Should I try and upgrade my hardware, or get a new PC?

[Joazzz]

I have this piece of junk I call [B]TOASTER[/B]. I got it for christmas in 2008, and I've had it ever since. And I'm getting really fed up with constantly updating and upgrading it. I have to get some new components, but I couldn't really decide which way would be better, so I'm asking about this from you guys. Here's the simple, short timeline with facts:

-It is definitely not a brand computer or of any specific model. I bought it from a computer store-workshop, and it was a pre-packed machine, put together by the guys that ran the store. Cost 600€ (Yeah I fucking know, time for you to facepalm). The specs were far better than in my last box, but I couldn't know how shitty they would turn out to be.

-Four months after purchasing: I had to get a new GPU. I don't even remember what the original card was, but it was nowhere near good. Got a GTX260 and I'm still using the same card.

-Next I had to update the PSU for obvious reasons. Yes.

-Got a new soundcard. Soundblaster X-FI somethingsomething, I can never remember the full product name... :orks:

-After updating the PSU and the sound card life was good for a while, about a year at least. I moved to other city and stuff. Then (And before that, actually) my comp. started to shut itself down in certain games (Crysis, GMod, Terminator Salvation, Mass Effect, Bad Company 2). First I thought it had to be the PSU not being able to supply the other hardware with enough power, so...

-I took [B]TOASTER[/B] to a local computer store, where they replaced my former 500W with a new 500W, and the shutdown issue was solved. Temporarily.

-And this is how we get to the modern era. The issue remained, it just changed. Now, in situations where my computer previously shut itself down, I get a Bluescreen. I figured that this must be caused by temperatures. I opened the case and pointed a desk fan inside for extra cooling, and I solved the shutdown/Bluescreen at least with Bad Company 2. Now if I launch GMod, the temperatures still get kicked over 70 Celsius degrees, and one of the idle temps is constantly over 120. I obviously have to at least get a better cooler, but I need to change other components too. Here are the main specs:

o---------Windows Vista 32-Bit
o---------AMD Phenom 8450 triple-fucking-core, 2.1 GHZ
o---------nVidia GTX 260
o---------3 gigabytes of DDR2 RAM
o---------Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi blahblahblah :rant:

I seriously need to update my CPU. I also need to get a new cooler, like I said, and a bigger monitor. I think I should do something about the RAM too. Even though I'm [I]a bit[/I] :tinfoil: illiterate about computers, I know that DDR2 isn't too good.

So, now I need to make a decision: Should I still try the "Get new shit and throw it in" way, or should get an entirely new computer? The biggest problem right now is money, can't afford much more than 1100€ (The inner parts, I mean, not counting the monitor).

Any suggestions?

And mods, please move this if it's in the wrong section.

[DJSergei]

Build a new PC and salvage parts from it, you can do gtx 260 sli

[Undomian]

By the sound of it, a new case, a can of compressed air, and perhaps a new heatsink could do you a world of good. That rig isn't terrible, but by today's standards it's not all that great either.

Yeah, your current one could be fixed, but 1100€ could get you a very nice computer.

[Demache]

I wish I had that PC.

I'm deprived. :saddowns:

[Joazzz]

[QUOTE=Undomian;24069839]By the sound of it, a new case, a can of compressed air, and perhaps a new heatsink could do you a world of good. That rig isn't terrible, but by today's standards it's not all that great either.

Yeah, your current one could be fixed, but 1100€ could get you a very nice computer.[/QUOTE]

I have one of those dust cleaning cans, and I've also used it frequently. Thanks for the other tips too. Thought I had to do something about the case.

[odellus]

What are the temperatures of the specific parts?

[Joazzz]

Let's see... According to Speedfan:

GPU: 44C
Temp1: 40C
Temp2: 31C
Temp3: 127C
HD0: 32C
Temp1: 40C
Core: 21C

And these are the idle temperatures. Like I mentioned before, launching a game (a modern game, I mean) skyrockets GPU and Temps 1 and 2 to over 70C. I can't even imagine what the temps were before I did the Open The Case And Use A Desk Fan-thing.

[Gen Annoyance]

[QUOTE=Joazzz;24070339]Let's see... According to Speedfan:

GPU: 44C
Temp1: 40C
Temp2: 31C
Temp3: [b]127C[/b]
HD0: 32C
Temp1: 40C
Core: 21C

And these are the [b]idle[/b] temperatures. Like I mentioned before, launching a game (a modern game, I mean) skyrockets GPU and Temps 1 and 2 to over 70C. I can't even imagine what the temps were before I did the Open The Case And Use A Desk Fan-thing.[/QUOTE]

What. The. Fuck. That's 271F.

[Joazzz]

[QUOTE=Inacio;24070713]That PC isn't that horrid.[/QUOTE]

It actually is. Can't even run the latest games. And did you read anything about that BSoD problem? It's still there.

[QUOTE=Gen Annoyance;24070904]What. The. Fuck.[/QUOTE]

Indeed.

[QUOTE=Inacio;24070713]Man up, son.[/QUOTE]

In progress.

[Undomian]

[QUOTE=Gen Annoyance;24070904]What. The. Fuck. That's 271F.[/QUOTE]

Its not 127c, its a broken probe.

[Gen Annoyance]

[QUOTE=Undomian;24071165]Its not 127c, its a broken probe.[/QUOTE]

Quit ruining the fun.

[Sigsauerp556]

[QUOTE=Gen Annoyance;24071850]Quit ruining the fun.[/QUOTE]

Too bad the ruiner has a 99% chance of being right.

[cecilbdemodded]

My advice:

Square this computer away before spending more money on it, I think in the UK people say "sort it out" instead of square it away.

First off, you need to figure out why temps skyrocket. Sure under load temps are going to be higher, but not so high as to cause shutdowns. I suspect improperly mounted cooling, possibly improperly applied thermal compound, possibly poor case airflow, or all of the above.

Step one is to investigate what typical temps for an 8450 triple core are.

Also, total wattage is almost beside the point when comparing power supplies. Saying it's 500W is saying nothing. You need an efficient, high quality power supply that puts out the amperage(A) your components require. In your case you need to make sure your power supply puts out 36A on the 12v output or outputs(if more than one), as I believe that's the 260's minimum requirement.

[poopsicle]

Are you sure it's not just overheating?
Try find a program that turns your graphics cards fans to max.