Upgrading an old computer - need suggestions

[Tyler66]

My grandfather is giving me his old computer that is about 10 - 5 years old without a doubt will be incredibly slow and I plan it to be my all-in-one system (Gaming, heavy multi-tasking, storage PC, etc)
I do not have the system yet, but he plans to ship it over in a few days.

Here's the planned upgrades (That I need to buy):
Graphics Card:
ATI Radeon HD 5770 ($149.99)
ATI Radeon HD 6790 ($139.99)

Hard drive:
1 TB Western Digital Elements WDBAAU0010HBK-NESN ($69.99) - No security features or 1 TB Western Digital My Book Essential WDBACW0010HBK-NESN ($99.97) - With security features

Processor (CPU):
AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Processor - 3.2 GHz Chache, Total L2 Cache 3MB, L3 Cache 6MB, Packinging: socket AM3, Thermal design power 125W ($169.99)

Random Access Memory:
G.SKILL Sniper Series 4GB (x2) ($84.99)

Motherboard:
GIGABYTE GA-990FXA-UD3 ($159.99)
The hardware I scrapped from another computer (the motherboard died):
1 GB RAM (x3)
Phoenix BIOS
CPU Heatsink
3 SATA cables
500 GB Hard drive (Windows Vista installed)
VGA Cable
Acer Monitor
AMD Athlon 64 Dual Core Processor (Will act as a temporary upgrade)

The biggest problem is with the motherboard and that it might be too old to run this hardware.
Can anyone suggest a good all-in-one motherboard? I price range I prefer is $100 - $175.

If you can find better graphics card or processor that is cheaper I would happily appreciate it.

[Ad Bot]

[Faoeoa]

Alright, i can grab you up some motherboards now.
You okay with $160?

[Tyler66]

Alright, i can grab you up some motherboards now.
You okay with $160?

Yes.

[Nickelob Ultra]

You can't use the same BIOS.  The BIOS comes with the motherboard itself always.

If there's anything I've learned, don't just upgrade a few parts and then upgrade more later.  Save more money now, and upgrade EVERYTHING in one swing.  It saves a lot of headaches and generally you won't have one piece of outdated technology working with working new technology.

[Faoeoa]

Yes.

I can do Pounds, but these are choices:

Z68 Pro 3 Asrock

1x PCI-Ex16
3x PCI-Ex1
2 PCI Ports
2x SATA III
4x SATA II
2x USB 3.0
4.0 USB 2.0
AUDIO REALTEC ALC892
Networking: Gigabit LAN

PCGamer Rating = 90/100 - highest rated as of july 2011 for bang for your buck BUT:

If your willing to spend a extra £4

You can get a MSI P67A-GD53 - much better for if your upgrading it later.

P67 Chipset - slightly aged.
2 PCI-E x16 3x PCI-E x1
2 PCI Ports
2x SATA III
4x SATA II
2x USB 3.0
8x USB 2.0
Same Audio as previous but is THX Pro
Gigabit Ethernet

OR:

The P8P67Pro
3 PCI-E x16
2 PCI ports
4x SATA III
4x SATA II
2x USB 3.0
6x USB 2.0
Same audio as first, has Blue Tooth, Gigabit Ethernet

P67A is good for OCing and crossfiring two cards
the P8P67PRO has good crossfire capabilities, if you can get $160 more i can get you a quad board.

I can go for BUDGET ones, but your not using a Intel Core

LINKS:
bit.ly/j2bnfm
bit.ly/iOdLGf
www.msi.com

[Tyler66]

I may keep the Z68 Pro 3 Asrock in mind and use it as a last resort if necessary (looking for something with more USB ports).

Is there a motherboard with more that can supports more RAM?

[Faoeoa]

I may keep the Z68 Pro 3 Asrock in mind and use it as a last resort if necessary (looking for something with more USB ports).

Is there a motherboard with more that can supports more RAM?

I use the P8P67
It utilizes 2x4GB ram STICKS so far

[Tyler66]

Bump.

[PrototypeCow]

I recommend replacing that 5770 with a 6970 for equal the price. Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H67M

[Ethan]

I recommend replacing that 5770 with a 6970 for equal the price. Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H67M

People, why are we recommending Intel motherboards when he's gonna be buying a Phenom II?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128514
This is 990FX, so it'll support your Phenom II and also support new Bulldozer technology coming out in the near future.

And replace the 5770 with the 6790 that Proto suggested.

Make sure you buy some RAM, I'd suggest at least 6GB for what you want it to do.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231460

[Tyler66]

Ok, I took the suggestions that PrototypeCow and Ethan suggested.

Right now it will cost $654.93 including the hard drive with security features and $584.94 without the hard drive with security features.
I may get the hard drive without security features because I don't live in a hostile area.

[Ethan]

Ok, I took the suggestions that PrototypeCow and Ethan suggested.

Right now it will cost $654.93 including the hard drive with security features and $584.94 without the hard drive with security features.
I may get the hard drive without security features because I don't live in a hostile area.

Nevermind. Edit. Wait.

It's not an internal HD? K.

[Ethan]

This is just a suggestion:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102948
That is $155 after rebate. It's way better than even the 6790. If you don't want to have to pay that much upfront, that's fine. Was just letting you know :)

[PrototypeCow]

^ That's a VERY good offer.