Need advice on whether to upgrade or ditch this PC.

[NoseFinger]

[quote]I have a prebuilt (Gasp!), Acer Aspire M1100.

It’s a budget PC, so naturally it’s shit in every manner.
[url=http://www.premiumgeeks.com/desktop/acer/acer-aspire-m1100-specs/]Here are the stock specs if you need it[/url].

Last year, I upgraded the original PSU, a pathetic 250w, to a 470w Acbel PSU and upgraded the GPU to a Sapphire HD4650 from a practically non-existent GPU that was integrated on the motherboard.

The motherboard is an Acer F690GVM; it’s a mATX board since the casing can only fit mATX motherboards. Current processor is an AMD Athlon II X2 4000+, Socket AM2 (940).

So let me sum this up – PSU is an Acbel 470w, GPU is a Sapphire HD4650, motherboard is an Acer F690GVM and the processor is an Athlon II X2 4000+, socket AM2 940. So, now I need some advice, upgrade Y/N?

I plan to upgrade the motherboard and the CPU, and I have my eye on an Asus M2N68-AM-PLUS and an Athlon II Quad Core X4 630 (2.8GHz/2MB). The motherboard is mATX (I checked, and I certainly hope it’s not wrong) and they both come in a bundle, so I guess it’s safe to assume they’ll work with each other.

Also, another dilemma right here, I can get the same motherboard, but with a Phenom II Dual Core X2 550 (Black Edition/Callisto; 3.1GHz/7MB) for the same price. I checked benchmarks, and the X4 630 scores higher than the Phenom, and common sense and basic logic tells me that I should obviously get the one that scores higher on benchmarks, but I figured it’d be better if I asked.

So, Facepunch,

Upgrade: Y/N
If yes, will the power consumption be fine?

If no, then what do? Or do you know of any better suggestions?

Please excuse me if I sound like a complete moron who has no idea what he’s doing, juggling technical jargon; I’m not that tech-savvy. Request extra information if you need.

P.S.: I do not plan to overclock at ALL. Games I plan to play are Battlefield Bad Company 2 (I already have the game just waiting for me next to my keyboard), GTA IV , Just Cause 2.[/quote]

This is not me, my buddy asked me to create this thread for him as he's currently banned.

[BatHands]

Make a new computer and scrap some of the parts from your current one to bring down costs.

Reuse the PSU, RAM, Case, and optical drives.

[img]http://resources.vr-zone.com/image_deposit/up2/1248267267a6b627ea22.jpg[/img]

Your PSU is a piece and you should upgrade it. But if it's not in his budget right now it will suffice.

Go ahead and get the Asus M2N68-AM-PLUS, but get this CPU with it.

[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103706[/url]

Get this GPU. It will be able to run Battlefield Bad Company 2

[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150462[/url]

I would upgrade the PSU with everything else if I were you.

For a lower budget this one: [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171031[/url]

If you can afford it though, definitely get one of these: [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016[/url]

or

[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016[/url]

[ferrous]

[QUOTE=ghostofme;20590817]Make a new computer and scrap some of the parts from your current one to bring down costs.

Reuse the PSU, RAM, Case, and optical drives.

[img]http://resources.vr-zone.com/image_deposit/up2/1248267267a6b627ea22.jpg[/img]

Your PSU is a piece and you should upgrade it. But if it's not in his budget right now it will suffice.

Go ahead and get the Asus M2N68-AM-PLUS, but get this CPU with it.

[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103706[/url]

Get this GPU. It will be able to run Battlefield Bad Company 2

[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150462[/url]

I would upgrade the PSU with everything else if I were you.

For a lower budget this one: [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171031[/url]

If you can afford it though, definitely get one of these: [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016[/url]

or

[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016[/url][/QUOTE]

Its status has been reduced from 'great PSU' to 'piece of shit' because it hasn't got CoolerMaster's name on it? Wonderful.

[URL=http://www.cubeupload.com][IMG]http://www.cubeupload.com/files/487600imageviewphp.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

NoseFinger's PSU is an Acbel Polytech that has not been re-branded to a 'CoolerMaster eXtreme Power Plus 460' (400W actual). This means that the CoolerMaster unit is also bad, because it's the same Acbel PSU with a different name. This also holds true for its older brother, the eXtreme Power Plus 500, which uses the [U]same[/U] primary components as the Acbel 460 and 500 (400 and 450W actual).

[sbradford26]

[QUOTE=ferrus;20592370]So its status has been reduced from 'great PSU' to piece of shit because it hasn't got CM's name on it? Talk about bias..

[URL=http://www.cubeupload.com][IMG]http://www.cubeupload.com/files/487600imageviewphp.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

In case you hadn't noticed this PSU is an Acbel Polytech that has yet to forego a re-brand to a 'CoolerMaster eXtreme Power Plus 460W'.

Of course this PSU is bad, just like the Acbel-CoolerMaster eXtreme Power Plus 460W and 500W re-brands (the 500W unit uses the [U]same[/U] primary internal components as this unit!)[/QUOTE]
Because coolermaster uses quality parts unlike the unknown brand that the op has.

