Motherboard upgrade ... need experts suggestion!

[arijit_2404]

This is gonna be a long post, please don't curse.


I have MSI P45-Neo motherboard. Just last week I opened my cabinet for regular dust maintenance & I noticed my motherboard is dying. Capacitors, circuits are showing signs wear & tear. Also getting sudden BSODs. I am thinking of getting a new mobo in few weeks time.

My current setup:
MSI P45 Neo,
C2D e8400 (no over clock),
4 GB Corsair DDR2 RAM,
512mb of HD4850,
19” syncmaster,
Corsair TX750 (I know this is overkill, didn’t find vx series at that time).

This machine is enough to fulfill my gaming urge. I play action, RPG & RTS games but gaming is not religion for me (family and job comes first!).
Recent games like forgotten sands, GTA IV, Dragon Age, DoW II - all gave me 50-75 FPS at med-high settings and I'm satisfied with my gaming experience. So I really don’t want to throw away my current setup and shell out chunk of money for new rig.

Future plan:
I’ve 2x2GB of Corsair DDR2 RAMS (forgot the model). I might add 2 or 4 GB more RAM and make it 6 (or 8) GB altogether. 4 RAM-slot mobo is a must.

I have C2D e8400 with no over clocking. I might add a decent cooling solution and over clock a bit for the time being. Later I’ll replace it with a LGA775-based Quad core before LGA-775 vanishes from market. It’s still available in market.

I would also replace hd4850 with hd5xxx in future, since both are PCIex 2.0 based; I think this will be possible.

I want at least a good motherboard which at par with my current mobo, if not better, so that my future plan holds true and I can use this system for few more years before replace it with next gen configuration.

So my question is, which motherboard do you suggest?

What CPU cooling solution you suggest? Remember I’ll buy a C2Q later this year.

Thanks in advance!

[Piyush]

u said u'll buy c2q this year?

would u like to go for AMD counterpart?(just a thought)

[arijit_2404]

If I go for AMD, then I've to buy new Motherboard + CPU + RAM, right? Wouldn't that cost me more.

Here's my view: I'm going to change motherboard now, and replace CPU in Oct/Nov. So my total cost to up-gradation will be roughly 10-12K during this time.

Will this budget bring me a better AMD config without changing rest of the setup? I'm open to suggestions!

[Jaskanwar Singh]

whats your budget for mobo???

[Sam]

Originally Posted by arijit_2404

This is gonna be a long post, please don't curse.


I have MSI P45-Neo motherboard. Just last week I opened my cabinet for regular dust maintenance & I noticed my motherboard is dying. Capacitors, circuits are showing signs wear & tear. Also getting sudden BSODs. I am thinking of getting a new mobo in few weeks time.

My current setup:
MSI P45 Neo,
C2D e8400 (no over clock),
4 GB Corsair DDR2 RAM,
512mb of HD4850,
19” syncmaster,
Corsair TX750 (I know this is overkill, didn’t find vx series at that time).

This machine is enough to fulfill my gaming urge. I play action, RPG & RTS games but gaming is not religion for me (family and job comes first!).
Recent games like forgotten sands, GTA IV, Dragon Age, DoW II - all gave me 50-75 FPS at med-high settings and I'm satisfied with my gaming experience. So I really don’t want to throw away my current setup and shell out chunk of money for new rig.

Future plan:
I’ve 2x2GB of Corsair DDR2 RAMS (forgot the model). I might add 2 or 4 GB more RAM and make it 6 (or 8) GB altogether. 4 RAM-slot mobo is a must.

I have C2D e8400 with no over clocking. I might add a decent cooling solution and over clock a bit for the time being. Later I’ll replace it with a LGA775-based Quad core before LGA-775 vanishes from market. It’s still available in market.

I would also replace hd4850 with hd5xxx in future, since both are PCIex 2.0 based; I think this will be possible.

I want at least a good motherboard which at par with my current mobo, if not better, so that my future plan holds true and I can use this system for few more years before replace it with next gen configuration.

So my question is, which motherboard do you suggest?

What CPU cooling solution you suggest? Remember I’ll buy a C2Q later this year.

Thanks in advance!

with your current system, you can go for any high end card & it'll support (PSU enough). if you don't want Xfire or SLI. simply get some mobo based on P41 or P43 chipset. P45's pricing is still sky high (i think wants die rich).

for CPU cooler, check CM Hyper 212 (not plus). also it depends from where you going to buy.

