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Recommended upgrades
posted in Hardware
1
#1
3 Frags +

I have had this computer for quite a while now and I was wondering anyone recommends I upgrade parts or the whole based on the specs from below:

Harddrive - 1 Terabyte
Video Card - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260
Processor - quad core i7 CPU 920 @ 2.67 GHz, OC now 940 @ 3.66GHz
Memory - 9GB DDR3 RAM
Operating System - Windows 7 64_bit operating system
Power Supply - 500W Peak
Keyboard - Razer Lycosa
Headphones - Razor Carcharias
Wireless adapter - Belkin n300
Motherboard - Rampage II Gene
Monitor - BenQ 2420 (I just ordered this and it is coming next week)

If I missed anything I think it will be in this link

http://www.asus.com/Desktops/Essentio_CG5290/#specifications

Thanks for the help and best wishes to all in the ESEA playoffs that are looming.

I have had this computer for quite a while now and I was wondering anyone recommends I upgrade parts or the whole based on the specs from below:

Harddrive - 1 Terabyte
Video Card - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260
Processor - quad core i7 CPU 920 @ 2.67 GHz, OC now 940 @ 3.66GHz
Memory - 9GB DDR3 RAM
Operating System - Windows 7 64_bit operating system
Power Supply - 500W Peak
Keyboard - Razer Lycosa
Headphones - Razor Carcharias
Wireless adapter - Belkin n300
Motherboard - Rampage II Gene
Monitor - BenQ 2420 (I just ordered this and it is coming next week)

If I missed anything I think it will be in this link

http://www.asus.com/Desktops/Essentio_CG5290/#specifications

Thanks for the help and best wishes to all in the ESEA playoffs that are looming.
2
#2
0 Frags +

Video card, and also you should specify your RAM timings if you wanna try overclocked RAM.

Video card, and also you should specify your RAM timings if you wanna try overclocked RAM.
3
#3
0 Frags +

get a new video card, and overclock your cpu to like 3.8+Ghz. Might need to get a new CPU cooler

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4805058&SRCCODE=WEBGOOPA&cm_mmc_o=mH4CjC7BBTkwCjCV1-CjCE&gclid=CIPUsdq1vLUCFcyj4AodC3MAKA

get a new video card, and overclock your cpu to like 3.8+Ghz. Might need to get a new CPU cooler

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4805058&SRCCODE=WEBGOOPA&cm_mmc_o=mH4CjC7BBTkwCjCV1-CjCE&gclid=CIPUsdq1vLUCFcyj4AodC3MAKA
4
#4
0 Frags +

Would I need to get a new power supply as well if I upgraded my video card? Also how can I overclock my CPU to 3.8 GHz? Last do you think I would need to get more fans or a new tower since mine only allows either 1 or 2 fans.

p.s. Where can I find the timings for the Ram?

Would I need to get a new power supply as well if I upgraded my video card? Also how can I overclock my CPU to 3.8 GHz? Last do you think I would need to get more fans or a new tower since mine only allows either 1 or 2 fans.

p.s. Where can I find the timings for the Ram?
5
#5
0 Frags +

I think the 660ti actually draws less power than the 260, but the power edition I linked above might draw a little more. What brand is your PSU? A high quality 500W psu should be okay but with cheap psu's you may be pushing your luck.

Edit: Upon further research, even the power edition still draws less than your 460. You should be okay.

A tower upgrade is probably unnecessary as long as you get a decent cpu cooler. Definitely have at least 2 case fans though. CM Hyper 212 or maybe a Corsair H60 or something if you want to get fancy.

I think the 660ti actually draws less power than the 260, but the power edition I linked above might draw a little more. What brand is your PSU? A high quality 500W psu should be okay but with cheap psu's you may be pushing your luck.

Edit: Upon further research, even the power edition still draws less than your 460. You should be okay.

A tower upgrade is probably unnecessary as long as you get a decent cpu cooler. Definitely have at least 2 case fans though. CM Hyper 212 or maybe a Corsair H60 or something if you want to get fancy.
6
#6
0 Frags +

I can't find the power supply brand on my computer, but from looking at others reviews, the power supply is the worse part of this computer and anyone that upgraded actually needed to get a new one and the addition of another fan.

