CPU + Motherboard upgrade

[gaurav_]

Shopping List:

• Processor (open to both Intel and AMD).
• Motherboard (With good onboard graphics - preferably should be of the type that can be used *with* an external card if I buy one later. With DDR3 support unless it makes it crazily expensive).
• RAM (2 GB single chip - I might add another one later. DDR3 if affordable. Which is the best DDR2 available? If I buy DDR2 now can I use it *with* DDR3 later on?).
• Cabinet.

Compatibility:
I have the following hardware and would like to retain most of them:

• Monitor: LG StudioWorks 700E 17" CRT (might upgrade to LCD in short term).
• HDD:
  • Seagate 250 GB SATA-2.
  • Another 80 GB IDE (want to use it as a secondary HDD).
• ODD: LG GSA-H42N 18x DVD Rewriter.
• SMPS: Intex IT-2045S 450 Watt (24 Pin).

Budget: 10000 to 15000 INR (might stretch a bit if worth it).


Usage:
I am a software developer and need to keep running web and application severs for local development. Add to that some heavy-duty IDEs like IntelliJ and Eclipse (and not to forget that I might be listening to music or ripping DVDs at the same time... I multi-task a lot). I might also start working on a virtual machine (Linux over Windows XP). I am currently using Windows XP as my OS, might upgrade to windows 7 when it arrives and if it's worth it. I am not really a hardcore gamer, but want my machine to be capable just in case I want to try some of the latest games. Apart from that I surf a lot and do regular multimedia stuff.


So guys n gals, any suggestions? This is the first time I am upgrading my Processor and MotherBoard. I have been using an Intel P4 2.4 GHz for the last 4 years. When my motherboard gave in recently, I decided I want to do this major upgrade. I don't want another major upgrade (cpu+mobo) for say another 3 years.


It would be great if with your suggestions you could also give the latest prices in Mumbai. I am eagerly awaiting your responses.


Cheers,
Gaurav

[Joshua]

AS your Require Motherboard Which Support Both DDR2 and DDR3 and Obviuosly it will the Best option to opt. You can Go FOr GigaByte GA-P35C-DS3R or Asus P5KC. as both support Drr2 as well as DDR3

[FReakMaster]

Cabinet
Option 1 - Cooler Master Cosmos-1000-Cabinet
Option 2 - Antec Twelve Hundred The Unbeatable

MotherBoard
Option 1 - Asus P5Q3 Deluxe DDR3 Support
option 2 - MSI X48C Platinum {Supports Both DDR2 and DDR3 ram}

Ram
F3-10600 CL8D-4GB HK 1333 2 GB

Processor
Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q9550

Power Supply
Option 1 - Quattro 850 850W TruePower Quattro
Option 2 - Corsair TX750W CMPSU-750TX

Hard Drive
Seagate Free Agent 250GB External Drive
Seagate 1 Terabyte Internal Hard Drive Sata

Graphic Card
XFX GeForce 8600GT 256MB DDR3 DUAL


Remember that Power Supply has to be atleast of above 550 Watts or so for the support of this type of rig as well as, incase, if upgrading to a high end graphics card like ATI Radeon HD 4870 which needs a direct power connector from the PSU.

Or else, check my Sig for the computer specifications.

[Nikita.P]

It would be great if with your suggestions you could also give the latest prices in Mumbai. I am eagerly awaiting your responses.

Nice references here:
http://forums.techarena.in/guides-tutorials/1052386.htm
AMD Processor (CPU) pricelist
Intel and Amd Processors Price List

[gaurav_]

Thanks for the replies friends. I am very busy this week so don't really have time to research on your suggestions immediately.

@Freakmaster: I think you mistook the list under "Compatibility" in my post as part of my wishlist... actually it refers to the stuff I *already* have. But thanks a lot for your other suggestions. Do note that I am not too keen on a separate graphics card right now, but would prefer a motherboard with an onboard one.

@Nikita: Thanks for the links... I just had a glance and they seem useful.

Keep pouring your suggestions people!

[gaurav_]

By the way, Freakmaster, "The Unbeatable" is part of the name or your praise for the cabinet?

Option 2 - Antec Twelve Hundred The Unbeatable