Case: Antec p180 Mobo: Gigabyte GA-EP35C-DSR3 CPU: Intel core 2 duo E6550 @ 2.97Ghz RAM: 2Gb OCZ 800Mhz Optical Drive: LG Super-Multi HDD: 320Gb + 250Gb Hitachi deskstars 7200Rpm PSU: Crappy old 350w GFX Card: PNY 8400GS 256MB Cooling: 3 120mm Intake fans on front, 2 120mm exhause fans, Stock cpu cooler. Any suggestions on what to upgrade next. Im thinking of a better cpu cooler so i can overclock more then ill get a better psu.
cost me between 400 and 500 pounds didnt really keep track and i got most of the parts from local pc shops. just got to build a fan controller using a few resistors and switches so i can make it quiet while i sleep.
Don't skimp on the fan. If you have a hard time sleeping with it on full power turn your computer off at night and leave the downloads / AB running during the day while your away and the noise doesn't bother you. While most parts are designed to withstand constant higher temperatures all the major computer labs are ice cold for a reason. Best to keep your computer running as cool as possible, even below the safe ranges if you can manage it. I'm also jealous as it's been a while since I've upgraded my computer...next to spending the money, choosing the parts is my favorite part.
thats why ive only slightly overclocked it when i get the cash im going to get the rig watercooled that way i can overclock it alot more. ive seen around 3.6Ghz on my chip with air cooling before so i reckon i can push that a bit more.
Thats a nice setup, mine sucks, I just jacked the RAM and GFX Card (Black Friday <3) for WoW, might I suggest a DIY lesson and get a nice CPU shell(or use your fan), possibly a clear one, and you can make it sweet with multicolored LEDs? Thats what my friend did, and it looks AMAzing in the dark, and it only cost him like 4 hours of time and $20-$30! He also made it so he can turn them on and off so if that sort of thing hurts your eyes or something. You can just google, DIY LEDs on CPU or something if you want to know how to do it, theres plenty of sites/tutorials!
if you want your rig to last more than a couple months GET RID OF THE PNY 8400. i bought one to upgrade my integrated card and it lasted about a month and a half before the fan died. i contacted pny about replacing it and they told me that i would have to ship it back to them (find shipping materials for a delicate card and pay for shipping). they would then test it to see if there was a problem, and if there was, it would be a mere 30 DAYS before i got the same card back. i decided to pass on their offer lol.