Advice on Upgrade

[tukulka]

I've this setup on my PC and I'm lloking for a little update since I'm working hard on video in this period, so a little speed up

will be really appreciated.

On Windows XP Pro 32
MSI 975X Platinum P.E. Edition
Intel Dual Core E6600
RAM 2x1Gb of Corsair XMS 800Mhz
2x260 Seagate HD
2x320 Seagate HD
Antec Case P180
Thermaltake 480W
Sapphire X1950XT
19' Samsung Monitor
Mouse, Keyb etc...

I'm thinking on this:
Windows Vista 64
24' HP LP2475W Monitor
Put the 2x260Gb Seagate HD in Raid mode
Go on 6/8Gb of Ram (Depend if i keep My 2x1GB or take 4x2Gb of a new one)
And will i be alble to put ram over 800Mhz that is supported? Will i notice any difference?

Any advice or suggestion on how to improve my system with a low (Except for the Monitor) budget?

And I plan to do a little bit of overclok also, I have a Xigmatek Dark Knight Cooler

Thank you all in advice

 

[Denithor]

Download the Windows 7 RC and use that free for a year instead of buying Vista.

It sounds like from your first comment you're doing a lot of video editing and struggling with slow speeds? If so you want more CPU power than anything else. A quad-core CPU like the Q9400 or Q9550 would speed things up a lot. Give us your exact motherboard model and we can suggest a compatible quad.

Around here we don't typically recommend raid 0 for harddrives. It doesn't really speed things up (at all) and doubles your risk for losing data (if either drive fails you lose everything).

Extra RAM could definitely help - add 2x2GB to what you already have (with a 64-bit OS you will be able to use it all).

 

[tukulka]

I will try Windows 7 RC.
Mainly my problem is that I use more programs in the same time and I notice a slowdown of the computer when doing different things. (for Ex. Premiere or Avid while working with Photoshop, etc).
I know the main upgrade will be the processor but I will buy a full new PC october so I will only do minor upgrade now.
My Mainboard atm is a MSI 975X Platinum P.E. Edition.
So your suggestion goes to not make the raid? I know the risk of loosing data, I've a bunch of External HD and a NAS for keeping data safe.

Thank you

 

[Blain]

Simple...
* Upgrade your old, slow E6600 with a fast quad core (45nm if the MB supports it)
* Upgrade your memory to 4GB (2GB x 2), PC2-6400

Your dual core CPU runs at a slow 2.4GHz on a slower 1066MHz FSB.
Another simple (and FREE) option you can try before spending a dime on the rig is to OC the E6600 up to a 3GHz level.
Just dial the FSB up to 1333MHz and let it rip.

 

[Denithor]

You're planning a full upgrade in October? As in three months away?

Just do what Blain said - overclock your current e6600 to 3GHz and that will last you until you do a rebuild.

I would still recommend upgrading to 4GB RAM though - this should seriously help your slowdowns when you have multiple things going on (it's called multitasking - just like you, your computer needs lots of memory to keep straight what it's working on).

Raid doesn't really do much for you. Sure you can try it out if you like but I doubt you'll see any differences except maybe if you're really into running benchmarks.

 

[tukulka]

Ordered the 24'' HP monitor and 4gb of ram.
I will need some tips on how to well overclock my e6600.

I will tell you about the improvement I will see.
Thank you