[cryticfarm]

clearly you did not read post

[ferrous]

You're deluded.. CoolerMaster don't make the eXtreme Power 500 and 460, they take an Acbel Polytech PSU and stick their name on it. CoolerMaster do not alter the internals.

I have little respect for CoolerMaster after their tricks used in naming PSUs. The 'CoolerMaster eXtreme Power Plus 500' is one example of a blatant attempt at deceiving their customers and is only allowed because of the absence of a 'W' after the 500 in the PSU's name (if challenged, CM can claim that it is the model number and holds no relevance to the unit's power output).

It seems that a lot of people are under the impression that all the well known and respected PSU brands manufacture their own PSUs, when in fact the vast majority are re-branded units from OEM companies.

[FHamster]

[QUOTE=sbradford26;20592794]Because coolermaster uses quality parts unlike the unknown brand that the op has.[/QUOTE]

Its the same psu with a different box.

[BatHands]

[QUOTE=ferrus;20592957]You're deluded.. CoolerMaster don't make the eXtreme Power 500 and 460, they take an Acbel Polytech PSU and stick their name on it. CoolerMaster do not alter the internals.

I have little respect for CoolerMaster after their tricks used in naming PSUs. The 'CoolerMaster eXtreme Power Plus 500' is one example of a blatant attempt at deceiving their customers and is only allowed because of the absence of a 'W' after the 500 in the PSU's name (if challenged, CM can claim that it is the model number and holds no relevance to the unit's power output).

It seems that a lot of people are under the impression that all the well known and respected PSU brands manufacture their own PSUs, when in fact the vast majority are re-branded units from OEM companies.[/QUOTE]

Get out of this thread and go calm down. We've already discussed this and you said so yourself that neither of us are going to change our opinions. So drop it already alright?

[ferrous]

The matter of re-branding is fact, not opinion. CM extreme power plus = Acbel Polytech. There is no discussion.

Besides, you are in no position to tell [I]me [/I] to get out of the thread after having your ass handed to you regarding the whole CoolerMaster argument.

[BatHands]

Hmm, well I've decided that nVidia is completely dominant over ATI.

[url]http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1520149/why_nvidia_is_better_than_ati.html?cat=15[/url]

I read this one article and I'm gonna live by it.

[ferrous]

Good for you.

Are you trying to say that no CoolerMaster PSUs are made by Acbel Polytech? I hope not, because that would be quite silly considering the amount of sources saying otherwise.

[FHamster]

[QUOTE=ghostofme;20595807]Hmm, well I've decided that nVidia is completely dominant over ATI.

[URL]http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1520149/why_nvidia_is_better_than_ati.html?cat=15[/URL]

I read this one article and I'm gonna live by it.[/QUOTE]

You cannot compare this article with the one on the PSU.
Your article is on a site where the community publishes content. Hardware secrets is published by paid journalists.
The PSU article has tests, pictures and atleast 3 times more pages.
Your aticles contains 2 pages of opinions.

Furthermore, whether the company nvidia or ati is better, or whether coolermaster PSUs are good are opinions.
Cooler master psu is a rebranded acbel is a fact.

[butre]

Actually yeah, one of CM's OEM brands are Acbel. Acbel makes pretty decent PSUs too.

Edit:

Saying Acbel is shit is something like saying Seasonic is shit.

[FHamster]

[QUOTE=ButtsexV2;20596634]Actually yeah, one of CM's OEM brands are Acbel. Acbel makes pretty decent PSUs too.

Edit:

Saying Acbel is shit is something like saying Seasonic is shit.[/QUOTE]

Hmm. I believe Seasonic is vertically integrated. They are the OEM of their psus. (Although a lot of companies rebrand seasonic psus)

[ferrous]

[QUOTE=ButtsexV2;20596634]Actually yeah, one of CM's OEM brands are Acbel. Acbel makes pretty decent PSUs too.

Edit:

Saying Acbel is shit is something like saying Seasonic is shit.[/QUOTE]

I think those particular units are poor, but I have no idea if they are bad in overall.

[NoseFinger]

[QUOTE=ghostofme;20590817]Make a new computer and scrap some of the parts from your current one to bring down costs.

Reuse the PSU, RAM, Case, and optical drives.

[img]http://resources.vr-zone.com/image_deposit/up2/1248267267a6b627ea22.jpg[/img]

Your PSU is a piece and you should upgrade it. But if it's not in his budget right now it will suffice.

Go ahead and get the Asus M2N68-AM-PLUS, but get this CPU with it.

[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103706[/url]

Get this GPU. It will be able to run Battlefield Bad Company 2

[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150462[/url]

I would upgrade the PSU with everything else if I were you.

For a lower budget this one: [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171031[/url]

If you can afford it though, definitely get one of these: [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016[/url]

or

[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016[/url][/QUOTE]

Yeah, I’m on an extremely tight budget. Why get the 620? There’s just a gap of 6 dollars between the 620 and the 630 at the shop I’m buying. Tight budget or not; I would rather splurge another 6 dollars to get something a bit more powerful.

