UPDATE: I’ve since upgraded my desktop PC. For a complete component list and reviews, check out my new modest gaming desktop computer. For the best gaming hardware reviews, check out gaminghardwarereviews.com.
I’ve been playing games on my current PC for about 5 years now. It was a great machine when it was built, but it’s starting to show its age. The only upgrade I’ve made in the past 5 years was an Intel 64GB SSD and nVidia GeForce GTX 260. And the only reason I got the GTX 260 was because my nVidia GeForce 8500 GTS broke down.
So here’s what I’m sitting on now:
- Motherboard: Intel DG965RY
- Processor: Intel e6700 Core 2 Duo @ 2.66GHz
- RAM: 4GB Corsair DDR (3BG recognized due to 32-bit)
- Video: eVGA nVidia GeForce GTX 260
- SSD: Intel 80GB X25-M
- HDD: Hitachi 750GB 7200 RPM
- HDD: Samsung EcoGreen 2TB 7200 RPM
- Audio: Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum Fatal1ty Champion Series
- Optical: Sony 52X DVD-RW
- OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit
And current peripherals:
- Primary Monitor: Dell UltraSharp 24″ 2407WFP
- Secondary Monitor: Dell UltraSharp 22″ 2208WFP
- Keyboard: Logitech G7 (original blue w/54 macro keys)
- Mouse: Logitech G5 (original rust-colored)
- Speakers: Logitech Z-2300 2.1 THX-Certified Speakers
Here’s a shot of my detailed Windows Experience Index.
I’m scoring a 5.9 with my SSD pulling me down? If memory serves, my SSD used to be my highest performing device. Have SSDs improved in performance that much that it is now the slowest piece of hardware in my machine? I’m going to re-run it after this post so my browser doesn’t suck up any unnecessary resources for benchmarking.
Anyway, as for other upgrades I really like the Intel Core i5 processors for their high-value (performance to cost ratio), but I’d be tempted to get a mid-range Core i7 just to keep me going for another 5 years.
Due to the processor upgrade, I’d also be forced to upgrade my motherboard and RAM. I think everything else should be fine unless I opted to upgrade my video card and perhaps a larger SSD. I’ll have to do some more research and pricing. What do you recommend?
Let me know what upgrades you’re considering for the future and I may just steal your ideas. Be sure to include links to newegg.com – my e-tailer of choice for computer hardware and peripherals.
Peace! Oh ya, and GLHF!
P.S. – I re-ran my Windows Experience Index after closing my browser and got the following improvements: a 6.1 WEI with my Processor and Memory (RAM) now being the lowest scores. This is more in line with what I recall and is likely the more trusted number due to WEI being the only application running this time around. Turns out my browser uses my Primary hard disk pretty heavily… who’d have thunk?
Leave a Comment