Looking for a new Motherboard/Processor/Graphic card/RAM (Help please!)

[DarkhoIlow]

Hello fellow Escapists! Since none of my friends can help me with this issue,I've decided to try my luck here to see if some of the PC "elite" can help me with this.

This decision actually came after seeing the Witcher 2 recommended settings and I raised an eyebrow after seeing that my new computer which I've bought a year ago isn't good enough.

One last thing,I'm not much of a PC "junkie" when it comes to computer parts,I know basic stuff only hence why I need help with these particular pieces so I don't make the mistake like I did with the last one.

My current configuration is this:

Intel Core 2 Duo E7600 @ 3.02Ghz
Gigabyte 945P-DS3 chipset Intel i945P
Nvidia GTX260 896MB 448bits
Kingmax Dual DDR2 4gb
Windows XP Sp3

The motherboard is quite old(around 6 years,only the gfx card,ram and processor are 1 year old).

Witcher 2 recommended system requirements are OS: Windows XP SP2 / Windows Vista SP2 / Windows 7 (32/64-bit)
· Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad or AMD Phenom X4
· Memory: 3 GB Windows XP / 4 GB Windows Vista and Windows 7
· Video Card: 1 GB RAM, supporting Pixel Shader 3.0 (Nvidia GeForce GTX260 or ATI Radeon HD4850)

Now I would like to know if my current spec will be able to run the game at a medium/high setting without using shadows/AA/Anisotropic settings.

This is one of the reasons that I want to upgrade my computer so I won't have troubles playing PC games on high settings for at least a couple of years.

I've been thinking of getting MSI GeForce 460GTX Twin Frozr 1024 mb.Regarding processors I am quite oblivious when it comes to what type I should get(core quad..if so what series etc),same goes for motherboard and RAM.

I can afford around 500(600)euros which is around 700$ in total.

Any suggestions or recommendations will be appreciated.

 

[dsmops2003]

That card can do shader 4.0 so you should be ok as is. I dont see the need for quad core really. Just make sure you have nothing running in the background.

 

[MrTub]

I do not know any romanian site but I would buy something close to this


ASRock P67 Extreme 4 REV B3
MSI R6950 Twin Frozr III PE/OC Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5
CORSAIR Vengeance 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (You could replace these with 2x2gb 1.5volt ram)
Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge

On newegg that is around 700$

 

[Wolfram23]

Tubez's suggestion would kick ass. You could replace the 6950 with a 560 if you prefer Nvidia. They perform extremely close to eachother.

 

[DarkhoIlow]

I check the prices and is indeed around that price tag,but will a 650W power supply will be enough and a default casing without any extra ventilators suffice or I will have to buy those as well.

Also not much of an ATI fan,so will go with Nvidia.

Would like to see more suggestions,before I decide.

 

[MrTub]

I check the prices and is indeed around that price tag,but will a 650W power supply will be enough and a default casing without any extra ventilators suffice or I will have to buy those as well.

Also not much of an ATI fan,so will go with Nvidia.

Would like to see more suggestions,before I decide.

650w should be enough for 560/6950 and you should not need any extra fans.
560 and 6950 is equally good but the reason I choose 6950 is since most of them you can actually unlock to 6970.

 

[DarkhoIlow]

I check the prices and is indeed around that price tag,but will a 650W power supply will be enough and a default casing without any extra ventilators suffice or I will have to buy those as well.

Also not much of an ATI fan,so will go with Nvidia.

Would like to see more suggestions,before I decide.

650w should be enough for 560/6950 and you should not need any extra fans.
560 and 6950 is equally good but the reason I choose 6950 is since most of them you can actually unlock to 6970.

I noticed that the ATI card has 2gb memory and the 560 one only has 1gb(I've heard GTX series are the best when it comes to performance compared to GT or GTS).

Also the price difference between the 6950 and the 560gtx is around 100$ more and I want an Intel processor anyway so I will probably go with this one:

http://www.pcgarage.ro/placi-video/msi/geforce-gtx-560-ti-twin-frozr-ii-oc-1gb-ddr5-256-bit/

On the right bottom are the specs for it.

One more thing,if i decide to buy these parts will I be forced to get windows 7? On XP the system doesn't "see" more than 4gb of ram.Or still remaining on XP will gimp my performances.

 

[MrTub]

I check the prices and is indeed around that price tag,but will a 650W power supply will be enough and a default casing without any extra ventilators suffice or I will have to buy those as well.

Also not much of an ATI fan,so will go with Nvidia.

Would like to see more suggestions,before I decide.

650w should be enough for 560/6950 and you should not need any extra fans.
560 and 6950 is equally good but the reason I choose 6950 is since most of them you can actually unlock to 6970.

