Best upgrade with monitor for $400

[14 of a hotdog]

I have been given $400 for an upgrade but I want to make sure I’m getting the best parts for the money. Unlike when I built this rig and didn’t know what I was doing.

Required parts
Power supply
Graphics card (the 4830 looks great for the price)
CPU (I want to get and amd callisto when they come out. So any idea when they will come out?)
Monitor (I’m willing to settle for a 19 or 20 inch monitor)

Things I want but might be able to do without
RAM (Because even though it’s all supposed to be Wintec ampx half is from aeneon with an ampx heat spreader on it!)
CPU heatsink (what would be the cheapest I could get away with

Info
All of my system specs should be on my profile and I have updated my bios for an am2+ or am3 CPU.
I can probably go a little bit over $400

Would these be good or could I do better
Graphics card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102822
Ram : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227199
CPU: AMD callisto if possible.
PSU: I really don’t know what to get.
Monitor: I am really not sure about this ether but I think these seem nice. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...60039,N82E16824160034,N82E16824009127&bop=And


Queastions
Any idea of when in Q2 the callisto will come out and if it will really be under $100?
Should I wait for the callisto or should I get a 7750 kumma instead?
If not how much of a performance difference would I see with the kumma?
Would the graphics card be compatible to use my Accelero s1 rev2?
Is there anything else I need?


Current system specs
OS: Vista 64bit home basic
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-M57SLI-S4 rev 2.0
PSU: hec orion hp585d 585w it was only $20 so it’s probably not to great
Sound card: Audigy se
Ram: 2gb of aeneon ddr2 800 with wintec ampx heat spreaders and 2gb of actual wintec ampx ddr2 800.
CPU: amd athlon 5600+ Windsor 2.8ghz x2 2mb l2cache
Graphics card: 8600gt its xfx if it matters.
Case: thermal take armor jr

 

[captaincranky]

This Gskill is on sale for the time being. It will run fine a 800Mhz http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231144
If you decide it'll do the job, better grab it quick.

It will also POST and run fine at 1066Mhz. I'm using it with an E7300 / P45 rig.

The OCZ memory looks like a good choice also. It depends what OS you're going to use. If 32 Bit XP, I'd go with the 2GB kits though.

The choice of a monitor is not as difficult as it used. I'm sort of the opinion that they're all pretty good and they're all pretty much the same. Shoot for $130.00 to $150.00 for a 20".

Personally I very strongly advise against either a 19" or 20" in wide screen! They're too short. A 19" won't even display an 8 X 10" photo full height, in portrait orientation.
22" is the sweet spot and one should set you back $150.00 to $190.00. I had two 19" wide screens, sold one, returned the other. My total time of ownership for both, about 3 weeks..

 

[14 of a hotdog]

Thanks

The OCZ memory looks like a good choice also. It depends what OS you're going to use. If 32 Bit XP, I'd go with the 2GB kits though.

That made me realize I never put down that my OS was 64bit on my profile so thanks and i will ad my current specs to the post.

Thanks for the advice about the monitors. Would a 4830 be able to handle this and is it any good?
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4348152&CatId=2775

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

For gaming, the graphics card will, by far, give you the most performance per dollar, however, you might need a new powersupply. The 4830 you posted and the OCZ RAM is good, but RAM won't give you as noticable a difference.

Your CPU and cooler is probably fine.

The The ASUS VW192T+ 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail looks good at 19" and $120, but TBH I don't know much about monitors.

 

[redk]

Eh. Both of those monitors are really low end.
Why do you need new RAM? The RAM you have now is 800 MHz, and though it isn't a high end brand, it should do the job fine, save for overclocking.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103228
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161260
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817702011
Totals $255
and one of those two monitors.

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

Unfortunately, the Callisto CPUs are due in May. Your Windsor is a pretty decent chip though, and will easily hit 3GHz+ with a decent CPU cooler like the Xigmatek HDT-S1283. You can get an X3 710 or the X3 720 BE now if you want though, and they are fantastic performers for the price.

