Upgrading from a q9550 to Core I5

Montsegur97 · Apr 5, 2013

I'm looking to part ways with my LGA775 setup and upgrading to a Core I5. I currently have a q9550 (stock as my board does not OC well), with a GTX 460 and some OCZ DDR2 ram.

Been looking around to get something like this: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5643655&CatId=6982

Also, probably going to look at getting a GTX 660ti or something along those lines. Been reading many threads that suggest the ATI route at this time, though I've had nothing but bad luck with those dying on me in the past (though this was years ago, so things have probably changed).

I can probably get that setup from tigerdirect at canada computers in town for about the same price or a bit less. Any yay or nay's on that board and chip for gaming? It's about all I do on here.

swifty_morgan · Apr 5, 2013

why do you think you need an upgrade?

monitor/resolution/opsys/hardware?

g-unit1111 · Apr 5, 2013

The RAM in that build is mediocre at best even for Corsair quality. Get Vengeance low profile or G.Skill Ares instead.

edogawa · Apr 5, 2013

Motherboard and CPU look good.

660ti isn't worth it, minus well go 670 at that point.

I would recommend an ATI 7950 over the 660ti.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7542562&CatId=7387 (Only good 7950 from tigerdirect canada I found)

The ram isn't good, get this:

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=40739&CatId=4534

edogawa · Apr 5, 2013

Here, I made a PCpartpicker list for you: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/OE1W

Montsegur97 · Apr 5, 2013

Mostly want it for FFXIV (I know, I know horrible game). Could probably just upgrade the GPU for now, but eventually would be nice to change the CPU. I wish I could OC my q9550, but my mobo does not like it. My e5200 oc'd nicely on it, but this one just crashes regardless of voltages, timings, etc.

So, I could buy a cheap used lga 775 to try and OC..but my ram might be limiting me and the required time, ugh. So I guess the question becomes, would just a new GPU be good enough with stock q9550? or Would I be limiting my GPU too much?

edogawa · Apr 5, 2013

You would experience a minimal bottleneck with a 7950. If you want to wait for a new processor, it may be fine for another year. Haswell processors are coming out soon, so you could wait for that too.

swifty_morgan · Apr 5, 2013

i got and am getting quite a lot of use out of my q9550. if you're gaming at 1600 resolution or above you should look towards the graphics card. save your money until 2014 for a system upgrade??

Montsegur97 · Apr 5, 2013

Ya, there's no issue for the money if I wait. Guess there's no harm in upgrading GPU and seeing what happens.

Montsegur97 · Apr 5, 2013

store here has this one for sale.... http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=43_557_558&item_id=059130

swifty_morgan · Apr 5, 2013

it's Canadian. I have no idea if that's a good price or not. but something like that would be a good choice to bring over to a new and better build in the future.

Montsegur97 · Apr 5, 2013

Now benchmark scores and what not show the GTX 660Ti outperforming slightly...if I can get one for the same price, is it worth it. Or overall, the 7950 is just a better card?

swifty_morgan · Apr 5, 2013

we must be looking at different benchmarks.

Montsegur97 · Apr 5, 2013

Hah, alright, well that answers my question. I might just upgrade the GPU for now then, see what results that gives me and hold out until late 13 early 14 for the new chips.

So essentially these are my options in that store. http://www.canadacomputers.com/advanced_search_result.php?cPath=&sort=2&category_id=PCI-Express+Cards&keywords=7950+hd&cPath=&sort=2&filter_id=

Hopefully the one on sale is on par with the rest.

edogawa · Apr 5, 2013

Price wise, and extras added, this is a good deal:

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7542562&CatId=7387

Montsegur97 · Apr 5, 2013

Alright, well for now I'll just get a 7950 and save up for something next year. Thanks again for the advice guys! I'll have to try OCing this chip again, even if it's just to from 2.8 to 3.2 or something ridiculous.

swifty_morgan · Apr 5, 2013

no way would I buy a card with 1 fan on it when you have all those others to choose from. so that narrows the options a bit. I also wouldn't pay 360 either.

Montsegur97 · Apr 5, 2013

Well, ended up getting the 7950 and HUGE difference on the benchmark for XIV (it's about the only graphically intensive game I play). Got Bioshock and Crysis out of it too. Good call on keeping the q9550 for a bit longer, never thought this thing would last this long.

swifty_morgan · Apr 5, 2013

it's been a good processor. one of the best cpu's I ever purchased.

edogawa · Apr 5, 2013

Glad to hear that, in CPU intensive games you will suffer, no doubt, but for most games, you're good till next year.

Upgrading from a q9550 to Core I5

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