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So I've had memory issues with my mobo (2 of 4 sockets have significant errors when used) for a while now and I think it is time to replace it. The question is do I go for a replacement mobo or new components entirely. I haven't been able to keep up with the component world lately and was hoping for a little help here.

Current build:
ASUS VS Series VS238H-P - x2
Corsair Force Series 3 120GB SSD
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1600 -x2
GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P
AMD Phenom II X3 720
Radeon HD 4870
Antec EarthWatts EA650
Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB SATA
and an old WD320GB ATA drive...

Basically I am thinking of ditching the mobo, cpu, and gpu. Possibly getting another hard drive to replace the WD320GB ATA for something of the SATA variety (Programs and Games mainly). Cost really isn't a huge issue, but given I only play GW2 and the occasional intense MATLAB session cost doesn't need to be extravagant.

Any suggestions?

*edit: forgot GPU*

A Intel i5 3470, an Asus/Msi/Gigabyte/Asrock Z77 board and a custom cooled HD 7770 should be enough. Maybe an upgrade on the Ram (2x8Gb should be enough) and a WD Caviar Black 1/2TB. This should be around 700$.

If you are absolutely sure that the memory slots are to blame, and not the memory, I'd say replace the motherboard.
The CPU/motherboard you were using is socket AM3. That means that it'll work in any AM3/AM3+ motherboard on the market today.
There are plenty of inexpensive motherboards that will allow to continue on, until you NEED to upgrade.

sircharles32 wrote:

If you are absolutely sure that the memory slots are to blame, and not the memory, I'd say replace the motherboard.
The CPU/motherboard you were using is socket AM3. That means that it'll work in any AM3/AM3+ motherboard on the market today.
There are plenty of inexpensive motherboards that will allow to continue on, until you NEED to upgrade.

Unfortunately yes I am absolutely sure. 0 errors on Memtest after 48 hours with memory in slots 1,2 and 1000+ errors on Memtest after 3 hours with memory in slots 3,4.

However you do raise a valid point, while I could certainly spend $700 (which would be ok by me) I could still get by with a new mobo. Back to Newegg!!

Thanks again for the suggestions. Please keep them coming!

Back from Newegg with the GIGABYTE GA-990FXA-UD3 in my eye which is currently listed for $123.99.

Definitely easier to stomach than $700, however I'm still wondering if a newer cpu or gpu wouldn't be a bad idea in a price vs performance sense. It isn't to early to buy Christmas presents for oneself

In wanting to give "presents" to yourself, I'd ask the question: Do any of your games/programs give you any reason to need an upgrade?
If the answer is yes, then by all means, upgrade what needs to be. However, if you've just got an "itch" to upgrade, I'd hold off, simply because you don't need to.
Of course, the choice is yours.

I didnt see your current graphics card listed or I'm really just blind. Anyways, is there something in your current build thats holding you back in what your doing with it? IMO , with the mobo going bad, it's time to replace the system with current gen components. Ive been caught before in these scenarios where I end up replacing a component on outdated hardware and it turns into a money pit. Theres nothing wrong with an Phenom based build, but I'd rather not be that far behind, especially with Sandy/Ivy builds that could update your system considerably. My 2 cents.

How does this look to you?

Yama's updated build wrote:

$150 -25 combo Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX motherboard
or $95 -15 code "EMCNAHE239" -15MIR MSI Z77MA-G45 Micro-ATX motherboard
$230 Intel Core i5-3570K quad-core 3.4->3.8 GHz LGA1155 processor
or $130 -13 code "Sandyi3Ten" Intel Core i3-2130 hyper-threading dual-core 3.4 GHz LGA1155 processor
$35 -15MIR CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Evo
2x 2x2 GiB PC3-12800 G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ (DDR3-1600, CAS 9, 1.5V)
or $85 -14½ code "HARDOCPX926D" 2x8 GiB PC3-12800 G.Skill F3-1600C9D-16GSR (DDR3-1600, CAS 9, 1.5V)
$185 -10MIR HIS IceQ X H785QN2G2M Radeon HD7850 2GB
or $220 -20MIR HIS IceQ H787Q2G2M Radeon HD7870 2GB
or $230 EVGA 02G-P4-2662-KR GeForce GTX660 2GB
or $300 -20MIR Sappphire 100352-2L Radeon HD7950 3GB (850->925 MHz core->boost)
Corsair Force Series 3 120GB SSD
Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB SATA
+ $150 -10 code "EMCNAHC236" 3 TB Seagate ST3000DM001 hard-drive
Existing SATA DVD/Blu-ray drive
Existing ATX case
Antec EarthWatts EA650
ASUS VS Series VS238H-P - x2

