Want to upgrade PC to a budget gaming PC, any advice?

[AndiWhitts]

Sorry, just a few questions about the hardware that i don't understand as i am new to this.

I would get the following processor:

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/amd-p...hz-125w-retail

Just change the multiplier in the BIOS and it will easily run a 3.4GHZ!!

why do they charge more for something when a cheaper product can run exactly the same speed?

Is there a disadvantage to overclocking? or if i chose to could i get the 3.4ghz and overclock that to 3.6ghz or is the 3.4ghz processor basically just an overclocked 3.2ghz anyway?

The motherboard is not the best for overclocking but should be fine for upping the multiplier slightly.

Could you recommend a motherboard somewhere near the same price range that may be better for overclocking in case i wish to do so in the future? As i wouldn't want to do another pay out if i wanted to.

Get this HD6870 as it is better:

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/1gb-m...x-dvi-hdmi-mdp

I have compared the specs and the only differences i can find is that the one you recommended has a slower core clock speed and memory clock speed. is the one you recommended better because of the twin fan? in which case should i get the twin fan one and overclock the core/memory clock speeds to the same as the one i was going to get as the cooling is better?

It might be worth going with this PSU too:

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/550w-...l-power-supply

Edit!!

It might be worth getting this RAM:

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/8gb-%...9-9-24-xmp-15v

The Phenom II works fine with the RAM you listed but I am uncertain whether Bulldozer will need 1.5V or not.

I agree with the RAM and PSU i will change them now

[AndiWhitts]

Many of the parts are on Special Offer today:

http://www.scan.co.uk/todayonly/inde..._icmp=AkaIX3H4

http://www.scan.co.uk/shops/homepage..._icmp=7Uz238zS

I would still go with the MSI HD6870 and it is on offer too.

If you had 20 posts already you could have used your free Scan postage:

http://forums.hexus.net/scan-care-he...-delivery.html

This might be worth adding if you have never built a PC before:

http://www.scan.co.uk/scansure/

Thanks for the offers but i am not going to order it just yet.

And how do i claim the free scan postage? as i am sure i will have done 20 posts by the time i am ready to order.

Thanks

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Sorry, just a few questions about the hardware that i don't understand as i am new to this.



why do they charge more for something when a cheaper product can run exactly the same speed?

Most people don't overclock. With an aftermarket cooler 4GHZ+ overclocks are capable with the Phenom II X4.

Is there a disadvantage to overclocking? or if i chose to could i get the 3.4ghz and overclock that to 3.6ghz or is the 3.4ghz processor basically just an overclocked 3.2ghz anyway?

Extra heat and power consumption. The Phenom II X4 965BE is probably more or less the same CPU as the Phenom II X4 955BE.

Could you recommend a motherboard somewhere near the same price range that may be better for overclocking in case i wish to do so in the future? As i wouldn't want to do another pay out if i wanted to.

This one:

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/gigab...6gb-s-raid-atx

I have compared the specs and the only differences i can find is that the one you recommended has a slower core clock speed and memory clock speed. is the one you recommended better because of the twin fan? in which case should i get the twin fan one and overclock the core/memory clock speeds to the same as the one i was going to get as the cooling is better?

The MSI HD6870 seems the better card:

http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum...phire-xfx.html

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MSI/HD_6870_HAWK/

Also,the MSI warranty in the UK is now 3 years.