Originally Posted by piyush120290

u said u'll buy c2q this year?

would u like to go for AMD counterpart?(just a thought)

why such a odd question? going for AMD means changing the proccy also. or maybe ram too.

[Piyush]

Originally Posted by Sam.Shab

why such a odd question? going for AMD means changing the proccy also. or maybe ram too.

i know
but lga 775 kab tak saath nibhayega?
he can sold those in NP(there are still stupid vendors who'll pay a good amount of price)

[arijit_2404]

I prefer within 5-6k range but If I get a good deal, I can loose my purse a bit more.

Please let me clarify one thing, my objective with this setup is to replace my dying mobo & add a better LGA-775 CPU (Quad Core to go basically) within few months.

Long term goal will be add more RAM and replace hd4850 with hd5xxx (when becomes more affordable) in next year.

Then my setup will look like C2Q + 6 or 8 GB DDR2 + hd5xxx = decent gaming rig for me.

So suggest accordingly. If someone comes with AMD based solution which will reuse my existing DDR2 RAM, I'm open to it as long as price difference isn't too much!

---------- Post added at 10:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:24 PM ----------

Originally Posted by piyush120290

i know
but lga 775 kab tak saath nibhayega?
he can sold those in NP(there are still stupid vendors who'll pay a good amount of price)

I'm based in kolkata, can't go to NP.

Anyway, I have already stated, I'm not a hardcore gamer with 3-screen setup. I'm a decent gamer.

So I think I can still drag this machine at least two years, with correct upgrade.
Isn't it?

[Sam]

Originally Posted by piyush120290

i know
but lga 775 kab tak saath nibhayega?
he can sold those in NP(there are still stupid vendors who'll pay a good amount of price)

but performance wise LGA775 isn't too bad. also OP can switch to newer mobo + ram + proccy when the need really arise.

Originally Posted by arijit_2404

I prefer within 5-6k range but If I get a good deal, I can loose my purse a bit more.

Please let me clarify one thing, my objective with this setup is to replace my dying mobo & add a better LGA-775 CPU (Quad Core to go basically) within few months.

Long term goal will be add more RAM and replace hd4850 with hd5xxx (when becomes more affordable) in next year.

Then my setup will look like C2Q + 6 or 8 GB DDR2 + hd5xxx = decent gaming rig for me.

So suggest accordingly. If someone comes with AMD based solution which will reuse my existing DDR2 RAM, I'm open to it as long as price difference isn't too much!

so you got 2 options now. either sell off the proccy. get Athlon II X4 + Biostar 790GX AM2+ mobo. DDR2 ram can be used. will allow Xfire also.

also you don't need more than 4Gb ram. 4Gb enough.

or get a cheap mobo based on P41 or P43 chipset.

[arijit_2404]

Thanks to all of you for your replies!
Sam, I think you've read my mind perfectly. Let's continue this discussion a bit further.

Option 1:
I'll get a P41/P43 mobo now. In 2/3 months time, I'll get a C2Q CPU. Rest setup remains same.

Option 2:
I'll get Athlon II X4 + Biostar 790GX AM2+ mobo, rest of my setup remains same.

Question is "Which option will give me best value for money in long run, say 2 years more?".
I can get rid of E8400, but is Athlon-II X4 a better CPU than C2Q and will this Biostar mobo supports more better CPU in future?

Let us put aside more RAM and new GPU decision. Those will not add anything to this topic.

[fatalcore]

Nice thread.....i am following it.....Sam always hits the perfect chord.

[arijit_2404]

I couldn't resist myself to do bits of research regarding Sam's options.

Here's what I've found -

If I go by option I - I narrowed myself to two choices: Gigabyte GA-G41M-ES2L and Biostar TP43E XE. Any other suggestions?

These two motherboards will fit my current setup pretty well. Also as per their CPU support page, I can plug-in high-end Quad Cores afterwards. Please suggest any good Quad Core CPU that is worthy replacement of E8400.

If I go by option II - For suggested AthlonII X4, I have zeroed down to Biostar TA790GXBE. This awesome mobo can let me plug-in till Phenom II X4 z965(!!). Any other suggestions are welcome.

1) Which way should I go?

2) What are the price for these combos?

Thanks again.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by arijit_2404

Thanks to all of you for your replies!
Sam, I think you've read my mind perfectly. Let's continue this discussion a bit further.

Option 1:
I'll get a P41/P43 mobo now. In 2/3 months time, I'll get a C2Q CPU. Rest setup remains same.