As for the other parts, these are what I suggest:

• ASUS VW192T+ 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 ASCR 4000:1(1000:1) Built in Speakers - Retail - $119.99
• Antec earthwatts EA430 430W Continuous Power ATX12V v2.0 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail - $54.99
• XFX Radeon HD 4850 512MB GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 Video Card - Retail - $139.99 (without $15 rebate)

 

[14 of a hotdog]

Why do you need new RAM? The RAM you have now is 800 MHz, and though it isn't a high end brand, it should do the job fine, save for overclocking.

Ahh I see, wintech is an authorized dealer of Aeneon. So they sell their products, it says wintech but its really aeneon.

So I have 2 gigs of Aeneon and 2 gigs of actual Wintec and I cannot run it in dual channel. Since we’re on the subject would dual channel be worth the extra money? thanks for the help!

Unfortunately, the Callisto CPUs are due in May. Your Windsor is a pretty decent chip though, and will easily hit 3GHz+ with a decent CPU cooler like the Xigmatek HDT-S1283. You can get an X3 710 or the X3 720 BE now if you want though, and they are fantastic performers for the price.

Well at least now i know when they are cumming out now. I'm glad to hear my CPU is alright! I had always though that it would be terrible for overclocking. Would it be better to get the cooler or dual channel ram Though?

Thanks everyone!!!

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

I do not see the need for new RAM, but I recommend the cooler since it will also be compatible with any CPU you use down the road.

Also, you may want to consider keeping your current 8600GT for use as a PhysX card.

 

[captaincranky]

I've never heard of "Synaps" monitors. I suspect if you had the UL Labs #, it's likely Funai Electronics. At least Funai is a good guess.They make everybody's house brand stuff.

I'm stickin' to my guns here, and I still think a 22" is way more satisfying than anything smaller. Unless you're going to watch movies a standard 19" has more screen >>area<< than a 19" WS. A decent graphics card will put up great FPS numbers at that size, just something to think about.

For low priced monitors Hanns-G seems really well accepted. This is this years model of their 22" WS. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254038 The specs indicate a wider viewing angle (170 H, 170 V), than last year's product. Being a cynic, to me that means they're just lying harder, But maybe it will do that, who knows? Anyway, lotsa' people buy these, and they seem quite happy with them.

Rage would know better than I about whether the video card you have in mind will be adequate @ 1680 x 1050. My best guess is yes, and you also might be able to run @ 1440 X 900 if your FPS slow too much at the higher rez. Here again, ask Rage.

Eh. Both of those monitors are really low end.

I have good news and bad news. The recent crop of (everybody's) monitors all have TN panels. That's the biggest reason why the prices have fallen so dramatically. I guess you could say that they're all pretty much low end. The good news is, that you still might be able to find an MVA panel, assuming you have $400.00 or so to spend for the monitor alone. Look for the 178 X 178 viewing angle, it's a dead giveaway for MVA.

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

1680x1050 will not be a problem for the HD 4850. At 1440x900, you can expect to turn on AA and still get smooth performance. The HD 4830 will take a noticeable hit at the higher resolutions, but performance at lower ones like 1440x900 will more or less be close to the HD 4850 most of the time.

 

[klepto12]

try this monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001254
ram if you really want to upgrade yours-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231112
video card-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150314
the reason for the 9800gtx+ is the rebate and they get slightly better fps in games not to mention they overclock better than 4850s do. the total is a little over $369 thats without shipping. also i would not change the cpu you have for the 7750 its not really worth it like rage said just overclock it and call it a day.

 

[captaincranky]

try this monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001254

I have one of these, haven't used it much though. My reason for purchase was the pivoting base. My first impression was that it's similar in picture quality to my Westy. The body and base are much, much better though. It's the lowest price decent screen that has this feature. If pivot is something you want or need, it's the right choice. Otherwise it's a 30 buck price hit. I think Samsung/Toshiba are growing most of the TFT panels anyway. So, many other brands probably have the same screens. <<< This is a bit of a guess.

I think BB is carrying Hann-G or Hann-Spree. (They're basically the same company) Microcenter too. It wouldn't hurt to have a look around before you send away for anything.