I noticed that the ATI card has 2gb memory and the 560 one only has 1gb(I've heard GTX series are the best when it comes to performance compared to GT or GTS).

Also the price difference between the 6950 and the 560gtx is around 100$ more and I want an Intel processor anyway so I will probably go with this one:

http://www.pcgarage.ro/placi-video/msi/geforce-gtx-560-ti-twin-frozr-ii-oc-1gb-ddr5-256-bit/

On the right bottom are the specs for it.

One more thing,if i decide to buy these parts will I be forced to get windows 7? On XP the system doesn't "see" more than 4gb of ram.Or still remaining on XP will gimp my performances.

Gtx is their fastest cards, and if it such a huge difference(price) I would go with 560. You could buy Xp 64 bits.. but I would recommend buying Windows 7 64 bits instead

 

[DarkhoIlow]

If I decide to get WIndows 7 64bit,shouldn't be more than 4gb of ram be required?

 

[Hoplon]

Not required no.

In fact you will only just be seeing it for the first time since with the texture memory of your GFX as well you where probably only seeing 2.5 gb of your ram at best under 32bit

 

[DarkhoIlow]

I know it's not really required but I've heard it's better to have 8gb(always wanted to get more than XP can handle if I plan to change to Windows 7).

Also apparently 8gb dual channel Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600mhz @ 9LC is not available for ordering,only 8LC which is a bit more pricey-er.The lower CAS latency the faster the speed of the ram(or so I've read) and if that is the fact I should just go ahead and buy those?

Thanks again guys for the help.

 

[Wolfram23]

I know it's not really required but I've heard it's better to have 8gb(always wanted to get more than XP can handle if I plan to change to Windows 7).

4gb is just fine, 6gb is probably the best performance amount for the cost, 8gb is a bit excessive for a gamer. Almost not games use more than 2gb because they're usually 32 bit programs. There's a few that are 64bit and can use more than that. As for general system performance, having more than 4gb will open a bit of headroom for Windows so you'll use less file paging which will speed it up a bit. But for a budget, start at 4gb and if you want more down the road it's easy to plug a couple more sticks in.

As for the GPU thing, if it's a $100 difference where you are between 560 and 6950, it shouldn't even be a question. Get the 560. Like I said before they perform almost identically. FYI there is a 1gb version of the 6950 and it performs identically to the 2gb card even at 2560x1600 resolution. The only reason for the 2gb card would be to crossfire it and then go with an Eyefinity multimonitor setup.

As for case and power supply, 650W should be enough to crossfire/SLI most cards but it does depend on just which PSU it is. A shitty brand like DiabloTek I wouldn't trust. Corsair or Antec though, definitely. And yeah for the case... well, what case is it??

 

[DarkhoIlow]

I know it's not really required but I've heard it's better to have 8gb(always wanted to get more than XP can handle if I plan to change to Windows 7).

4gb is just fine, 6gb is probably the best performance amount for the cost, 8gb is a bit excessive for a gamer. Almost not games use more than 2gb because they're usually 32 bit programs. There's a few that are 64bit and can use more than that. As for general system performance, having more than 4gb will open a bit of headroom for Windows so you'll use less file paging which will speed it up a bit. But for a budget, start at 4gb and if you want more down the road it's easy to plug a couple more sticks in.

As for the GPU thing, if it's a $100 difference where you are between 560 and 6950, it shouldn't even be a question. Get the 560. Like I said before they perform almost identically.

As for case and power supply, 650W should be enough to crossfire/SLI most cards but it does depend on just which PSU it is. A shitty brand like DiabloTek I wouldn't trust. Corsair or Antec though, definitely. And yeah for the case... well, what case is it??

The power supply is Corsair CMPSU-650TX V2.

Regarding the case,I really have no idea what case is it.It is black default case,not big tower or anything.If theres any way to check what type of case it is please tell me how to find out.

Thanks

 

[DarkhoIlow]

I've checked some other sites and reviews regarding the pieces and I've come up with more questions.

I've talked to a friend that has owned an Asus P7P55D PRO for quite a few years and he is satisfied with it and he is quite against ASRock motherboards in general(he's had trouble with them in the past).Now I am at a bit of a crossroads regarding the motherboard.

Regarding the gfx card I think I will stick with a MSI GeForce GTX 560 Ti Twin Frozr II OC 1GB DDR5 256-bit.

RAM I decided to go with Memorie Corsair Vengeance 8GB DDR3 1866MHz CL9 Dual channel kit.Theres also a 1600mhz Cl8 dual kit and I'm a little confused as too which one I should pick.

The case that I currently have won't be able to measure to this new components and I need a suggestion for that for something that is in a price range of 100euros.

Thanks again and awaiting your answers.

