What to upgrade

09-27-2009, 03:23 PM

I have posted these options in multiple threads but want a final answer from everyone here. I need to upgrade my system to get better FPS in my CryEngine 2 and other high end games.

My first option would be to keep the Q6600 I have now and get a good overclocking LGA775 motherboard to try to prolong that CPU's life, as well as getting a New GFX card and power supply.

Option two would be to get a new core i5 or i7 and a new motherboard and power supply then a new GFX card later on (Im kinda on a tight budget here)

So what do you guys think, I would like it to stay on newegg and it would be great if I could stay With Intel and Nvidia.

Current Specs:

Case: cooler Master 690
CPU:Intel Q6600 stock speeds: 2.4Ghz
MOBO: Intel DG965OT
RAM: 4gb ddr2 gskill gaming RAM
PSU: Delta 400 Watt
GPU: 8800gts 320mb
CPU cooler: XigmaTek HDT-S1283
HD: 750gb-7200Rpm-32mb-cache WD Caviar Black drive
HD2:250gb-7200Rpm-16mb-cache Seagate drive
OS:Windows Vista home premium 32bit/Windows 7 ultimate RC.

Grüven · 09-27-2009, 03:26 PM

What resolution are you playing at?

09-27-2009, 03:28 PM

I usually game at 1440-900 on a 19 inch monitor. Gonna upgrade later in the future to probably like a 23"

Tufelhunden · 09-27-2009, 03:30 PM

What's your budget? I don't want to suggest something out of what you want to spend.

09-27-2009, 03:31 PM

Id say about 350 hopefully alittle less. Sorry about the small budget but in this economic crisis bi?&h i rele cant spend alot.

Tufelhunden · 09-27-2009, 03:41 PM

Id suggest a better cooler for the CPU Xigmatek Overclock with the current board, a 4850, a better PSU. Then save up for an i5 or i7 system and you can transfer the PSU and Video Card over. Total of $180 leaving a nice chunk for the i5 system start up costs.

Earthful · 09-27-2009, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsnx570

I have posted these options in multiple threads but want a final answer from everyone here. I need to upgrade my system to get better FPS in my CryEngine 2 and other high end games.

My first option would be to keep the Q6600 I have now and get a good overclocking LGA775 motherboard to try to prolong that CPU's life, as well as getting a New GFX card and power supply.

Option two would be to get a new core i5 or i7 and a new motherboard and power supply then a new GFX card later on (Im kinda on a tight budget here)

So what do you guys think, I would like it to stay on newegg and it would be great if I could stay With Intel and Nvidia.

Current Specs:

Case: cooler Master 690
CPU:Intel Q6600 stock speeds: 2.4Ghz
MOBO: Intel DG965OT
RAM: 4gb ddr2 gskill gaming RAM
PSU: Delta 400 Watt
GPU: 8800gts 320mb
CPU cooler: XigmaTek HDT-S1283
HD: 750gb-7200Rpm-32mb-cache WD Caviar Black drive
HD2:250gb-7200Rpm-16mb-cache Seagate drive
OS:Windows Vista home premium 32bit/Windows 7 ultimate RC.

New graphic card sounds perfect. You could try experimenting with water cooling, overclock that CPU like crazy :P

Your RAM is fine for now, maybe you should upgrade your PSU before getting new graphic card

09-27-2009, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tufelhunden

Id suggest a better cooler for the CPU Xigmatek Overclock with the current board, a 4850, a better PSU. Then save up for an i5 or i7 system and you can transfer the PSU and Video Card over. Total of $180 leaving a nice chunk for the i5 system start up costs.

Thanks for the response. like I said before Id like to stick with Nvidia (Ive had bad experiences with ATI) also I cant overclock on the current board I have. Intel Keeps the clock speed locked.

Tufelhunden · 09-27-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsnx570

Thanks for the response. like I said before Id like to stick with Nvidia (Ive had bad experiences with ATI) also I cant overclock on the current board I have. Intel Keeps the clock speed locked.

Well then I'd snag a GTS 250 and leave it at that. Personally, I'd hate to spend an extra $100 on a new mobo and then get an i5 system rather soon. The GTS is about $120 leaving even more for a new system.

Baron_Fel · 09-27-2009, 04:15 PM

New graphics card and new monitor would be a nice upgrade.

