Build advice Upgrading CPU & Graphics

dexyweescot

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I'm thinking of trying to boost my shuttle up a bit. I have maxed out the amount of RAM I can put in. I have in it a socket 775 Intel Core™2 Duo E4500 2.20 GHz. The MB supports quite a list of processors. Can someone with a bit more know how than me have a look at this list and recommend the quickest one and will I notice a considerable speed difference. Also looking to get a new graphics card that has HDMI interface, that will help my youtube 4k viewing as it's a bit sluggish just now.

thanks in advance.

Shuttle Global - SG33G5M DELUXE
 
You currently have:
L2 Cache2 MB
FSB Speed800 MHz
# of Cores2
Processor Base Frequency2.2 GHz

I would go for, if you can get it, "Intel Core™2 Quad Q9550 2.83GHz". It has:-

L2 Cache12 MB
FSB Speed1333 MHz
# of Cores4
Processor Base Frequency2.83 GHz
 
That's wot I have my eye on. Just wanted a 2nd opinion. Wasn't sure if the extreme cpu had a good benchmark too


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@little_pob i really just use it for a media centre. I stream Kodi, youtube and watch downloaded movies on it. It sits in my living room connected to my main TV.

Power supply im sure is 450w. Well the original power pack was 300w but I did replace it with something bigger im sure. Not very big I know.

Budget wise for graphics, im not really sure and unsure if it will make much difference. currently has Built-in Intel GMA 3100 256bit 3D engine with a powerful 400MHz core and DirectX 9.0 (taken from website as im at work.) I have a spare PCI-E x16 slot. it only supports 384mb tho!

I have noticed some considerable price difference for that CPU with ones from China, all 2nd hand. Do you think these might be cloned?
 
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They probably are cloned CPUs, but I've no idea how good or bad they'll be.

For a pure media centre PC, as you're currently running onboard graphics, I'd recommend adding in the graphics card and going from there. However, if you do any transcoding, the extra cores offered by the Core2 Quad CPUs will speed up the conversion.

For 4K, grab one of these nVidia cards (cheaper cards are on the second page). AMD don't have a list, but the HD 7800 or newer should support 4K displays (but check the spec sheet before buying).
 
ah i understand now. i think im going to get the gtx 750. there only a few quid between the 750 and the 750 Ti, I take it the Ti is the one to go for then?
 
I don't know that it'll make a noticeable difference, but the Ti will be able to handle higher bit rate video before you see stuttering.

[side note] Make sure you're using a 64bit OS. Otherwise you'll 'lose' 1.5-2GB of usable system memory due to the 4GB memory address limit of 32bit operating systems.
 
I don't know that it'll make a noticeable difference, but the Ti will be able to handle higher bit rate video before you see stuttering.

[side note] Make sure you're using a 64bit OS. Otherwise you'll 'lose' 1.5-2GB of usable system memory due to the 4GB memory address limit of 32bit operating systems.

sound mate, ye im running x64 just now
 
@little_pob thanks a lot for the cpu, that was a very nice gesture ;) cant thank you enough!.

Can I ask one more thing. On the GTX 750 Ti there is a 2gb and a 4gb memory version. Im reading reports its not worth the extra few quid for the 4gb. I would say more the better. Can I ask your opinion?
 
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No worries, it had been sat in a broken mobo for about 3 years.

For HTPC use, 2GB VRAM will be fine for 4K playback.

However, the 4GB should future proof you for 8K though :D

If you are wanting to do some 4K gaming, you'll likely experience "CPU throttling" no matter which of the cards you choose.
 
little_pob btw that cpu is spot on...works fine.

i got myself the evga gtx750 ti graphics but when noticing it had 6 pin power connector i checked out my psu. im sure i had upgraded it! seems i havent and I have a FSP250-50GUB and minimum spec for card is 300w arggg!!!. With it being a shuttle im kinda of limited dimensions wise. possibly fit in 250x80x47. Would it be better to get highest wattage i can get? and anyone ideas any good suppliers?

I have seen this Shuttle Europe: PC63J but its 53mm wide. dont think ill get that in and most of the psu i can find that above 300w are 53 wide. defo wont get that to fit....minimum is 300w for this card. Help!
 
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ok shuttle do a 300w psu, the PC50. Bearing in mind minimum for the graphics is 300w. is it wise to use the PC50 or would I be better modifying to get a bigger one to fit or go down the extenal psu route. I dont want to under power the graphics as this is whole point me doing these upgrades. Opinions?
 
ok all sorted now. went for a modular psu and done some case modding for the card to fit but its all running sweet and even temps holding up well. here it is.

IMG_1962.JPG
 
although a new problem has now arisen. When i power up, it goes on for about 5 seconds then goes off, doesnt even POST. A few attempts tho and it does start. I have re-seated the RAM and graphics but still the same. Any ideas?

Its a new PSU so not sure if it may be a faulty unit or faulty Graphics. All temperatures seem fine when i scan using SpeedFan.
 
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