So I've decided to try and upgrade my computer while I have the funds this Christmas.
Since I don't have a lot of money, I've been looking for the most affordable option, or the biggest bang for the buck.
I'm going to be upgrading over time, so I only need a few things to get by for now.
I found a cheap APU (which claims to be an effective CPU/GPU combo), which I needed a Motherboard for. So I found a motherboard that fits my needs. Then I needed RAM to fit, so I've found that.
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113282
Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130661
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820103004
I'm getting two sticks of 2GB RAM, so that's 4GB. I believe the GPU uses the RAM as its memory. The CPU has two cores.
The motherboard will have extra PCI slots for my Wireless Network Adapter and another Graphics Card if I want it. It should have the proper hookups for my HDD, DVD RW, and PSU.
My PSU is currently 450W.
This is all a pretty good upgrade compared to what I had, and comes to $145 USD
What do you think? Could I do better, or is this pretty good for the money? Do you think it will work fine, or will I come across troubles with this APU business?
Personally I would buy a dedicated GPU and a separate CPU as its faster than running the GPU from RAM. Usually better too. RAM is cheap go for 8 GB especially if you are sharing mem with the GPU. Note: Anything over 4GB of RAM and you need a 64 bit OS. Else it wont recognize the extra RAM. It is worth pointing out that Intel is more on the pricey side but mhz for mhz faster than an AMD CPU. However, AMD CPUs can be "good enough," depending on your needs/wants. I prefer Intel but I have nothing against AMD. Also, it says your RAM is Out of Stock
SAS_Capt_Fluffy
Captain
"Let's just wing it" -Fluffy on things we should most definitely not wing
Out of Stock!? Yeah, I didn't notice lol. I may go with 8GB of RAM if you think I need it, but I don't want to spend money and not need more than 4. Every game I see recommends 2GB, and I figure that leaves 2GB for the GPU, which means it's kind of borderline, yet satisfactory.
I'll check out 8GBs though if it's really recommended.
For gaming I would recommend a dedicated graphics card. Not sure how much performance such a CPU-GPU combo can achieve...
About RAM: my system runs smooth with 4 GB. However if you have a 64bit OS, you can not have too much RAM
I agree with all of the above, however it would be usefull to know things like:
budget?
do you just need the tower?
If not, what else?
Things like that
I will agree with fluffy in saying that Intels are vastly more expensive, thats why i'm an AMD man. The more RAM you get, the faster you will be, but check the frequency and the DDR are compatable with the mobo, and a 450w PSU isnt going to cut it really, and thats the most important part of the PC. The very worst thing you can do to a tower is 'under' power it. You cannot 'over' power it. If it breaks, then you have to find out which component went down, if it is a power lead, you could take out the RAM, or the HDD, or the GFX or even the CPU; it could be anything, and it's fairly impossible to diagnose straight away; without going through a process of elimination..... Therefore, dont buy cheap, because it will end up costing you a lot more in the long run
Lt_Col WIZ, VC, MiD (Ret)
UH things are cheap in US lol. Get a decent GPU with at least 1 GB of RAM, + 4 GB normal RAM, + a quadcore CPU with around 3GH. I use the same except a better GPU.
SAS_Walker
22nd [SAS] Elite Virtual Regiment
Spending $150 is about too much for me right now. I am saving for other things, and I don't have a job so saving more isn't really possible.
So I am at my limit for now.
I have a 32bit operating system, so 4GB of RAM will be all I can handle. Yes, the RAM will fit my new Mobo, that's why I wanted to buy new.
If I get 8GB, will it run okay with my 32bit OS (only recognizing 4GB)?
As far as the PSU goes, I have ran multiple calculators, and even maxed out and added some things that I don't have, and still it says somewhere around 330W. Mine is 450W now, so I think I will be good. The AMD A series APU uses less power than Intel CPUs.
I've done a lot of research, Walker, and those things just aren't in my price range. I'm going for the most bang for my buck here, and while this AMD APU may not be a huge performance desktop, it is still a BIG upgrade from what I have now. And it will be able to run everything I want.
If you have 8GB of RAM and a 32-bit OS, then the OS will only be able to access 4 gigs of it, due to 32-bit memory limitations etc. But apart from that, there should be no other ill effects
SAS_Master - Regimental Sergeant Major
GCHQ
"He's trusting you to do your job which is to clear that corner! Nothing else!"
Alright. Then I'll probably go with 8GB then, to prepare for 64bit OS in the future. My APU will run smoother with 8GB (more RAM AND more GPU memory)
32 bit windows will only use approx 3.5 gb RAM, but 4 is a good guide. Why not save your money and just get 2x 2gb and then in future, buy another duplicate set?