Maybe a 260 or 275 (if your PSU can handle it) and this high res 23"

steveroger · 09-27-2009, 04:48 PM

Looking at your PC, the only thing going for it right now is the CPU. I would be looking to replace the:

1-motherboard
2-graphics card
3-power supply
4-monitor

$350 isn't going to get you very far. You can't even overclock your CPU because of your motherboard. You can't get much better of graphics card because of your power supply. There isn't much reason to get a more powerful video card absent getting a bigger monitor.

Beefing up your CPU doesn't make much sense unless you improve issues 1 through 4.

But you have to start some where. If it were me, it would be an easy decision. I would be buying a 5850 and a new power supply.* I wouldn't be able to spend that $350 fast enough because of the new ATI cards. However, you have an aversion to ATI.**

This means you could buy a Nvidia 275 and a new power supply. That makes no sense to me, but it is your money. Otherwise, you could wait until you find out what Nvidia is scrambling to release within their 300 series.

This means you could sink your money into a new motherboard and CPU, but I don't think you have enough money yet to support a significant improvement over your current CPU's performance.

If I were you I would re-think that whole Nvidia is better than ATI rap. The truth is they are both great companies that produce great products. Right now ATI has the goods for significant upgrades. Otherwise wait for Nvidia to catch up.

*(unless that 400W has enough amps on the 12v rail(s), yes I know that 500W is recommend)
**there is no evidence whatsoever that ATI is inferior to Nvidia, notwithstanding some anectdotal experience(s), for example, I had trouble with a couple of 8800 Ultra's but that doesn't mean Nvidia is junk

rotNdude · 09-27-2009, 05:48 PM

Here is something to think about:

ASUS P5Q SE PLUS LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $96.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail $99.99

XFX HD-487A-ZWFC Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail $144.99

I think that comes out to about $350 without rebates or shipping.

steveroger · 09-27-2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rotNdude

Here is something to think about:

ASUS P5Q SE PLUS LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $96.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail $99.99

XFX HD-487A-ZWFC Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail $144.99

I think that comes out to about $350 without rebates or shipping.

But since he has a Q6600 already and has stated he wants a faster processor, it seems like this mid-level (on the high side of mid) build isn't going to get him where he wants to go. He wants a heck of a good processor and likely wants a higher end of video card than a 4870, I am betting a 275 and above. I am not trying to be difficult, just trying to figure out what the OP wants.

@bsnx570, maybe you can tell us what direction you are headed. Because we have three recommendations of ATI in a row and that doesn't seem consistent with what you said.

09-27-2009, 06:33 PM

thanks for all the suggestions guys. I am really sorry Im not cooperating with buying ATI cards. The last couple I bought were all DOA and they didn't handle My RMA's very well, I would just rather stick with Nvidia. I have stated before that I would keep the processor I have and I need a decent Motherboard to support me until I have enough to get an i5/i7. I really appreciate the help you guys are giving me and Im not trying to be difficult. For now lets just look at motherboards and power supplies. I can deal with the video card later.

How about this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131297
and this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...006&Tpk=TX750W

lhwj · 09-28-2009, 03:22 AM

I think a better solution is to leave your motherboard+processor combo alone for the time being. A Q6600 is a decent processor even at stock.

Get a 650 watt Corsair and a GTX275, though they're vastly overkill for your resolution you can get a nice 1920x1080 monitor in future.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&Tpk=650w%20tx
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-475-_-Product

Then you can get a new i5/i7 + P55 / x58 + DDR3 RAM combo later when you have the funds.

Luke

09-27-2009, 03:23 PM	#1
bsnx570 Guest Posts: n/a	What to upgrade I have posted these options in multiple threads but want a final answer from everyone here. I need to upgrade my system to get better FPS in my CryEngine 2 and other high end games. My first option would be to keep the Q6600 I have now and get a good overclocking LGA775 motherboard to try to prolong that CPU's life, as well as getting a New GFX card and power supply. Option two would be to get a new core i5 or i7 and a new motherboard and power supply then a new GFX card later on (Im kinda on a tight budget here) So what do you guys think, I would like it to stay on newegg and it would be great if I could stay With Intel and Nvidia. Current Specs: Case: cooler Master 690 CPU:Intel Q6600 stock speeds: 2.4Ghz MOBO: Intel DG965OT RAM: 4gb ddr2 gskill gaming RAM PSU: Delta 400 Watt GPU: 8800gts 320mb CPU cooler: XigmaTek HDT-S1283 HD: 750gb-7200Rpm-32mb-cache WD Caviar Black drive HD2:250gb-7200Rpm-16mb-cache Seagate drive OS:Windows Vista home premium 32bit/Windows 7 ultimate RC.