rogue426 wrote:

I didnt see your current graphics card listed or I'm really just blind....

Wups! I did forget that. I have a Radeon HD 4870 which has performed well but is definitely challenged in large events in GW2.

While I was once an avid gamer on a very limited budget (aka student), I am now more of a leisure gamer with a not so limited budget (aka employed). Ultimately I would like to have a machine that would last me roughly another 3 years as this previous one has. It never was on the bleeding edge, but was fast enough to not be frustrated by choppy game play.

This whole debate is going to come down to what you see for your system in the future. If you are looking to replace the motherboard only, I would be looking at the plethera of boards around the $70 mark. Make sure you're being real with yourself about the features you NEED. That way you're not too far in the hole in case you decide to jump ship at your next CPU upgrade. (see below)

Intel seems to be pulling further and further ahead of AMD in the x86 performance category with each new processor family. For example, have a look at TR's Inside the second CPU gaming article where Intel occupies most of the top gaming performance spots, or Tomshardware's sub-$200 gaming CPU roundup where the measley $65 dual-core Pentium G630 trounced almost the entire lineup of AMD CPUs. Keep in mind, there are games that are CPU bound and games that are GPU bound. CPU bound games show the most difference between processors, where GPU bound games result in almost the same framerates regardless of the processor. Games like starcraft 2, skyrim, and Civ 5 that have lots of units on screen tend to be CPU bound, I would expect GW2 to probably fall into this category as well. Keep in mind that although a dual core Intel chip can exceed at gaming, doesn't mean it will be beat than an AMD triple, quad, or hexa-core at other programs that can take advantage of more threads/cores.

Do you live near a Microcenter where you could get an i5-3570K and a AsRock Pro4/Pro4-M for $250? Thats a heck of a deal, one which I gladly took advantage of.

JustAnEngineer wrote:

How does this look to you?

Looking good! I would keep my case and probably go with the HD7850.

DPete27 wrote:

Do you live near a Microcenter where you could get an i5-3570K and a AsRock Pro4/Pro4-M for $250? Thats a heck of a deal, one which I gladly took advantage of.

While I don't live in the same town as one, I do have to make frequent trips to the Minneapolis area. That looks to be quite a steal indeed!

A 7850 would be a good upgrade from your 4870. You're looking at the right performance category there, something between a 7850 and a 7870/GTX660. If you plan on going Intel, you might want to hold off on the GPU upgrade and see if the new processor gets you any better / smoother framerates first. Again, that would only happen in CPU limited games.

That's a really good point to make. I figure since the mobo is my main problem I will start with that but after looking at the benchmarks I like the idea of going with a i5-3570K and an aftermarket cooler.

Also, if you're saying that the memory slots 1 & 2 are working fine and 3 & 4 are acting up (which is unfortunately common with many "legacy" mobos) would it be worth just spending $40 on a 2x4GB DDR3 kit instead of everything else mentioned?

Replace the MB for $70 and be done ?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813128521

If you dont have to have it all now, I would wait for the Radeon 8870 to come out.
And later get a steamroller upgrade for your CPU (AM3+)

Quick update.

I went with the $70 Gigabyte mobo. Figured if a cheap fix is possible I should give it a try. Surprise, surprise, this wasn't the best idea.

