Upgrade Build For Multitasking

[GameGuru1]

The x2 4400+ is starting to show its age as I am now doing a lot of coding and multimedia work, often running many relatively intensive programs at the same time. Something is wrong with this computer, and after hours and hours of diagnostics without a clear answer, I've decided to bite the bullet and perform a major upgrade. It's about time anyway.

 

I'll be re-using my video card (Radeon x1900xtx, I don't game at all on my PC) and my PSU (PC P&C Silencer 750watt), as well as my optical drive and hard drives. So, I need a CPU/Mobo/RAM and maybe a case.

 

So far I'm looking at the Core 2 Quad Q9450 CPU, and an Asus P5Q Pro mobo. I'm really not sure as to what sort of memory to be using with this setup, so suggestions there are most welcome. I would like to have 4GB of memory, though.

 

Also, if anyone has case suggestions, I'm all ears. Something understated and quiet is best; I've been told Lian Li is a solid brand.

 

Thanks in advance.

[alexvision]

Not sure about hardware (i've just built a gaming rig) but my Antec 1200 is great, its cool and looks it too and is massive.

[bilcliff]

i'm probably not the most reliable source but as far as im aware intel phased out the q9450 and replaced it with the 9550. not sure if you can still find the 9450 in some places though.

 

i'd reccomend 2 x 2G of DDR2-1066 (PC2-8500). deffinatly wouldnt bother with DDR3 unless youhave cash to burn

and as alexvision said, the antec 1200 is and insanely cool case or theres the antec 900 for a bit less

[Rokkaholik]

For CPU's the Quads aparently have the edge for multitasking. The Q6600, 9300, 9450, 9550 as well as the higher end QX series would do nicely depending on what you want to spend. To build a beast like that you'll also need some good cooling to keep things running effeciantly and for a long time.

 

Any of these cases would provide great cooling when accompanied with a good CPU cooler.

 

Coolermaster Stacker 830

 

Thermaltake Armor

 

Coolermaster Cosmos 1000

 

Coolermaster 690

 

Lian Li Armorsuit PC-P60

 

NZXT Tempest

 

Antec 900

 

Antec 1200

 

 

For CPU Coolers I'd look into any of these.

 

Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme

 

Xigmatek HDT-S1283

 

Noctua NH-U12P

 

OCZ Vendetta II

 

 

Other motherboards to consider would be:

 

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS4P

 

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DQ6

 

GIGABYTE GA-X48-DS4

 

GIGABYTE GA-X48-DS5

 

GIGABYTE GA-X48-DQ6

 

 

As for the memory, 4gb along with a 64 bit OS would do nicely. Vista Home Premium 64 works well. To be able to upgrade later, I'd recommend going with 2x2gb sticks for now to leave 2 slots open for later if needed. People here seem to like Mushkin, OCZ, G-Skill and Corsair. I'd also throw Patriot in there as well as I've had great luck with them.

 

OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel

 

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel

 

Patriot Viper 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel

 

OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel

 

mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel

 

mushkin XP ASCENT w/ eVCI technology 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel

 

CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel

[GameGuru1]

Thanks for all the help. Rokkaholik, based on your memory suggestions I assume that DDR2 1066 is the correct memory speed to go with?

 

Also, I neglected to mention that I will not be overclocking in the near future. Will stock cooling then be fine? Which ever CPU I go with will likely be a retail box version so there will be a supplied HSF.

 

edit for spelling

Edited September 9, 2008 by GameGuru1

[Rokkaholik]

Overclocking or not, I'd still recommend an aftermarket cooler. Especially when they're only $25

 

 

As for the memory, the 1066 is about the average right now. Some people go with the 800, and others the 1200, but all the motherboards listed will accept all 3 speeds

Edited September 10, 2008 by Rokkaholik