 

[MrTub]

I've checked some other sites and reviews regarding the pieces and I've come up with more questions.

I've talked to a friend that has owned an Asus P7P55D PRO for quite a few years and he is satisfied with it and he is quite against ASRock motherboards in general(he's had trouble with them in the past).Now I am at a bit of a crossroads regarding the motherboard.

Regarding the gfx card I think I will stick with a MSI GeForce GTX 560 Ti Twin Frozr II OC 1GB DDR5 256-bit.

RAM I decided to go with Memorie Corsair Vengeance 8GB DDR3 1866MHz CL9 Dual channel kit.Theres also a 1600mhz Cl8 dual kit and I'm a little confused as too which one I should pick.

The case that I currently have won't be able to measure to this new components and I need a suggestion for that for something that is in a price range of 100euros.

Thanks again and awaiting your answers.

This pictures shows rma done during april

as you can see its 0.1% difference between asrock and Asus which is really nothing (imo).
Funny part.. Asrocks parent company is Asus.

And his mobo is 1156 socket, so it will not fit.
The difference between 1866mhz and 1600mhz is really nothing at all, pretty much the same with cl8 and cl9

As for chassi I would recommend Fractal design define r3 or Fractal design define XL

 

[DarkhoIlow]

I've checked some other sites and reviews regarding the pieces and I've come up with more questions.

I've talked to a friend that has owned an Asus P7P55D PRO for quite a few years and he is satisfied with it and he is quite against ASRock motherboards in general(he's had trouble with them in the past).Now I am at a bit of a crossroads regarding the motherboard.

Regarding the gfx card I think I will stick with a MSI GeForce GTX 560 Ti Twin Frozr II OC 1GB DDR5 256-bit.

RAM I decided to go with Memorie Corsair Vengeance 8GB DDR3 1866MHz CL9 Dual channel kit.Theres also a 1600mhz Cl8 dual kit and I'm a little confused as too which one I should pick.

The case that I currently have won't be able to measure to this new components and I need a suggestion for that for something that is in a price range of 100euros.

Thanks again and awaiting your answers.

This pictures shows rma done during april

as you can see its 0.1% difference between asrock and Asus which is really nothing (imo).
Funny part.. Asrocks parent company is Asus.

And his mobo is 1156 socket, so it will not fit.
The difference between 1866mhz and 1600mhz is really nothing at all, pretty much the same with cl8 and cl9

As for chassi I would recommend Fractal design define r3 or Fractal design define XL

I've checked fractal design and with our "increased" prices its around 150Euros and not even available for ordering.Something else if you can

Good point regarding the mobo socket,I guess the only choice I got now is to stay with the ASrock one(the past 2 mobo's that I've had were Gigabyte so I'm a bit reluctant when it comes to new brands,hope that it will last me at least 3 years).

What do you think about the gfx card,should i get the OC edition on the Twin Frozr Gtx560 or the normal one(also MSI or Gigabyte..im inclined more to MSI myself).

This configuration that I'm trying to make is for intense/prolonged gaming sessions(over 10h a day) so in case I need a special cooler on my i5 2500k processor feel free to say what kind.


PS: Sorry with all the questions,but I've done this a year ago as well and made a big mistake with some components and didn't last me very long so bear with me and thanks again.

 

[MrTub]

I've checked some other sites and reviews regarding the pieces and I've come up with more questions.

I've talked to a friend that has owned an Asus P7P55D PRO for quite a few years and he is satisfied with it and he is quite against ASRock motherboards in general(he's had trouble with them in the past).Now I am at a bit of a crossroads regarding the motherboard.

Regarding the gfx card I think I will stick with a MSI GeForce GTX 560 Ti Twin Frozr II OC 1GB DDR5 256-bit.

RAM I decided to go with Memorie Corsair Vengeance 8GB DDR3 1866MHz CL9 Dual channel kit.Theres also a 1600mhz Cl8 dual kit and I'm a little confused as too which one I should pick.

The case that I currently have won't be able to measure to this new components and I need a suggestion for that for something that is in a price range of 100euros.

Thanks again and awaiting your answers.

This pictures shows rma done during april

as you can see its 0.1% difference between asrock and Asus which is really nothing (imo).
Funny part.. Asrocks parent company is Asus.

And his mobo is 1156 socket, so it will not fit.
The difference between 1866mhz and 1600mhz is really nothing at all, pretty much the same with cl8 and cl9

As for chassi I would recommend Fractal design define r3 or Fractal design define XL

I've checked fractal design and with our "increased" prices its around 150Euros and not even available for ordering.Something else if you can

Good point regarding the mobo socket,I guess the only choice I got now is to stay with the ASrock one(the past 2 mobo's that I've had were Gigabyte so I'm a bit reluctant when it comes to new brands,hope that it will last me at least 3 years).