Option 2:
I'll get Athlon II X4 + Biostar 790GX AM2+ mobo, rest of my setup remains same.

Question is "Which option will give me best value for money in long run, say 2 years more?".
I can get rid of E8400, but is Athlon-II X4 a better CPU than C2Q and will this Biostar mobo supports more better CPU in future?

Let us put aside more RAM and new GPU decision. Those will not add anything to this topic.

its hard to say which one will be best. with Athlon II X4, you got scope to upgrade to a DDR3 motherboard in future. say in 2011 you can purchase a 8series AMD chipset based motherboard & DDR3 ram kits if you feel DDR2 not upto the mark. but with C2Q, you will have to change everything.

now coming to performance: Athlon II X4 competes with Core2Quad's 8 series fully & with the 9300 but not anything above it. but you first need to check the price difference. you can get a 630 or 635 for below 5k. if you can find a Q94** or Q95** for 7k, its a good option. anything more, better stick to Athlon II X4. sacrifice 5% performance & save a couple thousand bucks.

but that motherboard (or any other AM2+ motherboard) will support max of present Athlon II & Phenom IIs only. cause the processors released next year will have DDR3 controller only. & so won't be compatible with DDR2 motherboard. AM2+ means DDR2 motherboard. AM3 means DDR3. but Athlon II & Phenom II have both DDR2 as well as DDR3 controllers on die.

now it comes down to this: you need a new mobo. so choose any AM2+ or LGA775 motherboard. now search for Athlon II X4 & C2Q 9*** processor (first give Vedant a visit). find total pricing. and than do the judgement.

PS: i not asking you buy the C2Q now only. but first check the price. cause i doubt the price of C2Q will come down any further. also stocks in many shops are already out, replaced by Core series processors. so now or 3-4-5-6 months later. pricing will be same. this will give you a nice idea about whats best.

also you can settle for 780G or 785G (780G + DX10.1. useless) or even 770 chipset. 790GX will allow you to have Xfire & also the chipset OC friendly. about 770, remember it got no IGP.

Originally Posted by fatalcore

Nice thread.....i am following it.....Sam always hits the perfect chord.

just got the experience myself have came across this kind of dilemma before.

[arijit_2404]

Thanks a lot for your inputs. You have really some great technological knowledge.

I'm thinking about getting AMD now. (I've always been an AMD user since Duron-age. But C2D models made me switch to Intel first time.)
Anyway, back to the topic.

It seems current AMD offerings indeed very good for decent gamers like us. Those 5-10% performance not much if you plug an hd58xx card.

I guess, with AthlonII X4 635 + 4GB RAM + hd58xx series (when I'll get it) - is good for decent gaming for two more years.

PS: As of 770 chipset, I don't mind as I already have hd4850, current MSI mobo also had no IGP. anyway, I might have to switch to DDR3 mobo if I go by AMD, I might settle for cheaper AM2+ mobo now & save that money for hd5xxx card or DDR3 RAM.

[ajai5777]

Originally Posted by Sam.Shab

myself have came across this kind of dilemma before.

You meant p4 n board ?

@ OP
If you plan to change E8400 then going for LGA 775 socket would be a bad idea.
Forget about it.

Now you have 2 options. AM2+ or AM3

AM2+ boards can even support phenom II X6 also ddr2 compatible so you can keep 4GB DDR2.There is no need of upgrade from HD 4850 in current scenario.

In this case you only need to purchase proccy n board. No ram n No GPU.

Another option is AM3

phenom II X6 and future processors support.More ram speed and capacity upto 16GB.But you will need to sell your 4GB ddr2 to purchase another 4GB DDR3.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by ajai5777

You meant p4 n board ?

actually i have thought of upgrading once before; my P4 to Dual Core. also adding a 8600GT (Class 11-12 days) but skipped. & finally got myself Athlon II X4 a week ago. though the wait was a long. over 2yrs.

[arijit_2404]

@ OP
If you plan to change E8400 then going for LGA 775 socket would be a bad idea.
Forget about it.

I thought so.

AM2+ boards can even support phenom II X6 also ddr2 compatible so you can keep 4GB DDR2.There is no need of upgrade from HD 4850 in current scenario.

In this case you only need to purchase proccy n board. No ram n No GPU.

I think this is the way I should go. Can you suggest some good motherboard with DDR2 support? crossfire support isn't a mandatory.

I would buy Athlon II x4 now, later I might move to Phenom II X6. So I need that kinda mobo.

