PC Upgrade for V7-V8

Jim H wrote on 2/23/2008, 10:04 PM

I've been struggling for two years with an Asus Mobo that's never been very nice to me...it takes multiple resets to get the thing to boot and now that I've added another 500gig HD the thing really tests my patience...but once it boots it works fine and my AMD4800+ and 2gig ram seem plently speedy for HD work - (thanks to RAM preview).

So I'm thinking about a "best value" upgrade because I can't afford a $1K CPU. I'm looking at the Intel Q6600 and 2gig Ram. But if you look at the reviews of Mobos on Newegg (I always sort from worse up) every brand has complaints about systems that won't boot consistently... just like mine now.

So do I stick with the devil I know and go with an ASUS P5W DH DELUXE? or are there better options? I don't need SLI - but I do need firewire and 2 IDE ports.

Is the Q6600 the best choice? I'm sure I'll see big improvements over the 4800+.

Finally, if someone is running a Q6600 system, I'd like to know what mobo and ram you've matched with it and how it's performing?

Thanks a bunch...

Comments

UlfLaursen wrote on 2/23/2008, 10:58 PM

Hi,

I have this CPU in an Intel D975XBX2 with 2 kits of 2 GB Kingston RAM, KVR667D2N5K2/2G .

So far I have had no problems with it other that a PSU blow up ;-) I think it was too little. After changing it from 430 to 600W I have had no problems at all.

So far I have been doing a few SD projects, one multicam, but I have tested with a 20 min. HDV too, and no problems (so far) :-)

That Intel motherboard was actually the easiest to install that I have ever had installed, and I have install a few over the 15 years I have been in the IT business ;-)

I have another PC with the P5W DH Deluxe too, and I have had no problems with that too. It also supports the quad with a recent bios version - mine "only" runs duo.

Could your initial problems have to do with your PSU or maybe the connectors to the power of the HDD's? I have had problems with splitters and PATA powerconnector converters to SATA. It's just a guess. I have heard a lot of people, also on this forum say, that a good PSU is a must, and I agree; never save on that one - I learned the lessen a few weeks ago with my own blow up.

If I was to choose a new motherboard today, I would go for the Intel again, and I think the 6600 is still good bang for the buck.

Just my 2 cents.

/Ulf

Jim H wrote on 2/25/2008, 3:04 PM

Thanks Ulf! I actually had one PSU go Psssffffffph! on me...smelled real good. Don't think it took out anything. It's a 550W Antec. They sent me a new one, then they sent me another new one by mistake...so I've got a backup. I think that's plenty of power for one vid card and three hard drives.

Regarding the P5W HD Deluxe, will it take a Nvidia 7800GTX graphics card? I lost the bubble on this subject... I thought dual pci express board only served on brand video card or another (nvidia vs ATI) but does it matter if you're only using one graphics card?

UlfLaursen wrote on 2/25/2008, 11:06 PM

Hi

I only have one graphicscard - nothing fancy. I think it's ATI based - in the 13xx models somewhere.

/Ulf