Should I upgrade my CPU?

wind_surfer · Feb 19, 2014

I have a semi-customized gaming PC, most parts from a Dell XPS 420. Currently the components are:
- Geforce GTX 560 OC 850 Mhz GPU
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.40 GHz CPU
- 4GB RAM
- 500 GB harddrive
- 525W coolermaster PSU
- Dell 0TP406 Intel X38 Motherboard
In the original case running 64 bit Windows 7

I would like to increase gaming performance, I can currently run most games close to the maximum settings but I would like to be able to max them out and have it run smoothly and prepare for higher demanding games. I bought the gpu and psu a little over a year ago so id prefer to replace other parts than those 2 if possible. Will replacing the CPU/motherboard make a significant improvement in performance? If so what CPU/motherboard do you recommend (300$~) Otherwise any other recommendations you have would be greatly appreciated.

Thankyou

mikey48195 · Feb 19, 2014

You would get a nice performance increase from getting an i5, which is ~200 USD and a decent motherboard if you plan to OC

ubercake · Feb 19, 2014

You probably won't see a huge difference when you replace the CPU/Motherboard, but it will put you in a position by which you can upgrade your graphics without the CPU (or architecture in general) bottlenecking the GPU at all.

An i5-4670k CPU and an Asus Z87-A motherboard would be a good combo. You'll then have the architecture by which a GPU upgrade would be supported fully. Once you're able to upgrade the GPU, you'll see the biggest difference in video performance.

festerovic · Feb 19, 2014

Yeah you should get a new CPU and motherboard. You will need RAM too you have DDR2 and need DDR3.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157381 Asrock mobo $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116899 4670k $230
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231416 8gb DDr3 ram $70

You want the quad core. You may not need the K version you can save $20 on that if you want.

wind_surfer · Feb 19, 2014

Okay so motherboard, cpu, ram. And if I did choose upgrade , my GPU what would go well with the 4670k? Also will getting a solid state drive help much?

festerovic · Feb 19, 2014

GPU is a little outdated, but the new CPU and mobo will work fine with it. An SSD is also a great idea. Look at Gtx 760 for nice price/performance.

ubercake · Feb 19, 2014

wind_surfer :

If you want to really improve your graphics, I'd take the extra money you have for the SSD and rather than buy an SSD, use it to save for a GTX 760 ot 770.

When it comes to gaming, an SSD is only going to improve your load times between levels or maps in games. It will not improve your graphics performance.

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Should I upgrade my CPU?

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