A few weeks ago I decided to splash out on some new hardware, to replace my ageing AMD AthlonXP 2500+.

So I’ve bought…

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6750

Motherboard: Asus P5K Deluxe/WiFi-AP

RAM: OCZ 2GB PC2-8500 DDR2

Graphics Card: XFX GeForce 8600GTS XXX 256MB

Hard Drive: Western Digital 320GB

DVD Burner: Asus DRW-1814BLT

PSU: Corsair HX620W

Unfortunately there seemed to be a problem with the Corsair PSU so I’ve had to RMA that, and I’m still waiting for a replacement. When that arrives I will be able to install all the bits in a case, as it is they’re all set up on my dining room table.

I’ve been trying out Windows Vista on the new PC and so far it seems pretty good, but I doubt I’ll be dumping XP just yet. There are still too many teething problems and incompatibilities, but I’m sure I will continue to use Vista in a secondary capacity.

This is what the new PC currently looks like:

You can see the Corsair PSU in the background (this has since been sent back), and a really cheap Jeantech in the front which is what is currently powering the motherboard. It’s only 300 watts, which I’ve found does not seem to like the DVD burner being hooked up!

Unless I change my mind, I will be pulling all the hardware out of my current PC’s case and putting all that into it, although I am wondering if I should just buy a new case with 120mm fans on the front and back to try and reduce the noise multiple fans create. I changed my mind.

My current case has 2 80mm fans on the front, 1 on the back and 1 on the top. I would quite like the new PC to be quieter than the old one. Maybe a new case is in order? Something to think about.

UPDATE: 17/08/07 – there is a follow-up post to this entry.