09-27-2009, 06:33 PM	#14
bsnx570 Guest Posts: n/a	thanks for all the suggestions guys. I am really sorry Im not cooperating with buying ATI cards. The last couple I bought were all DOA and they didn't handle My RMA's very well, I would just rather stick with Nvidia. I have stated before that I would keep the processor I have and I need a decent Motherboard to support me until I have enough to get an i5/i7. I really appreciate the help you guys are giving me and Im not trying to be difficult. For now lets just look at motherboards and power supplies. I can deal with the video card later. How about this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131297 and this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...006&Tpk=TX750W Last edited by bsnx570: 09-27-2009 at 06:38 PM.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

09-27-2009, 03:26 PM	#2
Grüven Join Date: Aug 2008 Reputation: 59 Posts: 722	What resolution are you playing at?

09-27-2009, 03:28 PM	#3
bsnx570 Guest Posts: n/a	I usually game at 1440-900 on a 19 inch monitor. Gonna upgrade later in the future to probably like a 23"

09-27-2009, 03:30 PM	#4
Tufelhunden Join Date: May 2009 Reputation: 60 Posts: 1,096	What's your budget? I don't want to suggest something out of what you want to spend.

09-27-2009, 03:31 PM	#5
bsnx570 Guest Posts: n/a	Id say about 350 hopefully alittle less. Sorry about the small budget but in this economic crisis bi?&h i rele cant spend alot.

09-27-2009, 03:41 PM	#6
Tufelhunden Join Date: May 2009 Reputation: 60 Posts: 1,096	Id suggest a better cooler for the CPU Xigmatek Overclock with the current board, a 4850, a better PSU. Then save up for an i5 or i7 system and you can transfer the PSU and Video Card over. Total of $180 leaving a nice chunk for the i5 system start up costs.

09-27-2009, 04:15 PM	#10
Baron_Fel Join Date: Jul 2006 Reputation: 1931 Posts: 8,811	New graphics card and new monitor would be a nice upgrade. Maybe a 260 or 275 (if your PSU can handle it) and this high res 23"

09-27-2009, 04:48 PM	#11
steveroger Join Date: Feb 2009 Reputation: 281 Posts: 1,747	Looking at your PC, the only thing going for it right now is the CPU. I would be looking to replace the: 1-motherboard 2-graphics card 3-power supply 4-monitor $350 isn't going to get you very far. You can't even overclock your CPU because of your motherboard. You can't get much better of graphics card because of your power supply. There isn't much reason to get a more powerful video card absent getting a bigger monitor. Beefing up your CPU doesn't make much sense unless you improve issues 1 through 4. But you have to start some where. If it were me, it would be an easy decision. I would be buying a 5850 and a new power supply.* I wouldn't be able to spend that $350 fast enough because of the new ATI cards. However, you have an aversion to ATI.** This means you could buy a Nvidia 275 and a new power supply. That makes no sense to me, but it is your money. Otherwise, you could wait until you find out what Nvidia is scrambling to release within their 300 series. This means you could sink your money into a new motherboard and CPU, but I don't think you have enough money yet to support a significant improvement over your current CPU's performance. If I were you I would re-think that whole Nvidia is better than ATI rap. The truth is they are both great companies that produce great products. Right now ATI has the goods for significant upgrades. Otherwise wait for Nvidia to catch up. (unless that 400W has enough amps on the 12v rail(s), yes I know that 500W is recommend) *there is no evidence whatsoever that ATI is inferior to Nvidia, notwithstanding some anectdotal experience(s), for example, I had trouble with a couple of 8800 Ultra's but that doesn't mean Nvidia is junk

09-27-2009, 05:48 PM	#12
rotNdude Volunteer Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Reputation: 9180 Posts: 45,470	Here is something to think about: ASUS P5Q SE PLUS LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $96.99 CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail $99.99 XFX HD-487A-ZWFC Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail $144.99 I think that comes out to about $350 without rebates or shipping.

09-28-2009, 03:22 AM	#15
lhwj Join Date: Nov 2007 Reputation: 829 Posts: 4,950	I think a better solution is to leave your motherboard+processor combo alone for the time being. A Q6600 is a decent processor even at stock. Get a 650 watt Corsair and a GTX275, though they're vastly overkill for your resolution you can get a nice 1920x1080 monitor in future. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&Tpk=650w%20tx http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-475-_-Product Then you can get a new i5/i7 + P55 / x58 + DDR3 RAM combo later when you have the funds. Luke