SOLVED new motherboard and graphics card

[johnnyb]

I have just loaded Win 7 and want to get the best out of it, particularly Aero. Currently the win 7 system says my PC is rated at 2.2.

I don't play games or do any video editing. I want to get a new chip (AMD x2 240e?), a new motherboard and new graphics card, new PSU, all preferably to last for 3-4 years.

Any advice, please.

 

[Veedaz]

Hi johnnyb

I have a question its how much do you want to spend ? this will equate into the type of system you can build

 

[johnnyb]

Maximum £300? - but preferably less - I'm a pensioner!!

 

[Veedaz]

OK as you want a new Motherboard you will also need RAM, i have had a look around as you quoted in £ i take it your UK based, one last question will you be using Windows 7 32 or 64-bit ?

 

[johnnyb]

Sorry to be so long in responding - been tied up for an hour

I will be using 32 bit. Yes RAM (DDR3?) would be needed - 2or 3GB?.

 

[Veedaz]

We only just got back from shopping , Now I'm only using Novatech as an example (you may get a better price elsewhere) but have a look at Motherboard Bundles > http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/bundles.html

 

[johnnyb]

Thanks really that's really helpful - but will I need a graphics card upgrade to get the best out of Aero?

 

[Veedaz]

Graphics Card (any of these will do all you need) > http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/prods/Components/Graphics-ATI/ATIHD4300Series/

PSU > http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/prods/Components/PowerSupplies/OCZ/OCZ400SXS-UK.html

 

[Thrax]

I recommend the RAM, motherboard, CPU and power supply from this article: http://tech.icrontic.com/articles/icrontics-ultimate-htpc-holiday-2009-edition/

All of the items will come in at less than your budget, they're of exceptional quality, they meet your performance criteria, and they'll last you a long time.

 

[Veedaz]

One thing to remember johnnyb always look around there are some good deals to be had out there

 

[johnnyb]

Thanks Thrax - the gigabyte mobo and AMD chip look really good - and it sounds like the onboard graphics will be ok as well. with the ram and PSU it may well be within my £300 max limit.

 

[johnnyb]

Thanks to all who helped, I think I have enough to go on now.