I have updated the original post with more info.

I can't find the power supply brand on my computer, but from looking at others reviews, the power supply is the worse part of this computer and anyone that upgraded actually needed to get a new one and the addition of another fan.

I have updated the original post with more info.
7
#7
0 Frags +

What would be a recommended power supply that would be able to run my set up with the above upgraded card, extra fan, and how to overclock my CPU that much along with finding a better CPU cooler?

What would be a recommended power supply that would be able to run my set up with the above upgraded card, extra fan, and how to overclock my CPU that much along with finding a better CPU cooler?
8
#8
0 Frags +

Antec, OCZ, and Corsair power supplies are generally the go-tos if you wanna be safe. Try looking up a PSU calculator, but probably 500W should be good.

Antec, OCZ, and Corsair power supplies are generally the go-tos if you wanna be safe. Try looking up a PSU calculator, but probably 500W should be good.
9
#9
0 Frags +

SSD, PSU, Video card. You will be set. forgot to kick the dead horse so everyone knows. pcpartpicker.com

SSD, PSU, Video card. You will be set. forgot to kick the dead horse so everyone knows. pcpartpicker.com
10
#10
0 Frags +

Videocard (AMD 7850/70 our a Nvidia GTX660ti)
OC the fuck out of that CPU (my i5 760 is at 4ghz)
Nice aftermarket CPU cooler
Larger PSU with a solid single rail (anything from Seasonic, Corsair, our Silverstone)

Videocard (AMD 7850/70 our a Nvidia GTX660ti)
OC the fuck out of that CPU (my i5 760 is at 4ghz)
Nice aftermarket CPU cooler
Larger PSU with a solid single rail (anything from Seasonic, Corsair, our Silverstone)
11
#11
0 Frags +

If you don't have a name brand 500W power supply, you should get a new one.

i7 920, when overclocked, will use quite a bit of power so you should have a good one if you take my recommendation to push your overclock further.

I recommend you get a 600W (or greater) from a reputable brand. Corsair, Antec, Seasonic, XFX, PC Power and Cooling, OCZ, Silverstone, are a few. Power supplies from other manufacturers are hit or miss depending on the model, and even Corsair has a range of quality units. Their 600W Builder series aren't as good as their Enthusiast series.

So upgrade the power supply, push your CPU overclock further, aim for 3.4 GHz, get a new heatsink if you must, and upgrade the video card would be the best upgrades you can do. If you feel like reformatting, pick up an SSD as it'll decrease load time tremendously.

If you don't have a name brand 500W power supply, you should get a new one.

i7 920, when overclocked, will use quite a bit of power so you should have a good one if you take my recommendation to push your overclock further.

I recommend you get a 600W (or greater) from a reputable brand. Corsair, Antec, Seasonic, XFX, PC Power and Cooling, OCZ, Silverstone, are a few. Power supplies from other manufacturers are hit or miss depending on the model, and even Corsair has a range of quality units. Their 600W Builder series aren't as good as their Enthusiast series.

So upgrade the power supply, push your CPU overclock further, aim for 3.4 GHz, get a new heatsink if you must, and upgrade the video card would be the best upgrades you can do. If you feel like reformatting, pick up an SSD as it'll decrease load time tremendously.
12
#12
0 Frags +
TwinweaponsWhat would be a recommended power supply that would be able to run my set up with the above upgraded card, extra fan, and how to overclock my CPU that much along with finding a better CPU cooler?

recommended power supply would be pretty much anything 80+ certified

[quote=Twinweapons]What would be a recommended power supply that would be able to run my set up with the above upgraded card, extra fan, and how to overclock my CPU that much along with finding a better CPU cooler?[/quote]

recommended power supply would be pretty much anything 80+ certified
13
#13
0 Frags +

Looks like I will get a video card, PSU, and fan/heatsink in the next up coming weeks. Along with a SSD, and CPU cooler once I figure out which ones I want and save up some more money. Will I be able to move the data stored on my current hard drive to the SSD or will I have to start from scratch?