What do you think about the gfx card,should i get the OC edition on the Twin Frozr Gtx560 or the normal one(also MSI or Gigabyte..im inclined more to MSI myself).

This configuration that I'm trying to make is for intense/prolonged gaming sessions(over 10h a day) so in case I need a special cooler on my i5 2500k processor feel free to say what kind.


PS: Sorry with all the questions,but I've done this a year ago as well and made a big mistake with some components and didn't last me very long so bear with me and thanks again.

No worries =) Better safe then sorry .
I would recommend Geforce GTX 560 Ti Hawk only heard good things about it and it's suppose to be very quiet. If you want you could buy a h50/h70 cpu cooler later on but the standard fan will be enough unless you're going to OC.


-edit-

As for chassi perhaps a Fractal design define R2? Only heard good things about it
Cooler Master HAF 912 Plus is suppose to be good aswell

 

[DarkhoIlow]

snip

The level of noise on the gfx card is merely an issue for me,usually have the case at my feet so it won't be a problem.

The difference between the TI Twin Frozr and Hawk is 70mhz (OC Twin Frozr has 880 and Hawk has 950 frequency).The twin MSI one has 20celsius less heat wether the Hawk one has 20% more airflow,I don't know which of them matter the most.

I probably won't intend to OC my gfx card nor my processor,hopefully they will manage in the future games that will be released without a problem on high settings.

Regarding the chassis I've checked Carcasa Cooler Master HAF 922 black and it has quite good reviews and a decent price(around 120E):

http://www.pcgarage.ro/carcase/cooler-master/haf-922-black/

Lower bottom are the specs for it,it comes with 5 fans and decent airflow due to it's design.Also the wm is good.

 

[MrTub]

snip

The level of noise on the gfx card is merely an issue for me,usually have the case at my feet so it won't be a problem.

The difference between the TI Twin Frozr and Hawk is 70mhz (OC Twin Frozr has 880 and Hawk has 950 frequency).The twin MSI one has 20celsius less heat wether the Hawk one has 20% more airflow,I don't know which of them matter the most.

I probably won't intend to OC my gfx card nor my processor,hopefully they will manage in the future games that will be released without a problem on high settings.

Regarding the chassis I've checked Carcasa Cooler Master HAF 922 black and it has quite good reviews and a decent price(around 120E):

http://www.pcgarage.ro/carcase/cooler-master/haf-922-black/

Lower bottom are the specs for it,it comes with 5 fans and decent airflow due to it's design.Also the wm is good.

I do not know how much you cards can handle but considering its fermi and my cards can be at 90-95'c and up to 105'c without taking damage(gtx 480) so either of those should be fine but I would go with the hawk unless there is a huge difference in price and if you download Msi afterburner it should be relativ easy to OC your gpu. Im pretty sure your mobo comes with ?overclock genie? which can automatic overclock your cpu (my Sabertooth p67 had a similar program in uefi and it clocked to 4,3ghz on i7 2600 tho with h50 cooler).

That chassi seems good enough.


I'm going to sleep now so I will respond tomorrow if you got any more questions.

 

[DarkhoIlow]

snip

The level of noise on the gfx card is merely an issue for me,usually have the case at my feet so it won't be a problem.

The difference between the TI Twin Frozr and Hawk is 70mhz (OC Twin Frozr has 880 and Hawk has 950 frequency).The twin MSI one has 20celsius less heat wether the Hawk one has 20% more airflow,I don't know which of them matter the most.

I probably won't intend to OC my gfx card nor my processor,hopefully they will manage in the future games that will be released without a problem on high settings.

Regarding the chassis I've checked Carcasa Cooler Master HAF 922 black and it has quite good reviews and a decent price(around 120E):

http://www.pcgarage.ro/carcase/cooler-master/haf-922-black/

Lower bottom are the specs for it,it comes with 5 fans and decent airflow due to it's design.Also the wm is good.

I do not know how much you cards can handle but considering its fermi and my cards can be at 90-95'c and up to 105'c without taking damage(gtx 480) so either of those should be fine but I would go with the hawk unless there is a huge difference in price and if you download Msi afterburner it should be relativ easy to OC your gpu. Im pretty sure your mobo comes with ?overclock genie? which can automatic overclock your cpu (my Sabertooth p67 had a similar program in uefi and it clocked to 4,3ghz on i7 2600 tho with h50 cooler).

That chassi seems good enough.


I'm going to sleep now so I will respond tomorrow if you got any more questions.

Alright thanks a lot for the help,good night and all I have to do now is to see the total price and figure somehow how will I get my mom to pay for the difference to reach the desired value of these components.

In case I will have more questions,I will write them tommorow in the evening.