Need advice on Upgrades.

Hi I was recommended this forum by a someone I met today in Prime abgb and id like to say this is a great site for ppl like me so thanks to the makers kudos...

Ok now I was in the store looking for a couple of upgrades to my current rig.
Details are :

Manufacturer: System Manufacter

Processor:Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E8200 @ 2.66GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.7GHz

Memory: 2046MB RAM G-skill DDR2 800Mhz

Hard Drive: 480 GB Total

Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT

Monitor: ViewSonic VA2226w

Sound Card: Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)

Operating System: Windows Vista™ Ultimate (6.0, Build 6000) (6000.vista_rtm.061101-2205)

Motherboard: Abit IP-35e

Computer Case: Zebronics Bijli


Off late ive been getting a CPU unworkable Error but not sure if the proc is responsible or not, tried a CMOS reset as well but no go, So i guessed that the time has come for an upgrade.

Now before any one recommends something to expensive I'd have to add that I recently lost my job(I was working in a BPO for a year wen the process shut down hence the unemployment ) and my budget currently stands at like 20k Im hoping to find a buyer for a couple of parts eg. proc and graphics card so that I can increase my budget....also considering my config im not a hardcore gamer but id like to be....also im currently studying animation so i use 3ds Max and Maya alot so i think ill need something that can run a game like Crysis on mainstream or enthusiast pretty smoothly.

I looked up a New Set of 4GB Gskill modules the Pi series i believe which goes for approx 3.5k(Prime ABGB), a GeForce9800GT 512DDR3 for 5.5k, and a new proc Q8200 for some 8.7k , Sunbeam CCF 92(Bcoz of the Zebronics Bijli and size constraints) for 2.1k

Just wonderin cos the guy who recommended this site told me that i might need to update my board BIOsfor the quad would it be better to scrap the board as well?

so please reccomend a couple of parts up to 30k max otherwise id have to sell my kidney to get the rest......

also considering what im aiming for and what i do with my PC(animation and gaming) is Vista 64bit better or a reccomended linux distro from some one who is good at linux and has a nice stable OS.

Ill upload the insides later on but its not that impressive.

If you are getting SCCF with Q8200 for OC'ing then better change the procy as the multiplier on it is 7 .. so even if you want an OC of 3.5Ghz you will need 500 FSB which would be difficult to achieve on a low - end motherboard .

Also check this http://www.techenclave.com/buying-gu...-new-post.html

If you feel your CPU is faulty, best to get it RMA'ed.

well its a little over a year old so im not sure if i can RMA it now.

but id have to check it out.

& @udayrulz thx ill check the post out but i was under the impression that the Abit IP35e(or all abit ip35's for that matter) were good for Oc'ing.

srry for the Double post But can i get an overview on an AMD quad Vs a Q8200 also with a respectable board.

PLEASE VOID POST (i couldnt find the delete button)

ok can i get some inputs on the following.
a Q8200 vs any amd quad
and ATI vs NVIDIA.

cos ATI & amd are cheaper alternatives.

also is there a way 2 find a list of aftermarket Heatsinks that can be fitted within a Zebronics Bijli bearing a 500Watt Cooler master CPU......?

To give you a fair suggestion, don't upgrade anything as of now, except maybe the RAM(Add another 2GB stick)
Get your processor RMA'ed after you confirm that it's at fault.

At the most, upgrade your GPU if you find this one lacking to get you through your design/animation work.

Also, consider installing the Windows 7 RC.

PS:Intel processors have a 3 year warranty, you can RMA w/o issues.

ok considering that i purchased the Proc from Prime ABGB in Lamington road, Mumbai would i be speaking to them or to Intel Customer care?

Ok thanks..............& considering that i got the proc from a reseller in lamington should i speak to them or to intel?

and Windows 7 are modern games compatible with this next gen os?
or should i have a dual boot config?

@Amien or whatever is you name, How can you suggest people to upgrade to Windows 7 RC already...

@bakanoname, as a well wisher, do not upgrade anything alright, stick to that good earned money till you get employed again,
Get the system fixed, go to any good shop like one we have here in Delhi SMC international, find out the faulty parts and get them RMAed or something...

prime might help..

also theres a helpline number on the procy box...u can contact the custmer service with tht..also the serial mentioned on box will help u claim warranty..

It's simple, i just did. I pressed buttons on my keyboard and clicked and here it is now.

DUDE !!!

You have a very nice setup no need for major surgery. If you have a crossfire board go 2x 4770 or 4870 if u have the cash. Processors come with 3 year warranty its a great processor no need for any change if you want to play games, just get a better card or cards

If its a non crossfire board Palit Sonic 260 , if you really feel like spending and want to use that full budget try getting a 4870x2 , i personally feel the 295 is overpriced if you can get the 4870x2 at around 350$ that would be a killer deal. And you would have one mad mad gaming rig

check this reply by sato
My 2 PC configs...which one would be better?

he tells you which graphics card to buy for animation and why?

for more info cantact him

ok @ Zloyd thx for the inputs so now im considering taking care of my E8200 ill contact Intel care in d mornin and ill look into a new card & some memory
sadly the board doesnt have sli as its an IP35e but im still considerin a 9800GT i was quoted bout 5.5k for 1.
so im thinking ill go in for a memory upgrade and an Aftermarket cooler for like 2k-2.5k & ne Idea what cooler fits best in a Zebronics Bijli i can dismantle the fans that came with the machine or should i opt for a tower change like a CM 690 ?
coz my tower is fairly small and not much cooling as well?