I'm looking for a little advice!
I'm pretty sure that the upper memory registers on my A8N-SLI motherboard are borked. My 2x1GB PC4000 Ballistix Crucial RAM no longer boots (post reporter says system memory failure), and while I was able to run 2x512MB and 2x256MB PC3200 TwinMOS/other Crucial RAM for a few days, even that now blue screens. Now I'm down to 4x256MB TwinMOS, and it's running OK for now - but I can't game with only 1GB.
Since the mobo is out of warranty, I'm thinking it's time to switch to Intel C2D or Quad. But I'd like to just swap out the mobo/CPU/RAM and keep the remaining components. I need RAID.
Considering I need this to be a fairly cheap upgrade, does it make more sense to go for a C2D or a Q6600? I like playing TF2, HL2DM, Oblivion, C&C Tiberium Wars. I also do some photo editing (Photoshop Elements 6).
Given the UK prices, a Q6600 G0 SLACR seems a good idea... or I could save a few pounds and get an E6550 or E6750.
I'd probably go for the Abit IP-35 Dark Raider or IP-35 Pro, and 2x1GB Crucial Ballistix RAM (I get a decent discount on Crucial RAM).
Can my Zalman 9500 cooler handle a Quad?