What would you do? Upgrade Question

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Mike2007x86

Weaksauce
Joined
Apr 27, 2007
Messages
127
I currently have the means to upgrade my computer, but I need some advice:

What would you do?

Current Hardware:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Processor
ASUS P5W DH Deluxe Motherboard
1x ATI 1950XTX Video Card
1x 150Gb Western Digital Raptor
1x Seagate 400Gb Barracuda
1x Creative Labs XFI Extreme Music Audio card

Here is what I am debating over:
Option 1:
-1x 8800GTX combined with Intel X6800 or QX6700 Processor
-1x E-VGA 680i motherboard

Option 2:
-Add a second 1950XTX to my ASUS P5W DH Deluxe
-Intel X6800 or QX6700 Processor

Primary Reason for Updating:
-Direct-X 10 and Vista
-Programming Classes in Direct-X "already enrolled"
-Future proof for new games and hardware
-Multimedia Authoring and games
-Oblivion is a benchmark game, if I can run it at 1600x1200 max settings then I should be able to run anything released in 2007.

I am currently very disappointed that I paid full retail for my 1950XTX and it cannot even run oblivion decently at such a low res of 1024x768. I have to turn so much off that I never get to see the full effects the game has to offer.

Maybe I can max everything in oblivion at 1600x1200, if I install a second 1950XTX?
Should I go 2x 8800GTX or 1x 8800GTX?

I also wanted to know which is designed for a gamers pc?
X6800 Processor or a QX6700 Processor

THIS WILL BE A MAJOR SYSTEM UPDATE - HAPPENS ONCE EVERY 1-2 YEARS!!!

Thanks
 
How much RAM do you have? You didn't mention that.
The biggest upgrade you'll probably see is upgrading your video card.
Although I'd hold out on that until Nvidia releases it higher end cards and AMD finally release theres. Should do wonders for pricing.
 
Go with option one. An 8800GTX is more future proof, plus almost just as fast as two X1950s. I also would not spent money on the quad core. No games today utilize the quad core potential. In the long run however, the QX6700 probably would be better off, but by then, the price for 4 core will be cheaper than today.
 
I'd wait on thew R600 which is getting close, then make my decision.

It may turn out you can get more card for less. It will also have the benefit of bringing the NVidia prices down some.
 
that score is actually pretty low for your system. You should easily be getting over 6000 points.
 
If you are selling your P5W DH I would be happy to buy it. I am looking for an intel board with crossfire support for r600. If I were you, I would get option 1 but for me I want r600 (I like ati better).
 
that score is actually pretty low for your system. You should easily be getting over 6000 points
Click to expand...

I'd love to know how to achieve a higher score: Here is exactly what I do from install
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Updated P5W DH Deluxe BIOS 1901 - Restore to factory defaults F10/Y
-Installed windows Vista 32-Bit
-Installed ATI 7.4 Catalysts (Driver Only)
-Installed Gigabit Lan Driver Update (Automatic Setup Tool)
Miniport Windows Installer, Vista x86 2/9/07 v9.16.4.3 http://www.marvell.com
-Installed Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi series Vista Driver 2.13.0012 (Driver Only)
-Installed Creative ALchemy
================================================================
-Disabled services.msc Ati External Event Utility otherwise I get a BSOD with an error linking to win32k.sys everytime after seeing the desktop for 1-2 seconds.
-Disabled online solution checking
-Disabled system protection restore
-Disabled system failure automatically restart
-Disabled Remote Assistance and blocked all remote access ports
-Run windows updates for vista and reboot as neccessary
-Install ATI Tray Tools (Set OpenGL to Max Speed/ Set Direct3D Max Speed)
-Install games and play
================================================================
The P5W DH Deluxe came with CD-ROM, but I never have used it. Is there something I should be installing from that disc that will make my system perform better?

-My normal install that takes care of Bios/Graphics/Audio/Ethernet - Am I missing something that should make my score higher? :eek:
 
For a CF setup, i hear the RD600/ICFX3200 chipset is a very good one for that. It also OCs very well.
 
I get just over 6K in 06 with my X1950 XT. Be sure to set your settings (eg. Texture Preference, Mipmaps, etc.) to High Performance in the 3D Properties, turn on Triple Buffering as well. That'll somewhat maximize out your score, you can do it all with ATI Tray Tools.

I wouldn't buy another X1950 XTX. If you want Crossfire, you'll want it in a native 2900-style... bye bye external dongle. And it won't be very long before the HD 2900 XT is available, a matter of days, actually.

