[Signal5]

Hey All,

I'm a novice but looking to learn so I have some questions about my current rig I built about 2.5 years ago. Currently I am running Vista Ultimate on the following:

AMD Phenom x3 720 2.8GHz
Gigabyte 790 xt
8 Gb PC1600 RAM
1.5 TB Barracuda
Radeon 4800 HD

I don't do a ton of gaming but when I do, I like to have decent performance and settings. I'm not looking to play BF3 on Ultra and get 80 FPS but I don't want to have to turn the settings on games to low and 800x600 just to have a decent frame rate.

The video card obviously needs an upgrade but can I reasonably upgrade the CPU as well? I have found x4 and x6 processors (Deneb and Thuban) but I honestly do not know if it would be money well spent or if I should just do a new build with one of the new FX series CPUs on a new build. FWIW I checked and the Mobo claims to support the 6 core chips.

What do you guys and gals think?

P.S. Sorry if I left out any pertinent info

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Hi Signal5

What make and model is your current PSU?

What is your budget?

[iammykyl]

Hi Signal5

What make and model is your current PSU?

What is your budget?

[iammykyl]

Unplug from the mains, take the case side panel off and see if you can read the info on the side of the PSU.

What make and model of case is it?

[Signal5]

The PSU is a 700W Corsair (GS700) and the case is a a mid tower Smilodon.

As far as budget goes, I would place a limit at $1,000 US for upgrades or a new build.

Thanks in advance!

[Digerati]

You have 8Gb of RAM, which is a decent amount. And you have a good PSU with plenty of head room. I think you should upgrade your graphics card, and see how you like that before upgrading your CPU. Remember, today's computing is very graphics oriented. The more capable your graphics card, the more your CPU can hand off graphics tasks. And it takes very little CPU horsepower to hand off tasks.

For the best use of your graphics card money see, http://www.tomshardw...view,3107.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>Tom's Hardware Best Graphics Cards for the Money: March 2012.

$1000 is a decent budget, for sure. If it is burning a hole in your pocket, then certainly, a new CPU is an option. You did not post your motherboard specs or I would post a link to your motherboard's webpage where there should be a CPU QVL - a qualified vendor list of compatible CPUs. I suggest you check that out, then decide how you want to spend your money.

[NKGuy]

By the looks of your MOBO you could upgrade to a Phenom II X4 or X6 and upgrade your GPU. Or seeing as you have a $1000 limit you could invest into an i7 2600k along with a Z68 MOBO and a new video card. I mean it comes down to what is necessary use for this computer?

[iammykyl]

Agreed with Digerati.

With this PSU any single GPU using (up to 2 x 6+2-Pin)can be selected.
PSU specs. PCI-Express Connector 2 x 6+2-Pin. +3.3V@25A, +5V@25A, +12V@56A, [email protected], [email protected]+3.3V@25A, +5V@25A, +12V@56A, [email protected], [email protected]


Your Mobo, http://www.gigabyte....spx?pid=3295#ov


What OS do you have? is it an OEM or Retail licence? This may influence whether you upgrade or build new.

[Signal5]

Agreed with Digerati.

With this PSU any single GPU using (up to 2 x 6+2-Pin)can be selected.
PSU specs. PCI-Express Connector 2 x 6+2-Pin. +3.3V@25A, +5V@25A, +12V@56A, [email protected], [email protected]+3.3V@25A, +5V@25A, +12V@56A, [email protected], [email protected]


Your Mobo, http://www.gigabyte....spx?pid=3295#ov


What OS do you have? is it an OEM or Retail licence? This may influence whether you upgrade or build new.

Running Vista Ultimate OEM - looks like 7 Pro would eat 15% of a new build budget.

[iammykyl]

Is that 32bit or 64bit?

[iammykyl]

In which country would you be buying in?

[Signal5]

62, USA

[NKGuy]

Agreed with Digerati.

With this PSU any single GPU using (up to 2 x 6+2-Pin)can be selected.
PSU specs. PCI-Express Connector 2 x 6+2-Pin. +3.3V@25A, +5V@25A, +12V@56A, [email protected], [email protected]+3.3V@25A, +5V@25A, +12V@56A, [email protected], [email protected]


Your Mobo, http://www.gigabyte....spx?pid=3295#ov


What OS do you have? is it an OEM or Retail licence? This may influence whether you upgrade or build new.

Running Vista Ultimate OEM - looks like 7 Pro would eat 15% of a new build budget.

Have you tried eBay? I have seen Windows 7 Ultimate brand new selling for $165 by top rated sellers. Sure its a bit more, but you will probably find a good deal on Vista Ultimate if you check.

[iammykyl]

62, USA

64bit?

[iammykyl]

Which model Smiladon case do you have? Is it as stock or did you add any extra fans?

[Signal5]

64, yes, sorry.

Case has 4 fans all stock did not add any. Never any heat management issues, I don't OC.