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Having the upgrade itch?

With so many terms & new technology available today, catching up on PC trends to make sure of your purchase will take you some time...For example, CPU: 3 to 6 cores, HT, Turbo. Motherboards: USB3, SATA3 (6Gb/s), Triple channel, Solid caps, Sideport 128. Video Cards: 1GB, 512bit, DDR5,SLI,Crossfire,dual-DVI,HDMI.....just to name a few.

Of course, choosing the right hardware always depends on your PC's intended use, so hopefully these components will help you decide.

I've initially made this very, very quick guide as a sort of crash course in current hardware upgrades for a few of my close friends, and now posting it up for everyone. And I've decided on a different approach that focuses on above average budget + future proofing your hardware investment.

side notes:
I'm no Intel or AMD fanboy, but i haven't reviewed much intel cpu/mobos lately so this guide uses AMD for CPU & motherboard. Besides, I believe few enthusiast would argue against AMD having the better price/performance ratio.

Also, some components here might actually seem to be in the upper Mid-range market but remember, we are after components that should last well before your next upgrade itch. =)


PROCESSOR:
High-end: AMD x6 cores (or intel i7) plus CPU cooler
Mid-range: AMD x2 555BE (unlocked into x4 cores) or higher

MOTHERBOARD:
High-end: 890 chipset (or intel X58) These are SATA 3 6Gbit/s, eSATA 3 6Gbit/s, USB3, RAID0/1/5/10,Gigabit Ethernet, usually solid capacitors.
Mid-range: 785 chipset

MEMORY:
High-end: Triple Channel DDR3 2133/1800
Mid-Range: Dual Channel DDR3 1333/1066/1600

HARDISK:
High-end: SATA 3, 64MB cache, RAID0, SAS
Mid-Range: SATA 2 7200rpm, RAID0

POWER SUPPLY:
High-end: 700w 80 plus gold (rated)
Mid-Range: 500w

VIDEO CARD: (ATI)
High-end: Radeon 5850 - 5870 + Crossfire (5970-5990 are super high-end)
Mid-Range: Radeon 4770 - 4890

VIDEO CARD: (nVidia)
High-end: GTX 465 - 470 + SLI
Mid-Range: GT 250

Note: For the sake of completeness, Macs are always considered on the high-end side.
The Mac Pro starts at $2,499.

Pls. post a comment if I forgot anything.

Labels: Computer hardware, computer upgrade, Computers, upgrade itch