PC Died, looking to replace/upgrade for sub 200.

Hi everyone,

Well, whenever I do anything stressful (Playing any heavier games, ripping/encoding movies...) on my computer, I BSOD (The error looks like a memory crash error, bunch of numbers). I've checked drivers and everything. Thought these problems were from bad ram, so I replaced them. Still had problems so I ran memtest for a while and no problems, so I'm figuring my memory is alright. Prime95 crashes after 1 minute.

I'm guessing it's a problem with my CPU/Mobo (They're both kinda old.) Could be my video card, but I replaced that about a year ago.

CPU - AMD X2 6000+
Ram - 2g - DDR800
9600gt.
Windows 7 (Recently upgraded to 7, had these crashed long before then)
PSU- BFG 800w

So I'd like to look for a replacement Mobo/CPU for around 200 that would give me around the same performance. (I may have to get faster memory as well if I'm upgrading my mobo to a newer DDR.)

That being said, any good rebates going on right now? It's been a long time since I build this thing and I haven't kept up with the good CPU buys (AMD or Intel, dual core/quad core kinda stuff)

Thanks for all the help everyone!

 

Your symptoms could be caused by overheating (check and clean all fans and heatsinks, especially the CPU) or a failing motherboard (look for bad capacitors; pictures of bad capacitors can be found here and here; if the capacitors are not PERFECTLY flat on top, they're failing) or even a faulty HD (run the diagnostic from the manufacturer). However, since CPUs very rarely fail, it is probably the mobo at fault. Your CPU is a good one (dual core 6000+) so I personally see no need to upgrade it if it fills your needs. A replacement AM2 mobo can be had for as little as $50 or so at Newegg (here's one). Good luck!

 

If you do replace the motherboard, then be sure to replace the thermal compound between the CPU and the heat sink. Failure to do this will most likely lead to failure of the CPU due to overheating, probably within 2 minutes. A good quality brand of thermal paste is Arctic Silver, which can be brought for as little as $5. Make sure to clean all the old thermal paste off of the CPU and heatsink before installing the new paste.

Have a look at these instructions for more information: http://www.arcticsilver.com/pdf/appinstruct/as5/ins_as5_amd_dual_wcap.pdf