Your processor is fine. Getting a quad core will be a waste as prices will fall, and you'll be paying less than what you paid for your E6600 in a couple of quarters. Games using four cores aren't exactly that commonplace. Why don't you overclock it? I'm positive you can hit at least 3.0+ ghz and that will help quite a bit in games like Oblivion.
 
Factory defaults don't normally result in performance. Learn to tweak the BIOS.
Personally, I'm waiting on the 2900 series to launch and see Nvidias response before deciding what and how to upgrade.
My rig, similar to yours, but CF, gets 11000 marks in Vista64 and 11800 inXPPro.
 
Litlratt said:
Factory defaults don't normally result in performance. Learn to tweak the BIOS.
Personally, I'm waiting on the 2900 series to launch and see Nvidias response before deciding what and how to upgrade.
My rig, similar to yours, but CF, gets 11000 marks in Vista64 and 11800 inXPPro.
Click to expand...

The tweaks don't like magically unlock amazing performance.. gains are minimal at best.
 
I won't argue that, but I don't know of a single person trying to get their rig to perform that runs factory defaults.
 
Factory defaults don't normally result in performance. Learn to tweak the BIOS
Click to expand...

Since it was discussed:
- I am considering overclocking as a third option, but I worry about a component shutting down, below I am providing a list of all of the components I have purchased over the years.

-I have never had a single component actually stop working - Everything listed below still has life in it and its in a box on the shelf, I always assumed that component failure occurs alot faster with overclocking, but I am seriously considering overclocking to save money.

How much would I gain by overclocking my current components?
I currently have the default asus fans and the core 2 retail fan inside my case
my acer force 1 1999 model has air vents on the outside of the pc case.

What would I need to get started for proper pc cooling?
ASUS PC Probe II shows my P5W motherboard is running at 56 Celcius under idle

I also wanted to know should I upgrade the processor and overclock or overclock using my current E6600?

Video cards and bottlenecking - please explain more, all the information I came accross on the net is vague.

Here is a list of all my old PC Components - Saved in a box om my closet top shelf
Pentium 500 Mhz, Pentium 3 900Mhz, AMD K6, AMD 4000+, Intel core 2
3Dfx, Diamond Viper 550, BFG Technologies FX5200, FX5600, Radeon 8500LE, BFG Technologies 6800 Ultra OC, and Radeon 1950XTX.
A8V Deluxe motherboard for my AMD 4000
Acer Force1 pc case - 1999 thru 2007
3 tubes of arctic silver thermal paste
XP-120 Thermaltake cooler for A8V Deluxe
Click to expand...

The list gives you a general idea of how often I actually do PC upgrades x the amount of years between each generation of video cards and processors. Before 1999 I bought compaq presarios and hp store brand pc's. I think you all for your help and assistance.

As shown by the very few upgrades - my components have to last awhile.
 
Your system is fine, just upgrade your video card. Oblivion chokes everyone's PCs, even the high end ones. I get single digit FPS sometimes, especially at the end where you battle like 20 people in front of the red portal of death.
 
what about: get a quad 6800! + buy 2 2gb sticks (or 4 1gb) + video card the same or 8800gts

???
 
You've got a pretty good system already with good all round components which makes upgrading less simple. Both your options have problems.

Your CPU is one of the best overclocking CPU's around and will easily outperform even a quad 6800 for games if you mildly overclock it so I'd pass on the second part of option 2. As for crossfire, the 1950xtx is a fairly expensive card which is on it's way out, so having two of these is not future proof and you might regret your very expensive purchase.

Your motherboard is solid and updating it to a 680i is a waste of money so I'd pass on the second part of option 1.

Your bottleneck is your GPU so if you're impatient and want immediate improvement without wasting too much money, you could ebay that 1950xtx and get one 8800GTX. And you could also overclock the 6600 as it was 'made' to be overclocked - a bit of a shame to buy one of the top overclocking CPU and not overclock it - it can help a bit, but the real improvement will be from the GPU.

But since you have a powerful system already, if I were you, I would wait 2 months until the RD600 comes out and then buy whatever happens to be the top videocard then. In the meantime, overclock your cpu - it will only help a bit but it's still an improvment while you wait to upgrade your GPU.
 
I'm with the other guys on that the 8800GTX would be the best option; as the rest of your system is very nice.

Wednesday the NDA on R600 is up so we can finally get some real numbers there and that would be a good time to start to think about which card is right for you; the nVidia or the ATI.
 
If you want to overclock (in addition to upgrading the GPU), you should consider upgrading that CPU fan. Up to you which one. If I were to air cool I'd get something like the Tuniq Tower 120.