[Jaskanwar Singh]

then get gigabyte GA-MA785GM-US2H @ 4.2k

[ajai5777]

Cheaper solution - Biostar TA785GE 128M @3.7k

Details

Phenom II X6 support with latest bios.

Phenom II X6 support confirmed

4GB ram is more than enough now.Also HD 4850 is still high end.
Try to get phenom II X6 now itself.If you buy X4 630 now, you will need to sell it soon at a lower price to buy X6.

X6 1055 n board mentioned will come @ 13k

[arijit_2404]

Great inputs so far.

X6 1055t is a great CPU. So I need to choose an AM2+ mobo.

Above mobo is very good but one small concern though. If I buy an AM2+ motherboard now, how long I can use (please read above posts about my gaming usage) this motherboard before I really should jump to DDR3 motherboard and RAM?

If the time line isn't that far in future, I should probably stick with 770 based mobo and save that money for future. I have found one such mobo, Biostar TA770E.

What do you think?

[Jaskanwar Singh]

the ddr2 combo with a good mobo and x6 1055t should last for atleast 1.5-2 years.....
dont try and get cheapest possible mobo dude..

[arijit_2404]

OK, Jas - I got the point.

It seems, Phenom II X6 1055t + TA785GE 128M + my current setup = decent gaming for next few years.

I will also buy an cooling solution, CM Hyper 212.

One more question: This biostar motherboard has 128MB Radeon HD4200 Graphics Sideport memory. Can I use this memory along with my hd4850 card?

[Jaskanwar Singh]

no you cant use sideport memory with dicrete graphics card....
biostar is fine although i would say get the gigabyte one...worth it...

---------- Post added at 11:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:37 AM ----------

are you going to oc also?

[arijit_2404]

Originally Posted by Jaskanwar Singh

no you cant use sideport memory with dicrete graphics card....
biostar is fine although i would say get the gigabyte one...worth it...

are you going to oc also?

Sure, I'll look into that Gigabyte model.

I won't do OC at first, but I'll start doing it few months later.

[Jaskanwar Singh]

phenom x6 is very cool running and can be oced to great extent on stock HSF..no need to invest in a cooler now

[Cilus]

Guys, I think you forget one thing. In the next quarter, both AMD and Intel are going to lunch their new generation pf processors and their is a little chance that (even for AMD) that these chip-set will be backward compatible with any of the current gen processors (for new mobo) or Motherboards (for future processors).
So just going for a completely new rig is not a very good idea at that time. Even if the Op goes for say Athlon II 630, it needs him a complete system change and there is a good possibility that within 1 year after the release of new gen AMD processors, these will be obsolete.
So getting a LGA 775 based board is a better option.
And my suggestion is even a C2Q is not required. C2D e8400 is a very good processor for normal work and gaming. I'll suggest with a new LGA 775 mobo, wait for few months for the new technologies to be emerged in the market.
What you can do is upgrading your CPU.

[arijit_2404]

Hi Jas, can you tell me what's the price of gigabyte motherboard you've mentioned?

[ajai5777]

Biostar mobo is gr8 at OCing and cheaper. 4.4k on a AM2+ DDR2 board isnt worth to spend.
The biostar board has got HT3 5.2GTs and 8GB max memory and support for latest X6 proccies.What else you need? Its very much future proof.X6 itself is future proof also some future proccies in AM3 may support AM2+.

[arijit_2404]

Hi Cilus,

I don't follow hardware techs so closely, you may be right.
But here's my point of view.

If I get Gigabyte/Biostar & X6 1055t combo, my current setup will look like somewhat this:

An AM2+ motherboard with two free slots to add more RAM.
Phenom II X6 CPU.
An HD4850 card.

So for getting good gaming experience (apart from regular work I do) at 1440x900 resolution, this is enough. I can replace my graphics card and add more RAM to this setup at any point of time in future. So it'll keep up gaming performance very well.

So isn't this setup is going to be a 'great value for money' setup for few years more?

Just a thought!

[ajai5777]

Originally Posted by Cilus

What you can do is upgrading your PSU.

WTH ? man..he has got corsair TX 750.

[Jaskanwar Singh]

giga mobo costs 4200 INR

nicely pointed out by cilus
your current processor is good. better wait for new processors to arrive next year..till then save up some more dude...go for a 4k mobo now

---------- Post added at 12:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:49 PM ----------

ajai gigabyte one costs 4.2k and not 4.4k