Rig Upgrade (*need RAM, CPU and MoBo)

[Support [BDS]!]

Support [BDS]!

Keep the servers up!

May Goal: $100.00
Due Date: May 31
Total Receipts: $0.00
PayPal Fees: $0.00
Net Balance: $0.00
Below Goal: $100.00
Site Currency: USD

 0%

• BDS Clan Roster
• BDS Servers
• Sourcebans
• Picture Gallery

 

[[BDS] The Rock]

Need to upgrade a Pentium4-class/DDR2 rig with some "future-proof-ability".  All I really need is a new Mobo, CPU and RAM.  Not necessarily a gaming rig(could have potential)--but will be used on a daily basis and multi-process tasks will be common.  
My thinking is to get an LGA 1156 socket board and put the cheapest i-series CPU and DDR3 ram into it.  That way, I can put an i7-core into it in about 12-18months when the price comes down.  Same notion for the RAM; i can put Win7 on this rig and upgrade from 4GB to 8GB when(if??) DDR3 prices come down.
There's quite a selection out there, so at least there's a ton of options.  Looking to keep these 3 components in a $350 range.  I was thinking of using this opportunity to branch away from ASUS/Gigabyte boards--maybe an EVGA? But can't seem to find any under $140.

Right off, my concerns are:
--DDR3 RAM brands (and values--damn, why is RAM so pricey still )
--P55 vs H55 Intel Chipsets
--USB 3.0

Historically, I've used GSkill or Corsair RAM, but then I've never had any true RAM failures or lack of performance.  
So far, these seem the most promising
Intel i3-530 Clarkdale 2.93gHz dualcore CPU
GIGABYTE GA-P55-USB3 LGA 1156 Intel P55 USB 3.0 ATX mobo

[[BDS] The Rock]

Also, looking to put Win7 on this machine, but I wonder if I should go 32 or 64 bit.  Any thoughts?

[[BDS] ElephantRider]

What you posted looks pretty good, you're probably going to need a new power supply if you haven't bought a new one recently. As for memory, just find the lowest timings that you can afford, 2x2GB would be the least amount I would get. I'm partial to OCZ but really as long as you don't buy the cheapest PNY type shit it'll be fine since I doubt you're going to be trying to set OC records.

I'm out of the loop on chipsets now so I couldn't tell ya what would be better. I do know that Win7 64-bit is the shizzzzzzz! 

[[BDS] Doc]

What you posted looks pretty good, you're probably going to need a new power supply if you haven't bought a new one recently. As for memory, just find the lowest timings that you can afford, 2x2GB would be the least amount I would get. I'm partial to OCZ but really as long as you don't buy the cheapest PNY type shit it'll be fine since I doubt you're going to be trying to set OC records.

I'm out of the loop on chipsets now so I couldn't tell ya what would be better. I do know that Win7 64-bit is the shizzzzzzz! 

i'll second all of that 

[[BDS] Fog]

You should make sure to get Darkstar's advice.

As to the OS, I'd definitely go with Win7 64-bit, which I have running right now, particularly if you want to do any graphics/photo apps.

[[BDS] hav0k99]

USB 3.0 for what? I seriously don't see anything soon or within a year to make this a consideration.

[[BDS] Romeo]

--DDR3 RAM brands (and values--damn, why is RAM so pricey still )


I might have some ram laying around I will have to take a look and see what GB it is.. I think they are 1 GB sticks... Your welcome to them if you would like.

[[BDS] The Rock]

USB 3.0 for what? I seriously don't see anything soon or within a year to make this a consideration.

I honestly had not even heard of it until I recently started shopping for MBs last month.  Wasn't sure how widespread of a standard it had become (or would).  Actually went with an ASUS that has a slightly newer Intel Chipset, same specs.  Gonna hold off on the Windoze7 until i can get it on sale or someone to go in on a 3-pack bundle or something.   

Just pulled the trigger on this though.  Got kinda lucky and hit a few sale days for some of this stuff, totaled under $400. 
I'm excited to see how this on-board "intel graphics" performs with the i3 Clarkdale and the ASUS board combo.  I'm pleased, considering I can put a i5 or i7 on this board sometime in a couple years and then a midline GFX card too (apparently the Intel on-board GFX only works with the i3 chips...)

ASUS P7H55-M PRO LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
Intel Core i3-530 Clarkdale 2.93GHz LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80616I3530
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL8D-4GBRM
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
COOLER MASTER ELITE 335 RC-335-KKN1-GP Black SECC Steel ATX Mid

**and thanks for the offer on the mem Romeo