Also, my friend plans to sell his XFX HD5770 1GB GDDR5, much cheaper than retail to me. I live in Singapore, so no newegg for me, and the retail for a 5770 here is 185USD. He is considering selling it to me at 140USD, however, he has overclocked it and now the clock speed is 960MHz. Stock was 860MHz. I can get him to clock it back to stock speed, but should I still buy it? I should make a note here and say that I have the shittiest cooling and wire management in the world. All I have for cooling is a tiny little fan and a side perforated window.

Also, moar worries about power consumption! Wouldn’t want my GPU to not work due to lack of power and/or catch fire.

[QUOTE=ferrus;20598855]I think those particular units are poor, but I have no idea if they are bad in overall.[/QUOTE]

I don’t know about how well it functions, but as long as it powers the computer, I have no complaints. I’m a cheap bastard, so whatever is budget for me works.

[FHamster]

[QUOTE=NoseFinger;20602229]
I don’t know about how well it functions, but as long as it powers the computer, I have no complaints. I’m a cheap bastard, so whatever is budget for me works.[/QUOTE]

If the xfx 5770 has no problems, then go for it.
The power supply is never something you want to be cheap on. Aside from obvious powering issues from a low quality PSU, the psu is the most dangerous component. It can and has exploded, which probably breaks all the parts in your computer, and can harm you. I doubt warranties will replace your parts if the PSU explodes.

[BatHands]

[QUOTE=NoseFinger;20602229]Yeah, I’m on an extremely tight budget. Why get the 620? There’s just a gap of 6 dollars between the 620 and the 630 at the shop I’m buying. Tight budget or not; I would rather splurge another 6 dollars to get something a bit more powerful.

Also, my friend plans to sell his XFX HD5770 1GB GDDR5, much cheaper than retail to me. I live in Singapore, so no newegg for me, and the retail for a 5770 here is 185USD. He is considering selling it to me at 140USD, however, he has overclocked it and now the clock speed is 960MHz. Stock was 860MHz. I can get him to clock it back to stock speed, but should I still buy it? I should make a note here and say that I have the shittiest cooling and wire management in the world. All I have for cooling is a tiny little fan and a side perforated window.

Also, moar worries about power consumption! Wouldn’t want my GPU to not work due to lack of power and/or catch fire.

I don’t know about how well it functions, but as long as it powers the computer, I have no complaints. I’m a cheap bastard, so whatever is budget for me works.[/QUOTE]

The 630 is a 620. It just has a higher core clock, which isn't that big of a deal.

The 620 is more price:performance than the 630. Take that $6 and put it into a different part.

[butre]

[QUOTE=FHamster;20596736]Hmm. I believe Seasonic is vertically integrated. They are the OEM of their psus. (Although a lot of companies rebrand seasonic psus)[/QUOTE]

Lots of companies use Seasonic. Many of Corsair's PSUs are rebranded Seasonics.

[editline]05:49AM[/editline]

[QUOTE=ferrus;20598855]I think those particular units are poor, but I have no idea if they are bad in overall.[/QUOTE]

Those units aren't the greatest, but they're pretty decent. With such low amperage on the +12v rail, that second rail is just enough to make up for it.

[ZuluFurryMaster]

[QUOTE=FHamster;20602544]If the xfx 5770 has no problems, then go for it.
The power supply is never something you want to be cheap on. Aside from obvious powering issues from a low quality PSU, the psu is the most dangerous component. It can and has exploded, which probably breaks all the parts in your computer, and can harm you. I doubt warranties will replace your parts if the PSU explodes.[/QUOTE]

How can a PSU harm you? In case you are inside of the case?

[ferrous]

Explosion? It's not a likely scenario, though.

[butre]

[QUOTE=ZuluFurryMaster;20607952]How can a PSU harm you? In case you are inside of the case?[/QUOTE]

I knew a guy on facebook that got an Enermax PSU, it started emitting fire and he burnt his hand trying to remove the power cord.

[BatHands]

Did you guys hear about that guy who was killed by his laptop?

It was all over the news last year.

Apparently the laptop blew up on the table and took the table and user with it.

[TankHawk500]

I guess he was running the laptop for several nights or there might be a power surge,who knows. Anything is possible.

[ferrous]

Probably the battery that blew up.

[Reapaninja]

[QUOTE=ferrus;20621048]Probably the battery that blew up.[/QUOTE]

we dug up an old phone the other day and were trying to get it to turn on, then we took the battery out and noticed the plastic around it was bulging slightly, mentally screamed "oh bugger"

[TheOnlyHunter]

[quote=reapaninja;20621861]we dug up an old phone the other day and were trying to get it to turn on, then we took the battery out and noticed the plastic around it was bulging slightly, mentally screamed "oh bugger"[/quote]

it burns

[editline]05:07PM[/editline]

gaaaaaaaaaaaah

[Xybjj]

I'm the original poster (I was IP banned somehow, despite not having any account bans), finally got unbanned.

Anyway, my friend decided not to sell me his 5770, but no matter, since there's an IT Fair coming up here in Singapore (aka super cheap first hand consumer items). Thanks everyone for the help.