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Hey there guys. I'd like some advice for a budget upgrade.

This is my current setup:
- Celeron 1.8 Ghz
- 1GB RAM
- GeForce 6200
- 23" LCD

My primary use for the pc is as a media centre and for web browsing. And, my current setup struggles with playing anything 720P and above.
In deep need of an upgrade, I will be getting a 7600 graphics card and I'm considering buying an E5200. Now, I've just got a few questions before I buy the E5200:

1 - From the reviews the E5200 seems like an appropriate budget option, but, is it sufficient for playing HD media?
2 - I've also read that it can be overclocked to 50% of it's stock power. Does overclocking strain the chip? Rather, does it significantly increase wear and tear, as my PC stays on for days on end at a time, and I wouldn't the chip to burn out because of the overclocking.

Thanks

Do you have a Budget?

What are you paying for your 7600 graphics card? you' might be better off with an 8400 with onboard HDMI or via a Dongle.

And More ram.

I'll let someone else comment on the chip.

I'm getting the card from a buddy. I just need a pc that efficiently runs HD media and web browsing.

what motherboard do u have?

Here's the board that I have.

I think the E5200 is a fine choice...

Quick google showed some one had it running from 2.5ghz @ 4ghz on the P5N32-E sli (680i chipset)...

Overclocking is something you can decide on later...its more than just 'overclocking' the CPU.....U actually gotta dedicate some hours to it..

Agree with Prime, more RAM...Get another 1gb of RAM..

What OS do you run? Win XP?

I've got Win XP and Win 7.

And the wear and tear resulting from overclocking? Remember that I don't ordinarily use my PC for gaming, so overclocking is merely a 'more-bang-for-your-buck' procedure and not a top priority.

ZeroS wrote:Remember that I don't ordinarily use my PC for gaming, so overclocking is merely a 'more-bang-for-your-buck' procedure and not a top priority.

From your above statement, one could say overclocking wouldnt be worthwhile in your situation. (theres actually more testing than overclocking you end up doing)

You wouldnt need to overclock anything if you're only doing work and using it as a media centre..

And yes it does put additional strain on your CPU and other components.

Perfect. Thanks my good man.

So the chip I'm getting will serve my ends, no?

Looks fine to me mate...

Thanks again. You've been a real help.

Off to order the chip.

Damn. I've got a problem.

I bought the e5200 and gleefully put the chip in. Hit the power button and nothing comes on screen.
Put in the old chip and googled for awhile, and, I found out that I have to upgrade my bios. I did that with the latest bios hereand still nothing.

Any help? Please. This thing is wracking my head.

Put in the old CPU, update the BIOS and then put in the new CPU.

http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en-us/mb/ ... p?S_ID=289

Your E5200 is not in the CPU Support list. What are the chances of taking it back for a refund or buying a different model?

Either that or new mobo time...

Frozenfireside wrote:Put in the old CPU, update the BIOS and then put in the new CPU.

I did that. Tried it with all the available BIOS revisions.
When I put in the new CPU nothing comes up on the screen. The PC switches on and the CPU fan spins but nothing else.

@Urban, I think you're right. The e5200 is a 45nm chip and it seems that dated motherboards do not have stable support for it as yet.
Looks like I'll have to upgrade, so, I'm thinking of going for the Foxconn G31MXP

Thoughts?

What's your budget?

http://www.prophecy.co.za/asus-p5kpl160 ... 31824.html

Budget?

I'd suggest rather getting a gigabyte board.
http://www.sybaritic.co.za/store/index.php?cPath=81_226
http://www.sybaritic.co.za/store/produc ... s_id=19238

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Mot ... uctID=2891

And importantly OS? Win7 users have been having trouble with Asus sound drivers. (soundmax FTL)

Also an option yes

Slightly above my budget, but, how about this board: Asus P5KPL-AM SE

Looks good to me

ZeroS wrote:Slightly above my budget, but, how about this board: Asus P5KPL-AM SE

I'm biased to gigabyte but:

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview ... id=2279732
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813131350
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductRe ... 6813131369

Definitely unhealthy reviews there. Will have to see for how much I can get that gigabyte board you suggested.

it says R500

What!? Where!?