Upgrade or wait... Need some advice

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Rizzo

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Nov 6, 2008
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Long time reader first time poster.

I am thinking about upgrading to get some smoother game play on.

Current Config:
core 2 duo e6850, msi p35 platinum, BFG Tech OC2E GeForce 8800 GTX 768MB, 4gb ram, vista 64, apple 23" cinema

I would like to get some higher frame rates and max out the detail on some of the newer games.

I know the new i7's are coming soon (nov 17?) but as far as gaming I dont think an entire new system is mandatory... If I can keep my ram and board that would be great. Would the quad extream be the way to go with a new vidoe card? If so what is the best setup that would work with my board? or am I needing a new setup all together?

Any thoughts, recommendations would be great!


Thanks!
 
Welcome to the forums. I typically tell people to: Wait as long as you can, buy when you can't wait any longer.

You don't even need a new CPU, just a new vidcard (GPU), for better gaming performance.

Is your E6850 OC'd at all?
If not, why not? If so, to what speed?
What's your budget for this upgrade?
What games do you play?
What resolution/settings do you play at?

I'm guessing an HD4870X2 or GTX280 would fit your needs.
 
Agree with enginurd. Just get a HD4870X2 or Geforce GTX 280 1gig. If those are a bit too much, get the Geforce GTX 260 (216 stream processor) or a Radeon HD4870 1 gig. This should give you a good boost over your 8800GTX card.
 
It sounded like that's all I needed to do...

I like playing at full res, and NO I am not OC'd... I have messed with that for a while and have never gotten a stable oc... I got to the point where I was tired of messing with it and wanted to just have a working comp.
I dunno, I guess I should sit down and try and figure it out.

I am willing to throw about $1,000, but as always less is better.

I am playing far cry, fallout 3, and the orange box... highest settings drop to unplayable rates.

Thanks for the quick reply!
 
Shucks, too bad you just missed it. NewEgg had the Visiontek HD4870X2 for $510 w/free shipping. BTW, what's your PSU? What model is it?
 
Oh man! of course thats how that works!

I am using a cooler master Real Power Pro 1000W... kinda went overboard, i have 6 HD's in use and did not want to skimp... (hopefully I cant go overboard)

So reading through all of these reviews, ATI is the current champ? With the HD4870X2?

Also I am a huge photoshop guy and I just upgraded to CS4, Nvida has some special enhancements for it, is this true with ATI as well?
 
Yup HD4870X2 is the current fastest video card right now. Here is where you stand from you 8800GTX card

HD4870X2 > GTX280 > 9800GX2 > HD4870 > GTX 260 > HD3870X2 > 9800GTX+ > HD4850 > 8800Ultra > 9800GTX > 8800GTX

Your PSU has more than enough to handle the HD4870X2 but, not sure on the reliability of that Real Power Pro. It also hasn't been tested and certified with a HD4870X2 card. But, does not mean it can't run it though.
 
WOW! My card is that outdated!
is the next run of cards coming soon? (2-3 months?)

As far as the reliability of my PSU, are you saying you know of some bad things?
 
From the ATI site: PCI Express 2.0 x16 bus interface

I believe my p35 platinum is a 1.0a, will this be an issue?

One other thing... There are so many vendors now, is there ones I should avoid? Any recomendations?

Sorry for so many questions... I used to be on top of this and the more I talk to you guys the less I fell I know now.
 
No, but Coolermasters are not the common brand we recommend on PSU. The popular brands are like Antec(Neo and Earthwatts series), Corsair, PC Power & Cooling, Seasonic, Silverstone, Thermaltake Toughpower series. But, your Realpower Pro 1000 is pretty good though with more than enough to handle a HD4870X2 card with no problem. Not all Coolermaster PSU are crappy.
 
If you're looking at ATI GPU cards go with Visiontek for their lifetime warranty. If you are looking at Nvidia GPU cards look at EGVA, BFG and XFX brands.
 
Rizzo said:
From the ATI site: PCI Express 2.0 x16 bus interface

I believe my p35 platinum is a 1.0a, will this be an issue?

One other thing... There are so many vendors now, is there ones I should avoid? Any recomendations?

Sorry for so many questions... I used to be on top of this and the more I talk to you guys the less I fell I know now.
Click to expand...

Today's PCI Express 2.0 cards are backwards compatible with the PCI Express 1.0 slot, so whichever card you end up getting should work fine.

If you're not a serious gamer -- as in, you don't want/need max FPS at max (visual) settings -- you could settle for either the HD4870 1GB or the GTX 260 216SP.

If you have the time to, you should check out the GenHard FAQ that's on the first page. It can answer some of the questions that you may have.
 
Thanks for all the help guys! I think I will check out newegg tonight and put an order down for an x2...

Thats a great FAQ! thanks for the heads up on that... I will probably play with OCing again, I saw the spot on the FAQ about ocing a core 2 duo... Do I even have the right setup to oc?
 
Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme with a Scythe S-FLEX SFF21E 120mm... that's a good heatsink. Plus, you have a 1,000 watt PSU. You are set to O/C. Shop around, the Visiontek HD 4870X2 sometimes go on sale at Best Buy for $499.99 also. It's not on sale now though. Too bad it was $510 on NewEgg w/free shipping just yesterday. Oh wells, it's $530 w/free shipping on NewEgg right now.
 
You definitely have a good setup for OC'ing, especially with that TRUE120. Follow the OC'ing guide in the OC'ing subforum and ask any questions you may have. You should reach some nice speeds with that CPU. ;) My E6750 reached 4Ghz. :D
 
So my P35 came with software to OC... is it better to just ollow the guide or learn what came with my MB?
 
hmm good question. I have found the most reliable is to oc it yourself within the bios.
 
looks like its going to be a weekend of reading, playing and praying... :)

Oh BTW best buy last night.... $499 with fallout 3 bundle with 4870x2... to bad I already had gotten FO3 but very good deal from what I saw
 
Rizzo said:
looks like its going to be a weekend of reading, playing and praying... :)

Oh BTW best buy last night.... $499 with fallout 3 bundle with 4870x2... to bad I already had gotten FO3 but very good deal from what I saw
Click to expand...

Enjoy
 
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