Right away there was boot issues that after some testing seemed to be associated with RAM. Memtest verified there was a memory issue with several errors after 30 minutes of testing. Tried several different supported modules all with similar errors. Tested each socket individually with single stick of memory each. Socket 1 failed on every stick. Newegg approved RMA so now its back to the old board for the time being.

Seriously revisiting looking at the i5-3570K. Might as well do this build right this time...

Yeah, I'm not big on "quick fixes" that involve a new motherboard because in my experience, there really is no such thing!

Good luck on your new build!

Still not interested in spending $40 to get a 2x4GB kit that just uses the two good slots on your current mobo?

DPete27 wrote:

Still not interested in spending $40 to get a 2x4GB kit that just uses the two good slots on your current mobo?

Well I did think about that, but instead of going for a 2x4GB, I picked up a 2x8GB Figuring that upgrading to 32GB of RAM would be easier in the future.

Prior to arriving, I was able to also verify that my current mobo has issues on the 2nd slot, and the 3rd and 4th slots don't even work. For the moment I am able to intermittently function with it, but definitely looking to grab a new board now. That Microcenter i5-3570K + ASRock Z77 Pro4-M looks mighty sweet. Here is hoping to that the first board I receive isn't DOA.

90º to Reality wrote:

I am absolutely sure. 0 errors on Memtest after 48 hours with memory in slots 1,2 and 1000+ errors on Memtest after 3 hours with memory in slots 3,4

That sucks, I was going off what you said earlier (quoted above). Yeah, it might be time for an upgrade. I have that same Microcenter 3570K/Pro4-M combo, I think you'll be very happy with it. I sure am.

Build a new Ivy setup, then keep what you have for a HTPC. Perhaps even buy a artic cooling or some other AM silent gpu cooler for your current gpu if you do want a HTPC that can game a lil bit on a big tv Or if you want a card that sips power can do some gaming at 1080p grab a 7750 for your htpc setup and ebay your current gpu someone just might want another for crossfire. The 7750 uses no pci-e power connector and uses around 50-55 watts fully loaded. My HIS iCooler 7750 gddr5 version serves me well on one of my HTPCs. stay away from the ddr3 7750s

A ivy/sandy setup will last you years. without having to upgrade anything but a gpu 2-3 years down the road. Grab a hd7850 1gb for like 160$ or pay another 20$ for a 2gb 7850. Much better then a 650ti. Unless you have your eye on a better card like a 660 or 660ti or 7870 or 7950 etc.

DPete27 wrote:

90º to Reality wrote:

I am absolutely sure. 0 errors on Memtest after 48 hours with memory in slots 1,2 and 1000+ errors on Memtest after 3 hours with memory in slots 3,4

That sucks, I was going off what you said earlier (quoted above). Yeah, it might be time for an upgrade. I have that same Microcenter 3570K/Pro4-M combo, I think you'll be very happy with it. I sure am.

i5-3570k and ASRock Pro4 arrived today!! Here is to hoping tonight's install goes smoothly. *Crosses Fingers*

90º to Reality wrote:

i5-3570k and ASRock Pro4 arrived today!! Here is to hoping tonight's install goes smoothly. *Crosses Fingers*

Cruising along at an altitude of 4.2GHz.

Performance seems adequate for now so I may hold off on the video card for the time being. All in all, thanks to a co-worker, I was able to pick up the Micro Center deal and upgrade for ~$380. New Mobo, CPU, HSF, and RAM. I am pleased as punch!! (Will update with Part numbers soon)

The next thing I might need to buy is some new silicone pads for my MX510 as it is starting to make quite a bit of noise on my RATZPAD.

Neat thing is, if I up the voltage I can hit 4.5GHz but I'd rather keep the voltage set and run a little slower. 4.2GHz is still quite the improvement!

Thanks again JAE and amazing gerbils!

*edit* Added components purchased.
ASRock Z77 Pro4 LGA
Intel i5 3570K 3.4GHz
CORSAIR Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3 1600
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO