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What should I upgrade?

Post Date: 2014-04-29
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MJNevin View Drop Down
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Posts: 21 		  Quote MJNevin Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Topic: What should I upgrade?
    Posted: 29 Apr 2014 at 1:10pm
Hey all,

Three years ago now I purchased my Digital Storm. I've been incredibly happy with both the computer and DS' fantastic service.

That being said it feels like it's getting to be time to upgrade my system. My question is: In what "order" should I upgrade my components for the most noticeable improvements (or should I wait entirely on certain components until something new is released)?

Budget is not an issue (in that I am willing to save up for the right components). What I am curious about is what others think would be best to upgrade now, and what I should wait on. Personally I think that an SSD would be the best next step, but I am far from an expert on hardware.


My build number is apparently out of date, so here are what I think my critical components are:
Processor: Intel Core i7 2600K 3.40GHz (Unlocked CPU for Extreme Overclocking) (Quad Core)
Motherboard: ASUS Maximus IV Extreme (Intel P67 Chipset) (New & Improved B3 Revision Without SATA 3G Issue)
System Memory: 8GB DDR3 1600MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series (Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested)
Power Supply: 800W Corsair GS (Dual SLI Compatible)
Hard Drive Set 1: Operating System: 1x (1TB Western Digital Caviar (7200 RPM) (64MB Cache) (Model: Black Edition)
Video Card(s): 1x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580 1.5GB (Includes PhysX) (Overclocked EVGA Edition)
Extreme Cooling(Processor cooling): H20: Stage 2: Corsair H70 Liquid CPU Cooler (High-Performance Edition)
OS: Windows 7

Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to read this!
-Digital Storm Custom PC-
i7 2600K @ 3.4 GHz
Maximus IV Extreme
8GB DDR3 1600MHz
1x EVGA GTX 580 Overclocked Edition
1x 1TB Western Digital Caviar (7200 RPM)
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bprat22 View Drop Down
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Posts: 20391 		  Quote bprat22 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 29 Apr 2014 at 1:32pm
Hi MJNevin.. All you need is a new card. I'd go for the gtx 780 or 780ti.   The 780ti is about 10-20% gaming over the 780 and either one is almost double your 580.

Your cpu is still good and the psu is plenty, both the wattage and 12volt rails amperage.

Your motherboard is pcie 2.0 and new cards are 3.0 but no difference in performance and backward compatible.

New cards are rumored later this year but there's always new coming along. This upgrade will be Very noticeable.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Edited by bprat22 - 29 Apr 2014 at 1:33pm
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MJNevin View Drop Down
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Posts: 21 		  Quote MJNevin Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 29 Apr 2014 at 3:15pm
Originally posted by bprat22

Hi MJNevin..


Thank you so much for this answer! It's exactly what I was looking for! Excited to pick up a new card when I can afford it.

What is the current perception of SSD at this time? Is it worth the investment now, or still worth waiting?
-Digital Storm Custom PC-
i7 2600K @ 3.4 GHz
Maximus IV Extreme
8GB DDR3 1600MHz
1x EVGA GTX 580 Overclocked Edition
1x 1TB Western Digital Caviar (7200 RPM)
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danjw1 View Drop Down
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Posts: 667 		  Quote danjw1 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 29 Apr 2014 at 3:53pm
SSDs do add significantly to the performance of the system. Most use them for OS/Programs and store bulk data on a hard drive. As long as it is plugged into the SATA 6Gbps ports it will significantly improve boot and game/program load times.
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MJNevin View Drop Down
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Posts: 21 		  Quote MJNevin Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 29 Apr 2014 at 4:30pm
Originally posted by danjw1

SSDs do add significantly to the performance of the system. Most use them for OS/Programs and store bulk data on a hard drive. As long as it is plugged into the SATA 6Gbps ports it will significantly improve boot and game/program load times.


Great to hear! Any recommendations on types/sizes of SSDs? I had heard that it was bad to buy some of the lower capacity models previously.
-Digital Storm Custom PC-
i7 2600K @ 3.4 GHz
Maximus IV Extreme
8GB DDR3 1600MHz
1x EVGA GTX 580 Overclocked Edition
1x 1TB Western Digital Caviar (7200 RPM)
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bprat22 View Drop Down
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Posts: 20391 		  Quote bprat22 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 30 Apr 2014 at 7:38am
The Samsung 840 series has tested very well by some sites like Anandtech for example.   Intel always had a good reputation, but things change every month and i don't spend a lot of time looking into it.

The 120GB size is the minimum to hold the OS and a few games.  I would recommend a 250Gb if in the budget.  They can fill rather quickly.  Big%20Smile

Speed vs capacity does show some of the higher capacity with certain brands a bit faster, but that might be in benchmarks and not really noticeable in an average real world environment. 

SSD's are fast no matter what.  Strong
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danjw1 View Drop Down
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Posts: 667 		  Quote danjw1 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 30 Apr 2014 at 9:35am
To the best of my knowledge the current best available SATA 6Gbps for desktop performance in most use cases is going to be the Samsung 840 Pros, which also come with a 5 year warranty. The Samsung 840 Evos do match or better them in some tests, but they only come with a 3 year warranty.

