Help on upgrading a computer

[Supertegwyn]

Hello all, my computer is getting rather old and I was thinking about upgrading it. I was thinking about a GTX 580 to replace my graphics card, a 600W power supply and perhaps a i7 processor. I am unsure however if they are necessary upgrades, or even if I my motherboard will support it. Help?

My specs:

Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40 GHz
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
Memory: 4.00 GB
Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce 8600 GT
Motherboard: Gigabyte EP45T-UD3P
Power: 430W

 

[MrTub]

Well, if you're going to get an Sandy bridge processor (i7 2600k / i5 2500k / i3 2300) then you need to replace the motherboard since Sandy bridge is socket 1155 and if I do not recall wrong your current socket is 775.


I would recommend that you buy a 1155 socket mobo ( can link a few that I would recommend)
I5 2500(K) If you want the ability to overclock the cpu then you need to buy the K version otherwise the non K version will be fine.

A gtx 580 is a excellent card, but its not cheap so if you are on a budget you could drop down to gtx 570/AMD 6950 and still get great performance.

Also if you are buying a new motherboard you need to replace your ram since you are currently using DDR2 ram and the new motherboards only supports DDR3 ram.

As for PSU I would recommend Corsair & Seasonic.

May I ask what your budget is and where do you live and what are you going to be using your computer for?

 

[slipknot4]

As for upgrades... I don't really know if it's worth it in the long run.

My best advice is to get a new computer.

 

[ShakeyJake]

Nothing wrong with upgrading.

Make sure the PSU is a reputable one though, please don't cheap out on it. As has been mentioned, a new GPU and power supply would be drop-in replacements. A new processor though would require a new motherboard and new ram. For suggested build ideas, might I suggest the buyers guides at Bit-Tech.com?

 

[number2301]

Pretty much what Tubez said. An i7 is awesome, but a second generation i5 is by far good enough for gaming and a lot cheaper.

Similarly, a GTX 580 would be amazing, but a 570 would breeze through any games, and a 560 Ti would run virtually anything on high.

 

[tharglet]

With the gtx 580, the PSU'll have to be a *good* 600W one to suffice. Would be safer to go for something a little beefier if you can afford.

As others have said, if you want an i7, then you're looking at getting a new mobo and RAM too. Core 2's are 775, and i7s are 1155... as in... they don't go in the same hole.

My suggestion is if you're planning on going for that much of an upgrade, then it's new PC time.

 

[])rStrangelove]

If you have no use for that Quad you could try to overclock it to 3.6Ghz and just get the GTX570 - that combination is still enough for latest games.