Currently looking at the 660ti because I want to stay with NVIDIA, 750 watt Corsair since it seemed to be the most recommended brand name/ if I have further upgrades in the future and I'm not sure about the SSD as I still need to do research/look at reviews/ see your opinions since you all know much more about the inner working of computers then I do. Last is how will I be able to overclock my processor more than 2.93 GHz? Is there a program for that or will I have to modify some things?

Looks like I will get a video card, PSU, and fan/heatsink in the next up coming weeks. Along with a SSD, and CPU cooler once I figure out which ones I want and save up some more money. Will I be able to move the data stored on my current hard drive to the SSD or will I have to start from scratch?

Currently looking at the 660ti because I want to stay with NVIDIA, 750 watt Corsair since it seemed to be the most recommended brand name/ if I have further upgrades in the future and I'm not sure about the SSD as I still need to do research/look at reviews/ see your opinions since you all know much more about the inner working of computers then I do. Last is how will I be able to overclock my processor more than 2.93 GHz? Is there a program for that or will I have to modify some things?
14
#14
1 Frags +

It's best you start from scratch when you move from a hard drive to an SSD. You don't have to wipe your hard drive, though, but you should do a fresh install onto the SSD. Before you install the SSD you need to go into the BIOS and make sure your SATA ports are in AHCI mode and not IDE mode.

For overclocking Asus probably provides software with your motherboard to help you overclock, but manually doing it is the preferred method. Best to look up some guides for your i7 920 specifically.

It's best you start from scratch when you move from a hard drive to an SSD. You don't have to wipe your hard drive, though, but you should do a fresh install onto the SSD. Before you install the SSD you need to go into the BIOS and make sure your SATA ports are in AHCI mode and not IDE mode.

For overclocking Asus probably provides software with your motherboard to help you overclock, but manually doing it is the preferred method. Best to look up some guides for your i7 920 specifically.
15
#15
0 Frags +

I actually found this artical on tomshardware:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/overclock-core-i7,2268.html

It mentions that the most logical overclock for my CPU would be 3.66 or 3.33 with lightspeed on which brings it to about 3.55 if I remember correctly.

With the harddrive switch will I be able to keep my Windows 7 operating system, mircosoft office, Autocad programs, etc? pretty much the programs I would have to pay for if I completely reset my system that are essential to me because they are what I use for school and need at all times. Would my old harddrive essentially act like an external hard drive or trash it?

I actually found this artical on tomshardware:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/overclock-core-i7,2268.html

It mentions that the most logical overclock for my CPU would be 3.66 or 3.33 with lightspeed on which brings it to about 3.55 if I remember correctly.

With the harddrive switch will I be able to keep my Windows 7 operating system, mircosoft office, Autocad programs, etc? pretty much the programs I would have to pay for if I completely reset my system that are essential to me because they are what I use for school and need at all times. Would my old harddrive essentially act like an external hard drive or trash it?
16
#16
0 Frags +
TwinweaponsI actually found this artical on tomshardware:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/overclock-core-i7,2268.html

It mentions that the most logical overclock for my CPU would be 3.66 or 3.33 with lightspeed on which brings it to about 3.55 if I remember correctly.

With the harddrive switch will I be able to keep my Windows 7 operating system, mircosoft office, Autocad programs, etc? pretty much the programs I would have to pay for if I completely reset my system that are essential to me because they are what I use for school and need at all times. Would my old harddrive essentially act like an external hard drive or trash it?

You would have to install a fresh copy of windows onto your SSD. Your other hard drive would just become secondary drive that you can store or install anything on.

If you keep your current hard drive as-is and install windows onto the SSD, you may be able to still run programs that you had on the hard drive while on the SSD but I haven't tried it.

When I bought an SSD I installed windows on it and then moved anything I really needed onto the SSD or an external hard drive and then wiped everything else from the HDD when I was done. I didn't need to back up any programs.

This would probably be a great PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016

[quote=Twinweapons]I actually found this artical on tomshardware:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/overclock-core-i7,2268.html

It mentions that the most logical overclock for my CPU would be 3.66 or 3.33 with lightspeed on which brings it to about 3.55 if I remember correctly.

