace the cooling paste.

[QUOTE=Darzog]Sadly enough my wife chose her last phone because it was blue with a blue-lit screen.[/QUOTE]

smart wife! Blue!

Moving this thread.

...from SYM to this forum.

It's better off here.

Thanks for the info Rookie. I'm still pondering what I want to do, but your advice will help.