Enough power to run modern system?

[badstar82]

Hi there

It's been a couple of years since i built my current PC and was hoping to get some advice on upgrading. I currently have this:

Processor - Intel P4 Prescott 3.0E - Socket478
Mobo - Abit AI7
Memory - 4 x 256mb Crucial DDR
PSU - Akasa Paxpower 400W ATX2.0
Optical Drive - NEC 3520A DVD-RW
HDD - Seagate ST380011A IDE - 80GB
Soundcard - M-Audio Audiophile 2496 PCI
Graphics - Radeon 9200 PRO 128MB AGP
CPU Cooler - Zalman CNPS7700-AlCu
Fans - 2 x 120mm

I'm wanting to upgrade to something based around a faster processor such as the Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 but keep costs down to a minimum.

I know there's certain things i'd have to buy such as a new mobo but i'd like your opinions on what components listed above would be worth keeping! especially the PSU, will 400w be enough for a more up to date system, ive had no problems with the current set up. And from what I understand, the prescott CPU's are pretty power hungry.

I don't tend to play any games on my PC, i mostly use it for programs such as Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Illustrator and also for audio recording. most of the time multitasking with various things open at the same time so will be upgrading to 2gb ram.

I appreciate any help / advice

Dave

[The_YongGrand]

Originally Posted by badstar82 Hi there It's been a couple of years since i built my current PC and was hoping to get some advice on upgrading. I currently have this: Processor - Intel P4 Prescott 3.0E - Socket478 Mobo - Abit AI7 Memory - 4 x 256mb Crucial DDR PSU - Akasa Paxpower 400W ATX2.0 Optical Drive - NEC 3520A DVD-RW HDD - Seagate ST380011A IDE - 80GB Soundcard - M-Audio Audiophile 2496 PCI Graphics - Radeon 9200 PRO 128MB AGP CPU Cooler - Zalman CNPS7700-AlCu Fans - 2 x 120mm I'm wanting to upgrade to something based around a faster processor such as the Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 but keep costs down to a minimum. I know there's certain things i'd have to buy such as a new mobo but i'd like your opinions on what components listed above would be worth keeping! especially the PSU, will 400w be enough for a more up to date system, ive had no problems with the current set up. And from what I understand, the prescott CPU's are pretty power hungry. I don't tend to play any games on my PC, i mostly use it for programs such as Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Illustrator and also for audio recording. most of the time multitasking with various things open at the same time so will be upgrading to 2gb ram. I appreciate any help / advice Dave

Hey there,

I'm pretty not sure about that, but if you are going for an E6750, a system wide change is recommended. There is almost no parts there that are reusable.

Well, a P5K + E6750 + 2GB DDR2-667 will help you, plus with a video card (HD2600XT) and a Creative soundcard too.

Why not sell the rig in the auction stores, and with the cash obtained, you can build yourself another one?

hope that helps.

[badstar82]

Thanks for the reply

I was hoping to upgrade most things but keep the PSU, Case and Soundcard.

Would the PSU definately not be compatible for a E6550 system or would you just recommend something more powerful?

I'm really happy with the soundcard, so as long as it would work i want to keep that.

I dont really want to spend more than around £30 on a graphics card as i wont be playing any graphics intensive games or using many 3D applications. pretty sure 256mb would suffice.

[shadowpr]

Better off getting on board video then. And the onboard sound should probably be good enough, but you could keep the sound card you have.

You should be able to keep the hd too, and the dvd player. But I would look into getting new ones. Get a sata connection to make things easier.