With the harddrive switch will I be able to keep my Windows 7 operating system, mircosoft office, Autocad programs, etc? pretty much the programs I would have to pay for if I completely reset my system that are essential to me because they are what I use for school and need at all times. Would my old harddrive essentially act like an external hard drive or trash it?[/quote]

You would have to install a fresh copy of windows onto your SSD. Your other hard drive would just become secondary drive that you can store or install anything on.

If you keep your current hard drive as-is and install windows onto the SSD, you may be able to still run programs that you had on the hard drive while on the SSD but I haven't tried it.

When I bought an SSD I installed windows on it and then moved anything I really needed onto the SSD or an external hard drive and then wiped everything else from the HDD when I was done. I didn't need to back up any programs.

This would probably be a great PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016
17
#17
0 Frags +
TwinweaponsI actually found this artical on tomshardware:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/overclock-core-i7,2268.html

It mentions that the most logical overclock for my CPU would be 3.66 or 3.33 with lightspeed on which brings it to about 3.55 if I remember correctly.

With the harddrive switch will I be able to keep my Windows 7 operating system, mircosoft office, Autocad programs, etc? pretty much the programs I would have to pay for if I completely reset my system that are essential to me because they are what I use for school and need at all times. Would my old harddrive essentially act like an external hard drive or trash it?

You'll have to do a fresh install of Windows onto the SSD. Your Windows license will probably work, although you may have to contact Microsoft for Activation. You should be able to reinstall Office. You'll have to lookup the license agreement for Autocad, but as long as you own it you should be able to reinstall it on the SSD.

If you want to keep everything in tact, and simply move what's on your hard drive to the SSD, you can do a more complicated procedure. http://lifehacker.com/5837543/how-to-migrate-to-a-solid+state-drive-without-reinstalling-windows But it'll be simpler if you just reinstall everything.

[quote=Twinweapons]I actually found this artical on tomshardware:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/overclock-core-i7,2268.html

It mentions that the most logical overclock for my CPU would be 3.66 or 3.33 with lightspeed on which brings it to about 3.55 if I remember correctly.

With the harddrive switch will I be able to keep my Windows 7 operating system, mircosoft office, Autocad programs, etc? pretty much the programs I would have to pay for if I completely reset my system that are essential to me because they are what I use for school and need at all times. Would my old harddrive essentially act like an external hard drive or trash it?[/quote]

You'll have to do a fresh install of Windows onto the SSD. Your Windows license will probably work, although you may have to contact Microsoft for Activation. You should be able to reinstall Office. You'll have to lookup the license agreement for Autocad, but as long as you own it you should be able to reinstall it on the SSD.

If you want to keep everything in tact, and simply move what's on your hard drive to the SSD, you can do a more complicated procedure. http://lifehacker.com/5837543/how-to-migrate-to-a-solid+state-drive-without-reinstalling-windows But it'll be simpler if you just reinstall everything.
18
#18
0 Frags +

Keep the headset. It's a good one. Love my carcharias.

Keep the headset. It's a good one. Love my carcharias.
19
#19
0 Frags +

I just got my new monitor in and it is great, but there is one problem with it. Since I turned it on there is a thin blue line that stenches from the top to bottom on the right hand side. Anyone have a solution to this? LG W2363D-PF is the monitor.

I just got my new monitor in and it is great, but there is one problem with it. Since I turned it on there is a thin blue line that stenches from the top to bottom on the right hand side. Anyone have a solution to this? LG W2363D-PF is the monitor.
20
#20
-1 Frags +

SSD as a boot drive and upgrade your card to a 7870. There are some nice promotions with them right now and they perform great.

SSD as a boot drive and upgrade your card to a 7870. There are some nice promotions with them right now and they perform great.
21
#21
0 Frags +
Ellie_GouldingSSD as a boot drive and upgrade your card to a 7870. There are some nice promotions with them right now and they perform great.

Did you really need to bump this?

[quote=Ellie_Goulding]SSD as a boot drive and upgrade your card to a 7870. There are some nice promotions with them right now and they perform great.[/quote]
Did you really need to bump this?
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