Fix this old junk or just scrap it?

Hey everyone. So, I'm working with this GA-EP45-DS3L motherboard. mellowtiger83 helped me out with the graphics card selection, but I have a few more questions. Right now, I've got 4GB of RAM and an old 80GB hard drive. I'm currently on the hunt for an SSD, a decent HDD, a new power supply, and whatever else I might need to keep this rig running reliably for a while longer. The CPU inside is a Q6600 2.4...
Should I look into upgrading the processor? If so, what would be the best fit for this specific board?

G6-Tapatalk

Forget about swapping out the CPU—you’re already sitting on one of the absolute best options available for that socket.

Check out this CPU support list from Gigabyte. It’s basically the roadmap you need if you're planning an upgrade or building a new rig. Just make sure you verify your specific processor against their compatibility table before you drop any cash on hardware. It saves a massive headache later on.

Other CPUs just offer higher clock speeds and more L2 cache, but you can always overclock yours to bridge that gap.

Thanks. Which SSD would you recommend?

G6-Tapatalk

Well, damn. I just got word that the item I wanted isn't available from the importer after all. Does anyone have a recommendation for a different drive?

Hi $217

G6-Tapatalk

Maybe check out some other retailers. I think this is pretty much the only one in that price range offering a 5-year warranty.

https://www.amazon.com/ssd-disk__194...b-25__57344571

If nothing else is available, you could always try a WD Green or something similar.

Even Intel offers a 5-year warranty on this one https://www.nabava.net/ssd-disk__194...b-25__46823131

Well, you've got me there... haha. Is there actually any meaningful difference between those SSDs from Intel or Crucial?

G6-Tapatalk

Nah, just grab whichever one is sitting there. As long as it comes with a 5-year warranty, you're golden. You won't even notice the performance difference in real-world use anyway.

I was curious about this. Thanks, everyone!

Tapatalk

I think this is a pretty solid deal on the Links for $221.

I ended up going with the Intel one instead.

My SSD just arrived. Is this actually the same one from the link above, or am I just seeing things? It looks a little different to me...

That's pretty much it, 545S

Alright. I honestly thought they had sent them out incorrectly... Thanks 😉

Tapatalk

Do you think I could actually run PUBG if I put in a GT 103? I'm currently sitting at 4GB of RAM, though I could probably add another 4GB if it's necessary...
Or should I just look into getting a different Graphics Card altogether?

Tapatalk

Based on that video, I wouldn't say so, though the 4GB of RAM might be the bottleneck here. As far as the GTX 1030 goes, it can manage to scrape by at 1080p on low settings, or perhaps 720p on low to medium.

Hey everyone. Could I get a little help here? I just installed a new SSD and a Graphics Card, but the system isn't recognizing either of them properly. The SSD shows up in Speccy and in the BIOS, but it’s missing from "My Computer." As for the Graphics Card, I can hear it running and feel it, but the PC doesn't seem to recognize it even though I've already installed the drivers. I have the HDMI plugged directly into the card and connected to my TV, and since I'm getting a picture, surely the card is working, right? If it weren't working, there wouldn't be any video at all. Here is a photo so you can see what I mean. What should my next move be? Thanks.

Tapatalk

It might just be an error within Speccy itself.

If your Graphics Card wasn't functioning properly, you wouldn't even be getting a signal, as you've already realized. The real question is whether those drivers actually took hold; you mentioned you installed them, but I'd suggest testing with a different set just to be sure.

Regarding the SSD—you need to install Windows and all your software directly onto it. As for why it isn't showing up, you likely need to jump into Disk Management and format the drive so the system recognizes it (assuming you haven't already installed the OS on it).

I'm not sure what you mean by CPU-Z. My plan is to install an SSD, do a fresh install of Windows, and then see if everything runs smoothly.