Tuniq Tower review
 
Mike2007x86 said:
I currently have the means to upgrade my computer, but I need some advice:

What would you do?

Current Hardware:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Processor
ASUS P5W DH Deluxe Motherboard
1x ATI 1950XTX Video Card
1x 150Gb Western Digital Raptor
1x Seagate 400Gb Barracuda
1x Creative Labs XFI Extreme Music Audio card

Here is what I am debating over:
Option 1:
-1x 8800GTX combined with Intel X6800 or QX6700 Processor
-1x E-VGA 680i motherboard

Option 2:
-Add a second 1950XTX to my ASUS P5W DH Deluxe
-Intel X6800 or QX6700 Processor

Primary Reason for Updating:
-Direct-X 10 and Vista
-Programming Classes in Direct-X "already enrolled"
-Future proof for new games and hardware
-Multimedia Authoring and games
-Oblivion is a benchmark game, if I can run it at 1600x1200 max settings then I should be able to run anything released in 2007.

I am currently very disappointed that I paid full retail for my 1950XTX and it cannot even run oblivion decently at such a low res of 1024x768. I have to turn so much off that I never get to see the full effects the game has to offer.

Maybe I can max everything in oblivion at 1600x1200, if I install a second 1950XTX?
Should I go 2x 8800GTX or 1x 8800GTX?

I also wanted to know which is designed for a gamers pc?
X6800 Processor or a QX6700 Processor

THIS WILL BE A MAJOR SYSTEM UPDATE - HAPPENS ONCE EVERY 1-2 YEARS!!!

Thanks
Click to expand...

I have a similar system. I just upgraded my E6600 to a QX 6700 and I could not be happier. The QX is an awesome CPU and eats up anything you can throw at it. It works well in every situation. Yes, not all applications can take advantage of it, but they will. The 8800 GTX is awesome as well. If you combine the QX with a GTX, 4Gb's of RAM and Vista you will be happy for some time to come. Lastly, the eVGA 680i A1 is the is easiest OC'er I have ever had and very stable.
 
Optional87 said:
Theoretically... and only in Windows XP where SLI on those cards is even supported.
Click to expand...

I don't know if it's double but two GTX's smoke. There are still a few issues, but they will be ironed out. I have dual boot with XP64 and Vista UL 64 and my 3D Mark scores are higher in XP. However, I do not put much credence into 3D Mark scores. BTW, both OS's recognize SLI on my system.
 
sell card.

get 8800GTS

When the time comes, you'll still be set for quad or CF. This is probably the best option if you have to do something. Otherwise, you can wait. Waiting sucks though!! :)

I'm perfectly happy with my quad and GTX. I have Vista but heck, it's not ready for prime time yet and that's just a fact. Stick with your motherboard, it's a fine board bro...and I'm not saying that because I have one. Actually, I love the board so much, I have two.

You have options and believe it or not, you DO have SLI options too. Just not official. I've run SLI on my board. I have the drivers too if you need them--though they are pretty primitive based on older drivers 84.XX I believe.
 
I thank you all for all of your help

I have decided to go with E-VGA 8800GTX which will offer a step up program.
- I just hope that I am inside of the newest Nvidia flagship release date (next paragraph)

I read a story about some poor guy who was 3 days past the 8800GTX release and how E-VGA wouldn't honor his request. I could defienately understand his frustration, but I can also see E-VGA's side of it too. I still feel bad for that E-VGA customer.

3 days outside the target date man o man :mad:

Has E-VGA resolved all of the problems with their boards? I read about unstabled boards on some website

I also am going to try the overclocking first to save a bit
- I can always add the QX6700 or X6800 later

I'm still very interested in the types of cooling that I could use for my system:
Should I replace the GTX stock cooler also?

Do I need to upgrade my PSU: Here is what I use for my 1950XTX currently
BFG Technologies POWER SUPPLY 650 Watt ATX 12v 2.0/EPS12V
Dual 12V Rails
2 PCI-E Connectors
4 SATA Connectors
MTBF 140,000 Hours
Protective Circuitry Feature

Thanks
 
eVGA's CS is second to none. The issues with the MB mainly revolved around quad core OC'ing. Based upon my MB those issues have been resolved.
 
The GTX cooler should be fine. There are at least half a dozen good aftermarket coolers for the 6600. Check peoples sigs for ideas.
The GTX will yield the largest gains as 1 of them almost performs as well as 2 1950 XTXs. However, I don't believe the P5W supports Nvidia SLI, you wouldn't be able to add another 1 later. Wait a week and see what happens.
 
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