Intel i7-2600k processor and a Radeon HD 6950 card
- Thread starter ChicoBEL
- Start date
Solution
rvilkman
Distinguished
- Jun 12, 2009
- 2,307
- 0
- 20,960
Just upgrade the graphics to R9 280X or GTX770 or better.
Depending on how much memory is in the computer, if for example only 4GB, might want to go to 8GB or 16GB.
However 8GB is generally enough.
The i7 2600k should still be fine.
Depending on how much memory is in the computer, if for example only 4GB, might want to go to 8GB or 16GB.
However 8GB is generally enough.
The i7 2600k should still be fine.
mf Red
Honorable
- Jan 17, 2014
- 372
- 0
- 10,960
rvilk is correct! The 4770k is only slightly faster than the 2600k. The 2600k also overclocks like a beast! Get some aftermarket cooling for that sucker and OC it. 8GB of RAM is the sweet spot for gaming. And yeah upgrade that video card because those have improved a lot. The biggest difference with CPUs is the power draw, speed hasn't really increased.
I wouldn't bother, no CPU upgrade is needed. And even if going to a 4770K, you would only notice an improvement if you benchmarked and recorded the results. The difference in power consumption is negligible(95 vs. 84). Plus the soldered construction of the 2600K is superior. Intel has since switch to a cheap thermal paste.
A new graphics card generation is coming, 20nm. So you might as well wait as this point. The code name for the Nvidia cards is "Maxwell", with Radeon cards sure to come as well. Some of the 1st cards out(low end) may be built on the current 28nm process.
I'd look for the successor to the Radeon 7970/280X or GTX 680/770.
At this point the expensive 780 would be a terrible investment. It's likely to be graphically as powerful as a mid-range Maxwell GPU.
A new graphics card generation is coming, 20nm. So you might as well wait as this point. The code name for the Nvidia cards is "Maxwell", with Radeon cards sure to come as well. Some of the 1st cards out(low end) may be built on the current 28nm process.
I'd look for the successor to the Radeon 7970/280X or GTX 680/770.
At this point the expensive 780 would be a terrible investment. It's likely to be graphically as powerful as a mid-range Maxwell GPU.
mf Red
Honorable
- Jan 17, 2014
- 372
- 0
- 10,960
An SSD will help with load times but not FPS. However if you have an i7 you should get the SSD because they are fast and awesome. What resolution monitor is he gaming at? The 780 is overkill if your screen is only 1920x1080. If you have a 27" 2560x1440 though the 780 is well worth it. If its just 1080p get a 770 or R9 280x and save your self some money to spend on that SSD. 8)
aevm
Illustrious
- May 18, 2007
- 11,974
- 0
- 41,960
You can compare the HD 6950 with the R9 280x (aka HD 7970) here:
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/508?vs=510
The upgrade should improve your fps by about 50%, give or take some depending on game/res/settings.
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/508?vs=510
The upgrade should improve your fps by about 50%, give or take some depending on game/res/settings.
rvilkman
Distinguished
- Jun 12, 2009
- 2,307
- 0
- 20,960
It's the Ghz edition that is similar to R9 280X. So this is the correct comparison.
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/618?vs=510
coozie7
Champion
- Jun 2, 2007
- 10,015
- 10
- 59,215
Agree with the suggestions so far, the system is still a VERY capable one and with a suitable graphics upgrade your son will get at least another couple of years out of it, probably even more.
With money being tight all around you might want to consider the GTX760, it's still a big improvement but won't bite quite so deeply into the credit card.
The AnandTech comparison doesn't show either the GTX770 or 760, this review does: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NVIDIA/GeForce_GTX_760/
With money being tight all around you might want to consider the GTX760, it's still a big improvement but won't bite quite so deeply into the credit card.
The AnandTech comparison doesn't show either the GTX770 or 760, this review does: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NVIDIA/GeForce_GTX_760/
Wow, what an amazing response to my question. This is a great forum.
Well, after much discussion with my son, including reading through these posts, he wants to "invest" in the GTX 780ti. EVGA GeForce GTX 780 Ti Superclocked, 3GB, 3072MB,GDDR5 384bit, Dual-Link DVI-I, DVI-D, HDMI,DP, SLI Ready Graphics Card (03G-P4-2883-KR) Graphics Cards 03G-P4-2883-KR
Yeah I know, complete over kill. But it is his money. At least we convinced him to stay with the i7-2600k.
One of the posts here mentioned OC on the 2600. He is now off on that tangent. Any advice on that is of course appreciated.
Thanks again for the great responses.
Well, after much discussion with my son, including reading through these posts, he wants to "invest" in the GTX 780ti. EVGA GeForce GTX 780 Ti Superclocked, 3GB, 3072MB,GDDR5 384bit, Dual-Link DVI-I, DVI-D, HDMI,DP, SLI Ready Graphics Card (03G-P4-2883-KR) Graphics Cards 03G-P4-2883-KR
Yeah I know, complete over kill. But it is his money. At least we convinced him to stay with the i7-2600k.
One of the posts here mentioned OC on the 2600. He is now off on that tangent. Any advice on that is of course appreciated.
Thanks again for the great responses.
coozie7
Champion
- Jun 2, 2007
- 10,015
- 10
- 59,215
Overclocking can be hazardous but like anything potentially hazardous it can be done safely if:
Overclocking pushes the hardware beyond its official limits and generates more heat, it is essential to get a better CPU cooler installed before beginning, which leads us to item 2.
Do research, don't just dive in and start making changes.
If in doubt, don't (good life advice as well).
Proceed carefully and methodically.
Make no changes to the voltages, at least to start with, this is the one change that can damage the CPU or RAM instantly.
Post for detailed advice in the Overclocking Forum or Google how to overclock that particular CPU.
Like you say, it's his money and the GTX780Ti is a massively powerful card but the non Ti version 780 is better value.
No problems with power, that Corsair has plenty, even for a overclocked system.
Overclocking pushes the hardware beyond its official limits and generates more heat, it is essential to get a better CPU cooler installed before beginning, which leads us to item 2.
Do research, don't just dive in and start making changes.
If in doubt, don't (good life advice as well).
Proceed carefully and methodically.
Make no changes to the voltages, at least to start with, this is the one change that can damage the CPU or RAM instantly.
Post for detailed advice in the Overclocking Forum or Google how to overclock that particular CPU.
Like you say, it's his money and the GTX780Ti is a massively powerful card but the non Ti version 780 is better value.
No problems with power, that Corsair has plenty, even for a overclocked system.
OnkelCannabia
Honorable
- Nov 9, 2013
- 336
- 0
- 10,860
Installing a new cooler and overclocking the CPU could be a good learning experience. It is certainly useful if he learns how to change coolers and learns how to do overclocking. He won't really feel the increase though. The i7 2600k has plenty of power for any game you throw at it.
TRENDING THREADS
-
-
-
-
-
Discussion What's your favourite video game you've been playing?- Started by amdfangirl
- Replies: 3K
-
Latest posts
-
-
-
Question What would cause a computer to suddenly stop turning on completely?- Latest: RobertWenger
-
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram