Buying advice

Hi all

I'm about to buy an upgrade this weekend. I was wondering what people think of my choice, and maybe I can get some advice on some changes maybe?

I am looking at buying...
Intel G6950 2.8GHz
Gigabyte P55 UD2 motherboard
2x2Gig Corsair DDR3 1600
A good air cooler for about £30

The reason is I can get all the above for under £250, and I have an overclocking guide in a Custom PC magazine on how to get the CPU to 4.2GHz with this hardware. I think maybe 4.0GHz will do nicely though. I currently have an ATI 4770 512MB PCI-ex card, and my current CPU (e6300 C2D) is lacking in the latest games. However, I can also buy a friends GTX285 when he upgrades at the end of November for about £70.

So is the a way to get more performance for £250, or is this the best bet? £250 is my absolute limit. rolleyes

 

A couple observations.

1. It should be noted that using a 3rd party cooler on retail (not OEM) versions of Intel and AMD CPUs that come with heat sink fan assemblies voids the warranty!!! And damage attributed to overclocking is not covered under any CPU, motherboard, or cooler warranty either, regardless any overclocking features or software provided by motherboard makers. Certainly, this is not a concern for some enthusiasts. But it is a concern for many others, and everyone should be aware of it.

Intel CPU Warranty Information (my bold added)

Intel warrants the Product (defined as the boxed Intel® processor and the accompanying thermal solution)... ... if the Product is properly used and installed, for a period of three (3) years. This Limited Warranty does NOT cover:

• damage to the Product due to external causes, including accident, problems with electrical power, abnormal electrical, mechanical or environmental conditions, usage not in accordance with product instructions, misuse, neglect, alteration, repair, improper installation, or improper testing; OR
• any Product which has been modified or operated outside of Intel's publicly available specifications​

This means, if your CPU fails, and it is determined you overclocked or used a 3rd party cooler, you may be stuck with the bill.

2. I don't see a PSU listed.

3. A new motherboard is considered a new computer and therefore, requires a new license for the operating system. An OEM license that came with, or was purchased for another computer (or motherboard) is NOT transferable to the new computer. Therefore, unless you have a retail license (which is not common) you need to budget for a new license of Windows, or plan on using one of the free Linux alternatives.

 

I have a silent 450Watt PSU which came with the case I bought, which I am transferring into the new system. I don't mind about the warranty of the CPU, as the risk of 66% more performance outweighs the £65 it will cost me to replace the CPU should it go bad. To buy a CPU which performs as well as a G6950 oc'ed to 4.2GHz would cost me more than £200 alone. As I work all hours god sends for a pittance I cannot afford to do this. In fact this upgrade is the one luxury I can afford before February, but at least it will give me something to do.

As for the windows COA, I spent money on a retail copy of Windows XP home at the start of this year and will be using that license with the new computer. I think it's still the best operating system and besides, windows 7 is way out of my budget range.

 

That fine then, as long as it is removed from all other computers, and only used on this new computer.