Lt_Col WIZ, VC, MiD (Ret)
Because that means I'd be buying 4GB and THEN 8GB, and that would just be spending more money than is necessary, if buying 8GB will cause no problems now.
but you spend half the money. Waste of time paying for something that might be dead by the time you want to use it
Lt_Col WIZ, VC, MiD (Ret)
Why would it be dead? O.O
Because its still running, same as the other sticks...Its just windows wont use it, the pc will still be powering it.
Lt_Col WIZ, VC, MiD (Ret)
the PC willl run 8gb...but windows 32 wont access it...therefore a waste of resource
Lt_Col WIZ, VC, MiD (Ret)
Won't it take 3.5GB out of the 8GB I have?
If you have 4 RAM slots on the mobo you can just buy x2 2GB sticks then another 2 down the road when you want to upgrade.
And he is correct in saying only buy what you need now, because it is cheaper (you are working with a tight budget) and no resources are wasted.
This is what Wiz means I believe
SAS_Capt_Fluffy
Captain
"Let's just wing it" -Fluffy on things we should most definitely not wing
OHHH. Yeah, that would make sense, but my mobo will only have 2 RAM slots.
Also, to answer your question, it will use 3.5 of the 4GB total to use for programs etc etc. The other 4 sits all pretty like and goes unnoticed by the OS.
SAS_Capt_Fluffy
Captain
"Let's just wing it" -Fluffy on things we should most definitely not wing
if you got only 2 slots, buy 1x 4gb stick...simple
Lt_Col WIZ, VC, MiD (Ret)
Hey there Yogi!!
Just saw this post, and since i found this site, i wanted to post it here to help you and other people in the future. The site is:
PassMarkSoftware
This site offers a complete list with all the recent and old hardware (CPU's; Video Cards; Hard Drives; RAM; etc), their prices, performance, comparison lists and that kind of stuff....
Just thought this would be handy for those looking for an upgrade!!
I thought 2x4 would go faster, and I'd be ready for a 64bit upgrade...
It would go faster...if the OS could use it lol.
SAS_Capt_Fluffy
Captain
"Let's just wing it" -Fluffy on things we should most definitely not wing
thats the point.... the machine will still be using it, ie powering it, but you wont get it, so by the time you upgrade again; you will have wasted half of the RAM you bought this time. If the budget is tight, why buy something that you cant use?
Lt_Col WIZ, VC, MiD (Ret)
To save more in the future by not having to buy more RAM.
It has been my impression that RAM doesn't just get "wasted". It will live over the course of the year...and still be there alive and kicking when I put in my 64bit OS. If RAM somehow gets used up, and half of it will be used up by the time I get to 64bit, please let me know
This sounds far-fetched.
Seeing as how my current 2GB of RAM is still good, and has been for 7 years, I don't see how 8GB can just go bad...
Well, I'm no specialist in such things, but simple spoken: Why buy 2 cars if your garage can only handle 1 car...
Fact is: 32 bit OS can't handle 8 GB of RAM.
If you are not upgrading to 64 bit OS in short time, why not use 1 stick of 4 GB RAM? 2 RAM-sticks cost double the price with no additional advantage at all.
I suggest to go for 1 stick of 4 GB RAM for now and buy another one at the time you upgrade to a 64 bit OS.
Makes sense in my view.
"What's the plan?
Track'em, find'em, kill'em!"
I Support Dukes Logic.
[SAS]_Vet_Ade Veteran (Vet) 22nd Elite Virtual Regiment.
Duke hit the nail on the head with his analogy there, except...WIN32 will only recognise about 4gb
Electrical components that are connected to a power supply deteriorate over time, therefore; in my opinion you are wasting your money right now, like Duke said, buy 1 stick of 4 now, and then when you upgrade the OS, buy another matching stick.
Lt_Col WIZ, VC, MiD (Ret)
Not 100% correct: 2 RAM sticks allow Dual Channel and therefore a significant speed-up concerning the RAM. If that advantage is worth the additional costs of new RAM when you upgrade to a 64bit OS is ofc up to you.
Also not strictly true
If it has only 2 slots, it may not support dual channel mode 
Lt_Col WIZ, VC, MiD (Ret)
Snipers First Build.
Check it out let us know what you think. I agree WIZ AMD is just as good as intel but easier on the pocket.
Coolmaster Elite 431 Mid Tower
Modular 650W PSU
MSI 990XA-G055 AMD FS Mobo
AMD Piledriver 8320 16Gb cache
8Gb DDR3 1600Mhz RAM
GTX 650 1Gb GPU
2Tb SATA III 7200RPM
DVD writer and Win7HP 64bit
Like a Boss !
SAS_Capt_Sniper
Head of Recruitment & Tactical Training
GCHQ - 22nd SAS Elite Virtual Regiment
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