Here is a review that compares most current SSDS: http://www.anandtech.com/show/7896/plextor-m6s-m6m-256gb-review

Edited by danjw1 - 30 Apr 2014 at 9:37am
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MJNevin View Drop Down
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Posts: 21 		  Quote MJNevin Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 30 Apr 2014 at 2:25pm
[QUOTE=danjw1]Here is a review that compares most current SSDS: http://www.anandtech.com/show/7896/plextor-m6s-m6m-256gb-review[/QUOTE

The final page on this is super helpful!!

Thanks to everyone who has posted advice. My last question is this: What is the best and worst time to purchase a graphics card? I know there is a general yearly release cycle for cards (similar to what Apple does), so I assume based on that there are good/bad times to purchase based on how close we are to the next release?
-Digital Storm Custom PC-
i7 2600K @ 3.4 GHz
Maximus IV Extreme
8GB DDR3 1600MHz
1x EVGA GTX 580 Overclocked Edition
1x 1TB Western Digital Caviar (7200 RPM)
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MJNevin View Drop Down
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Posts: 21 		  Quote MJNevin Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 30 Apr 2014 at 2:28pm
Sorry for the double post.

Originally posted by danjw1

The Samsung 840 Evos do match or better them in some tests, but they only come with a 3 year warranty.


Any opinions on how significant this performance advantage is? If it's significant enough I don't really mind the 3 year warranty.
-Digital Storm Custom PC-
i7 2600K @ 3.4 GHz
Maximus IV Extreme
8GB DDR3 1600MHz
1x EVGA GTX 580 Overclocked Edition
1x 1TB Western Digital Caviar (7200 RPM)
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bprat22 View Drop Down
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Posts: 20391 		  Quote bprat22 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 30 Apr 2014 at 2:41pm
The next graphic card update, Maxwell, is rumored for 3rd or 4th quarter. Rumor... nobody outside the inner circle really knows.
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danjw1 View Drop Down
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Posts: 667 		  Quote danjw1 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 01 May 2014 at 7:38am
Originally posted by MJNevin

Sorry for the double post.
Originally posted by danjw1

The Samsung 840 Evos do match or better them in some tests, but they only come with a 3 year warranty.
Any opinions on how significant this performance advantage is? If it's significant enough I don't really mind the 3 year warranty.


Well, that is why I posted the review for you to look at. You will have to make your own choice. Honestly, I don't think the difference will be all that noticeable with most workloads. If you are engaged in write heavy tasks, then it maybe more prevalent (i.e. video editing).
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MJNevin View Drop Down
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Posts: 21 		  Quote MJNevin Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 28 Oct 2014 at 1:30pm
Originally posted by bprat22

The next graphic card update, Maxwell, is rumored for 3rd or 4th quarter. Rumor... nobody outside the inner circle really knows.


So long ago and I still haven't been able to upgrade...

But on the bright side at least I "waited" and can get a 970 once I save up!!
-Digital Storm Custom PC-
i7 2600K @ 3.4 GHz
Maximus IV Extreme
8GB DDR3 1600MHz
1x EVGA GTX 580 Overclocked Edition
1x 1TB Western Digital Caviar (7200 RPM)
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Posts: 20391 		  Quote bprat22 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 28 Oct 2014 at 2:24pm
The wait would be worth it.    
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Meller View Drop Down
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Posts: 1627 		  Quote Meller Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 28 Oct 2014 at 3:48pm
Get an SSD in that bad boy! It can be one of the single biggest upgrades you can to a system.

Samsung 850 PRO or an 840 Pro if you can find one on sale.
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MJNevin View Drop Down
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Posts: 21 		  Quote MJNevin Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 28 Oct 2014 at 4:09pm
Originally posted by Meller

Get an SSD in that bad boy! It can be one of the single biggest upgrades you can to a system.

Samsung 850 PRO or an 840 Pro if you can find one on sale.


Currently debating with myself about an SSD + RAID 0 upgrade vs a GTX 970 upgrade since the price between both is comparable. I suspect I would see a more marked general performance increase from the SSDs, while the GTX 970 will mostly benefit gaming..?

Anyone want to help me on which would be better to do first?
-Digital Storm Custom PC-
i7 2600K @ 3.4 GHz
Maximus IV Extreme
8GB DDR3 1600MHz
1x EVGA GTX 580 Overclocked Edition
1x 1TB Western Digital Caviar (7200 RPM)
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bprat22 View Drop Down
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Posts: 20391 		  Quote bprat22 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 28 Oct 2014 at 5:14pm
For gaming and better frames, my vote is the gtx 970. The SSD is certainly a big step up for most tasks that access it's files.
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Posts: 667 		  Quote danjw1 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 29 Oct 2014 at 7:26am
The graphics card is going to be the most important component for gaming. You could always install an SSD later.
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Snaike View Drop Down
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Posts: 9462 		  Quote Snaike Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 29 Oct 2014 at 8:30am
Originally posted by bprat22

For gaming and better frames, my vote is the gtx 970. The SSD is certainly a big step up for most tasks that access it's files.



Originally posted by danjw1

The graphics card is going to be the most important component for gaming. You could always install an SSD later.



Agreed. GPU first.
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