Looking for Upgrade advice

[INFRNL]

Im looking for advice on upgrading my main system(See in sig)I am open to any advice given(However I do not wanta 8800GTX,lol way out of my league.

My current thoughts are to get another raptor and try running a raid0 array; although I have the first rev of the raptor 150 so I may get 2 new raptors and sell this one or use it in my system2. Are there any differences in the raptor 150 and the raptor x? They are currently about the same price on newegg. Thinking about upgrading GPU but not sure if its worth it or if I should wait for more DX10 cards; although I was thinking of getting a 1900 series ATI card for folding@home. thinking of getting a new PSU and using my current PSU for system2.also thinking about either getting rid of my e6300 for a 6400 or 6600. I also want to get either a 22" or 24" monitor that has component,composite,or s-video inputs to run satellite and/or dvd player through monitor; although the 24" monitors may be too high priced at the moment.

any thoughts or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I think over all I have a decent system; just looking to get the most out of it and looking for any kind of performance I can gain. Thanks

INFRNL

[Silent_Chaos]

:S

Do not replace that processor. If you absolutely must get more performance out of it, overclock it more. The 6300 should be able to hit ~3.5Ghz.

If you want to start a RAID0, DO NOT GET 10K+ DRIVES. (http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/?p=322). I would recommend getting dual 320 GB 7200rpm(YES, 7200!) 16mb cache NCQ hard drives then partition.

Video... "I was thinking of getting a 1900 series ATI card" also, "eVGA 680i-SLi". dot dot dot. evga geforce 2x7900GS or 2x7950GT or 1x8800GTS (depending on budget). I'm not sure about the core architecture of the 7900GS compared to the 7950GT, you may be able to overclock and unlock pixel/vertex units in rivatuner to make the GS perform more. You can oc the 8800 though, but you wont need to. PERSONALLY, I'm going to wait until cheaper G80 cards come out and run them in SLI and OC, borrowing my buddy's 2x6800GS until such time.

Monitor... I believe there is a good monitor sticky thread in general hardware comparing various LCD displays based on response time, viewing angles, price, etc. I've only ever used NEC LCDs, running dual 18" monitors ATM.

[INFRNL]

... huh? there is no upgrade... wtf is wrong with you?

LOL, Im just itching to spend money on something. Also there is always something to upgrade. I have some things Im thinking of wasting money on; Ill have them posted probably tomorrow. I am thinking of running another raptor in a raid config though but not sure if I will benefit much. or I can get a couple of cheaper drives; possibly seagate perpindicular drives and run raid. I think the raptors will provide better performance than the seagates though. I may buy a new case; probably another thermaltake (Armor series) seems like the newer cases should be quieter and offer better cooling. although I know a case does not give me any performance it will be a different look. The only main upgrade I think I will benefit from the most would be a 1900 series ATi GPU for folding@home. and Im thinking of getting either an E6400 or 6600 for better OC results. I would also like to get a 24" monitor but cant quite justify the price. I will also probably get the new epson r380 printer as I do a lot of printing and will place my R300 with my second system.

anyways thats my current thoughts and will post exact items thinking about getting for recommendations and thoughts from those of you whom wish to help me.

INFRNL

[Silent_Chaos]

hehe, I wrote that before looking at what you wanted to do. I edited my post, but i still think upgrading that cpu isn't just a waste... its just wrong, for at least 6 months, though, I'd probably keep it for a couple of years :P If you do upgrade to the 6600, I'd gladly take that 6300 off your hands! I'd put it to great use in my new budget system! o_O

[INFRNL]

hehe, I wrote that before looking at what you wanted to do. I edited my post, but i still think upgrading that cpu isn't just a waste... its just wrong, for at least 6 months, though, I'd probably keep it for a couple of years :P If you do upgrade to the 6600, I'd gladly take that 6300 off your hands! I'd put it to great use in my new budget system! o_O

I dont know if would neccesarily be a waste; if I can oc higher with a 6400 or 6600, but I will let you know if I do decide to upgrade the CPU. Ive only had it a for a few days, lol. after reading I feel that most recommendations are for the 6400 or the 6600. Im all about getting the most I can for my money. even though I think the 6300 is a great CPU for the money; I think for a little more I can get better results. I may also be having problems with my mobo, so I may have to get it replaced. For some reason I cant get my system to boot over 1660 on the FSB I think it is and I should easily be able to go higher.right now the processor is running at 2.9 GHZ and I know its capable of a lot higher. I would like to hit at least over 3 ghz.

anyways I will let you know if I decide to upgradeand see if we can make a deal

INFRNL