Processor upgrading help

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Rich Gibbs

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Hello. So recently I have considered how to best maximize my computer. I originally bought it in 2009, so my processor is a Intel Core2 Quad Q8200 @ 2.33GHz and I am sitting on 6 gigs of RAM.

Now over the years I have upgraded the power supply (550 w I think), upgraded the graphics card a few times (most recent card is a Nividia 650 TI 2 gig ddr5 ram)

Now the question is, what might the best way to improve performance? There are games that I know for a fact should run at much higher FPS's then they are currently, and I am curious if my older processor is the issue.

Any help will be appreciated. And if one asks for a budget, I am thinking 150-200$ price range if it is the processor I should seek to update next. Thanks!
 
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cmi86
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cmi86

cmi86

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Well depending on the game yes the processor running at that speed could be an issue, however so could the graphics card. No offense meant but 650 Ti is kind of low mid range/ upper entry level and will struggle to push modern games at high FPS with high settings. What games/settings are you having issues with ?
 
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Rich Gibbs

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Well, the games I currently run are WoW, EvE, League of Legends, Counter Strike: Global Offensive, Planet Side 2. And a few others. And I have heard that, but the 650 TI has treated many of my friends well. But I also know they have much better processors (at least 3.3 GHz)
 
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cmi86

cmi86

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Well for starter WOW and PS2 are very CPU intensive, league of legends leans more towards GPU intensive but is just horribly optimized for the PC and doesn't really play all that well on anything. CS might like a speedier chip so yes I would advise upgrading the CPU. $200 is a somewhat small budget if you wish to stick with intel, unless you want to drop back to a dual core but I wouldn't advise that.
 
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Rich Gibbs

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Anything up to the 300$ mark that could make a noteable difference? I am willing to increase the budget slightly, but I am trying to get decent bang for my buck.
 
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kookie3010

kookie3010

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Best thing to do is get a new mobo with an i5 or i7.then think about upgrading ur gpu.if u upgrade to a stronger gpu it might just be bottleneck by the cpu.u could however try and overclock ur cpu to reduce bottelneck but then you are going to need a good cooler to keep the temp down.
 
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cmi86

cmi86

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A couple of questions before I make suggestions.
Do you intend to overclock , now or ever ?
Do you currently have DDR3 RAM ?
Do you have a brand preference or are you simply seeking the best value ?
 
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Rich Gibbs

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I don't think I want to overclock my CPU. I do believe I have DDR3 RAM. And prefer to stick with Intel
 
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cmi86

cmi86

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Since you do not wish to overclock I did not source a CPU or motherboard capable of doing so which saved costs a little bit.

CPU- Intel 3350P 3.1 Ghz Quad Core $177.98
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80637i53350p

Motherboard Asus P8B75-V ATX Motherboard-$89.99
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-p8b75v

Build $267.97
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/hYQ8
 
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Rich Gibbs

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A very helpful post, no doubt. But I must ask. I am good on Software, but hardware I am still learning. Explain the decision for a new motherboard? Let's say I purchased the processor. Would that not be sufficient? Unless there is some sort of compatibility issue or size issue I am missing. Don't get me wrong. Your posts are indeed helpful, but further detail would be appreciated.
 
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bryonhowley

bryonhowley

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For about $32 more you could move up to a i5 3570(non K) and that would put you at about $299 just a thought.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80637i53570
 
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cmi86

cmi86

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Your current Core 2 Quad uses an LGA Socket 775 (775 Pins) The new i5 that I have sourced uses a completely different socket LGA 1155 (1155 Pins) These 2 sockets are not cross compatible there in the requirement for a a new motherboard. 775 is quite dated now and unfortunately there is no cost effective upgrade for you on that socket.
 
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Rich Gibbs

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Alright so a new motherboard is going to be needed along with a new processor. I think that wraps up my question. Thank you.
 
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kookie3010

kookie3010

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If u are going for the latest intel proccessor,u will need a mobo that support that socket.urs i an lga 775 which support up to intel core 2 quad or extreme.
 
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