Posted July 7, 2014 Looking for opinions on whether I should upgrade what I have or just build a new PC and use the one I have as a HTPC. Currently have a maxium budget of $1500 AUD or approx. $1400 USD Current build is: CPU: Intel i7 920 @ 4.0GHz Motherboard: Gigabyte EX58-UD3R Graphics card: Powercolor 6950 1gb (unlocked with 6970 shaders) Sound card: Asus Xonar STX RAM: 16gb of assorted sticks PSU: Antec Neo Eco 520w Case: Antec 300 SSD: Samsung 830 128gb HDD: 2x 1.5tb + 2x 2tb Currently running on dual monitors: BenQ G2220HD and a Samsung Syncmaster 2253LW *not really looking to upgrade the monitors at the moment but will most likely be moving to a triple monitor set up once I have some cash to spare. ... The PC is mainly used for gaming as well as 3D modelling/rendering within Solidworks. Open to any suggestions Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted July 7, 2014 thing to upgrade GPU and a better PSU assorted stick of RAM lolz Budget? Uses? Currency? Location? Operating System? Peripherals? Monitor? Use PCPartPicker wherever possible. Quote whom you're replying to, and set option to follow your topics. Or Else we can't see your reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted July 7, 2014 I think waiting for Haswell-E is worth it in your case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted July 7, 2014 Author So perhaps just upgrading the GPU and PSU + new case (Current gen GPU's are an extremely tight fit in current case) would be best currently and just wait on the Mobo and CPU? I intended on buying an R9 280x/290 when they first came out but held off on it due to lower funds. Will most likely be chasing an R9 290 unless there's something better I could get that won't break the bank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted July 7, 2014 That rig is still pretty powerful Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted July 7, 2014 I'd go for a major upgrade on the motherboard, CPU, and GPU while keeping everything else. Although that rig is still pretty good and can last quite awhile longer. You gotta do you girl. I always say you gotta do you. And if he's doing him, then who's doing you? Because right now, it seems like no one's doing you. - Stefani Stilton (she / her) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted July 7, 2014 Author Looks like a new build while maintaining the storage/ram/sound card would be the best way to go about things. hmm perhaps I should wait to see what the R9 3xx/ GTX 8xx series cards bring before doing anything. Any thoughts on how well the 1gb 6950 will do with a triple monitor set up? Also suggestions for a triple monitor set up + stand? The screens will most likely be used independently but I wouldn't mind playing some games in eyefinity every so often. Happy to stay at 1080p resolution but if the costs for 1440p monitors aren't that crazy I may go that route. (perhaps dual 1440p monitors + one later when upgrade?) okay just looked at the costs of 1440p monitors, its too high lol, So I'm up for suggestions on tri 1080p monitors (no bigger than 24") + stand. Budget at about $1000 AUD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted July 7, 2014 PSU, Match your RAM and look into something well optimized for gaming and CAD, seeing as its OpenCL stick with AMD. CPU is fine. My VERY Watercooled R4 'BOTW' | [WIP] StreamMachine Build Log | ARCADE-D2 | [WIP] NCASE MiniValidus Build Log | DIY AMBILIGHT Tutorial Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted July 7, 2014 Author Is there an issue with mixing RAM? Also what power supply would you suggest for an R9 290 if I choose to go that route (instead of waiting for the next iteration), I'm thinking anything at about 750 watt would do it? assuming that would also be enough to power a tri monitor set up when I get to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted July 7, 2014 Is there an issue with mixing RAM? Also what power supply would you suggest for an R9 290 if I choose to go that route (instead of waiting for the next iteration), I'm thinking anything at about 750 watt would do it? assuming that would also be enough to power a tri monitor set up when I get to it. yes if you mix RAM, the RAM will only run speeds based on the lowest speed RAM in the slots eg 1333MHz within the 1600MHz modules and there is a higher chance of memory failure if you are going 290 and intent to go CrossFire later get at least a 850 watts or else just 600 watts Budget? Uses? Currency? Location? Operating System? Peripherals? Monitor? Use PCPartPicker wherever possible. Quote whom you're replying to, and set option to follow your topics. Or Else we can't see your reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted July 7, 2014 Author yes if you mix RAM, the RAM will only run speeds based on the lowest speed RAM in the slots eg 1333MHz within the 1600MHz modules and there is a higher chance of memory failure if you are going 290 and intent to go CrossFire later get at least a 850 watts or else just 600 watts Alright I've currently got this in my cart: Sapphire R9 290 Tri-X Corsair RM 850 - (future proofing in case I decide to CF or water cool) Corsair Carbide 500R - (not sure if the card will fit into this case WITH the hard drive cages installed) With future prospects of upgrading the motherboard and CPU in the near future (haswell-e) I'm also wonder whether or not I should replace the CPU cooler I currently have (Coolermaster Hyper 212x) for a corsair hydro, assuming I'd be able to fit it to the top of the Carbide 500R. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted July 7, 2014 Alright I've currently got this in my cart: Sapphire R9 290 Tri-X Corsair RM 850 - (future proofing in case I decide to CF or water cool) Corsair Carbide 500R - (not sure if the card will fit into this case WITH the hard drive cages installed) With future prospects of upgrading the motherboard and CPU in the near future (haswell-e) yes 452mm is like 17.8 inches plenty for the GPU Budget? Uses? Currency? Location? Operating System? Peripherals? Monitor? Use PCPartPicker wherever possible. Quote whom you're replying to, and set option to follow your topics. Or Else we can't see your reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted July 7, 2014 Author yes 452mm is like 17.8 inches plenty for the GPU I just double checked those figures, I believe that is with the cages removed. I don't think its big enough with the cage inside. Which makes it a harder buy for me considering I have 1 SSD and 4 HDD (The bottom cage only holds 3 hard drives). Are there any mid tower options that allow for 4-5 HDD's to be installed while having enough room for the R9 290 to fit inside or will I need to go up to a full case? As for full case options I was looking at the Obsidien 750D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted July 7, 2014 I just double checked those figures, I believe that is with the cages removed. I don't think its big enough with the cage inside. Which makes it a harder buy for me considering I have 1 SSD and 4 HDD (The bottom cage only holds 3 hard drives). Are there any mid tower options that allow for 4-5 HDD's to be installed while having enough room for the R9 290 to fit inside or will I need to go up to a full case? As for full case options I was looking at the Obsidien 750D 750D is too big have you look at 450D? Budget? Uses? Currency? Location? Operating System? Peripherals? Monitor? Use PCPartPicker wherever possible. Quote whom you're replying to, and set option to follow your topics. Or Else we can't see your reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted July 7, 2014 Author 750D is too big have you look at 450D? I believe most mid tower cases would require removing of the centre HDD cages and most of the cases that provide cages in the bottom only allow for 3 hard drives only, i'd rather not transfer everything over to a bigger hard drive if I don't need to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted July 7, 2014 I believe most mid tower cases would require removing of the centre HDD cages and most of the cases that provide cages in the bottom only allow for 3 hard drives only, i'd rather not transfer everything over to a bigger hard drive if I don't need to. hmm looks like the 750D really fits your requirements Budget? Uses? Currency? Location? Operating System? Peripherals? Monitor? Use PCPartPicker wherever possible. Quote whom you're replying to, and set option to follow your topics. Or Else we can't see your reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted July 7, 2014 Author hmm looks like the 750D really fits your requirements Sorry for the late reply, Do you know of any cases that are in between the two sizes?, and what are the other options which have good air cooling capabilities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
.png.255947720031a641abdac78e663b681c.png)
.thumb.jpeg.9babd505c85c11addf31a285a02547cc.jpeg)
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now