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Upgrade Advice

H

Heyday

Limp Gawd
Joined
Feb 12, 2007
Messages
218
I am looking to upgrade the rig in my sig line for the release of the new Battlefield BC2 game. I am looking at getting a new core 2 quad processor and a new 1gb video card, such as the 4770. I could also upgrade the RAM and put in a SSD if it would help.

Any suggestions to get the biggest bang for my buck in my aging rig would be appreciated.
 
If you wanted to buy a quadcore, videocard and ram, you should really think about building a new rig. Keep the Ninja and the Corsair, and sell everything else.
 
you'll need an adapter/bracket for the ninja if you switch sockets. i'd wait until you tried the game on your current rig before changing anything, though.
 
I am waiting to try the game, the deal on the SSD at newegg today is what got me thinking about the upgrade.

I would think that moving to the 5770 would make a big difference in the game.
 
You don't need to upgrade the RAM; you have more than enough memory for gaming.

An SSD would reduce load times, but it won't make the game run any faster.

Stupid question, but are you going to play games on both monitors simultaneously?
 
I would just upgrade the video card. Das it. This should already give you a performance increase. I rather get a Core i5/i7 Quad cpu than spend money on a Core 2 Quad cpu.
 
This game makes my PC cry. I have to run it on the lowest settings to keep it from freezing up. I am still a bit torn on the upgrade. I don't know weather to wait a while, and build an entire new system, or spend a few hundred to get some more use out of this rig.

I know a 5770 would give me a noticable improvement. Would a quad core give me any advantage over my current CPU? I do tend to multitask often, and when I am running the game, the CPU usage is pegged.
 
Well what's your total budget for upgrades? Which quad-core CPU are you talking about?

So far, reviews are showing that BF:BC2 is both CPU AND GPU heavy.
 
Which resolution are you using for gaming? I took a look at your sig to see your parts, but I didn't see the monitors listed.
 
Danny Bui said:
Well what's your total budget for upgrades? Which quad-core CPU are you talking about?

So far, reviews are showing that BF:BC2 is both CPU AND GPU heavy.
Click to expand...

I am flexible on budget. I am really looking for the best bang for the buck. I have looked into the Q8300 or a used Q6600.
 
For 1680x1050, the HD 5770 is a good choice. CPU wise, get the Q6600 if it's around $125 used.
 
How are the Q8400/Q9400 cpu's? Will I be able to give any of my options an overclock with my current heatsink?
 
Heyday said:
How are the Q8400/Q9400 cpu's? Will I be able to give any of my options an overclock with my current heatsink?
Click to expand...

The Q8xxx series CPUs are a bit waste of money IMO. If you can get the Q9400, Q9450, or Q9550 for under $180, those would be good buys. If socket 775 quad core CPU costs more than $200, they're not worth it nowadays.
 
OK, I'll have to keep my eye out for a good deal.

Thanks for the advise.
 
Not sure if its still on sale, but the Q9550 was $170 at Microcenter B&M, if you're near one.
 
I am about an hour away from one, but it is showing $200 now. Do they list differently in store than in store pick up?
 
My upgrade is complete. I picked up the Q9550 at Microcenter for $180 and the XFX 5770 at newegg for $160.

Anyone know what temps these chips usually run at. Right off I am getting idling temps are around 37C. I will probably try to overclock this thing and want to know what kind of temps are safe.

Thanks for all the help everyone.
 
I clocked it up to 3.4Ghz with stock voltages and it was perfectly stable for a prime95 20 hour run, but one core maxed out at 65C. I knocked my vcore down to 1.175v and it is running prime95 tests now. It seems to be stable and it gained me a few degrees.

I may need to add some fans to the case, but I am not sure where I can put them. The 5770 runs at 70C under load at stock settings.
 
cpuz shows the vcore running at 1.088-1.12v. My bios setting is 1.175v. Is this normal?
 
I'm in the same dilemma that you were in my friend. I've got this system that was pretty fast 3 years ago that has been brought to its knees with the release of BC2.

I'm running at 1920x1200 but EVERYTHING on low, even forcing dx9. Getting 30-40fps. Playable, but I need better.

I recently ordered a 5850 for $230 through the compUSA deal. It will be here tomorrow. I will probably consider getting a q9550 at some point though. But it looks like I missed out on a great Microcenter deal.

What kind of improvements are you seeing with your two upgrades in FPS?
 
Tzzird said:
I'm in the same dilemma that you were in my friend. I've got this system that was pretty fast 3 years ago that has been brought to its knees with the release of BC2.

I'm running at 1920x1200 but EVERYTHING on low, even forcing dx9. Getting 30-40fps. Playable, but I need better.

I recently ordered a 5850 for $230 through the compUSA deal. It will be here tomorrow. I will probably consider getting a q9550 at some point though. But it looks like I missed out on a great Microcenter deal.

What kind of improvements are you seeing with your two upgrades in FPS?
Click to expand...

I never did check my fps before the upgrade. I can tell you that the e6750 was pegged at all times while playing, but the q9550 never goes above 60%, and that is with graphics changed from low to medium. I did run it for a while with just the 5770 upgrade, and the processor upgrade did improve my performance. The game doesn't lock up my computer anymore.

I think the price is still $180 at Micro Center.
 
NewOC1175.PNG
 
ahh, that ninja brings back some memories (first time I was ever able to OC so high on the 2nd bootup, hehe). nice C532, I gave mine to my sister -- great case for only $35. Tidy up those wires a bit more. ;) thanks for the pics!
 
Any one have any good suggestions for getting better air flow around the GPU?
 
Nice scythe. :) I used to have one on my old p4 that I overclocked quite a bit.

What kind of temps are you getting on load on your gpu that you are worried about airflow?
 
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