 

[Whiffen]

I like my Samsung SyncMaster 2253BW.

You can find that 22" 2ms (GTG) 8000:1 monitor for about 200$

Then a card like a 4830, 4850 sounds good but you would probably need a new PSU.

 

[14 of a hotdog]

Is this monitor any good its only $150 after a promo code.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...C-IGNEFL032409-_-LCDMonitors-_-L0C-_-24009145

Should i get the 4850 and the antec power supply rage suggested?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150337
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006

Or should i get the 9800 gtx+ klepto suggested and the bfg tech power supply redk suggested?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150314
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817702011

The amperage looks a little better on the bfg tech and it has 2 pcie connectors but it does not say 80 plus certified and it’s oem.

How difficult would it be to replace the stock heatsinks on those cards with my accelero s1??

 

[captaincranky]

Is this monitor any good its only $150 after a promo code.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...C-IGNEFL032409-_-LCDMonitors-_-L0C-_-24009145

The thousand or so people that gave it 5 star reviews seem to think so. Sometimes that's all you have to go on. Better hurry though, promo ends March 30th. Order while they still have stock.

 

[redk]

It's an okay screen, my ex had one, and it looks fine and all, it's just not that bright. The Samsung and LG's are a lot better, but they're also more expensive.

 

[Technochicken]

You can get the monitor for 140$ at tigerdirect, without a rebate
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3883448&sku=A179-2240

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

Well I would go with the Antec powersupply no matter what, and in my opinion, the 4850 or 4830 is better. Though i would go with the Saphire card out of personal preference and price.

 

[captaincranky]

You can get the monitor for 140$ at tigerdirect, without a rebate
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3883448&sku=A179-2240

Then why is that page showing $149.99 withOUT free shipping?

 

[klepto12]

i still stand behind the video card i suggested its and xfx which has the best warranty in the business and with the rebate its cheaper than the 4850 and performs better just pick up the 9800 and a good psu and you should be good. also samsung in my opinion makes the best monitors hands down.

 

[Technochicken]

Then why is that page showing $149.99 withOUT free shipping?

Sorry about that, I seem to have misread the price tag.

 

[14 of a hotdog]

i still stand behind the video card i suggested its and xfx which has the best warranty in the business and with the rebate its cheaper than the 4850 and performs better just pick up the 9800 and a good psu and you should be good. also samsung in my opinion makes the best monitors hands down.

Ok I think I will go with the 9800gtx+ then unless someone can bring up a reason to get the 4850 instead.

Do I need a power supply with 2 6 pin connectors or would the 2 4 pin to 1 6 pin adaptor the card comes with work? The page says the card needs at least 450 watts but is that antec power supply efficient enough to make up for it?

Current upgrade list
graphics card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150314
CPU cooler: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003
monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009145
psu:I still need help with that though I think the 550 watt bfg tech one looks good but I don't know much about power supplies. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817702011

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

The 4850 is really beneficial if you have an Intel chipset supporting Crossfire. Also, driver support for it is far better than from NVIDIA, who have already replaced the 9800GTX+ with their "new" GTS 250, which is actually the same card with more VRAM on it.

However, since you have an SLI motherboard, an NVIDIA card would give you the opportunity to go dual-card later.

But I would suggest going for an Antec Earthwatts EA500 or the BFG LS-550 instead of the GS-550, which is a lower-end PSU (compared to the others; it is still better than a LOT of the PSUs out there) I do not recommend for a gaming system.

 

[klepto12]

why not spend an extra $20 and get the samsung monitor it will be worth the extra money because its a better monitor.

 

[14 of a hotdog]

Umm I'm really confused about the cards but I guess I’ll go with the 4850 because they decided to change the 9800gtx+'s price last night. Now the xfx 9800gtx+ is more expensive than their gts250!

I think I will go with the BFG LS550 because it has a $20 mail in rebate.

why not spend an extra $20 and get the samsung monitor it will be worth the extra money because its a better monitor.

How noticeable would the difference be and the acer its $40 cheaper than the Samsung after a promo code.