NEW GPU vs. NEW CPU (PLEASE HELP)

elit3

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Mar 19, 2014
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Hey guys,
I've been wanting to upgrade my gpu (sapphire r9 270) to a Xfire system, but then i have read that it can cause more issues than it fixes... so should i upgrade my cpu (FX 4350). All I want is smoother gameplay and MORE performance while in games.

All help is appreciated,
Thank you.

PC Specs;
FX 4350
SAPPHIRE R9 270 OC
4gb RAM
M5A97 R2.0 (M.B.)
 
Solution
Windows systems (I don't know about Mac and Linus) place information onto your hard drive, things/info that may or may not normally end up on your RAM, in a Virtual Memory or Page File. With 4GB of RAM, when you are gaming, your system is probably adding to and pulling from Virtual Memory. Yes, it does work the hard drive, and Yes it is slower then RAM, but that is the nature o f the beast. If it is to small or disabled, it can cause problems.
Here is how to check on the settings
Rt. click "Computer". Select 'Properties'.
In the left menu click on 'Advanced system settings'.
Then open/click on the tab at the top of that window labeled "Advanced".
In that window, under the Performance box, click the "Settings" button.
In the Performace...
Well, before spending a Ben Franklin or 2 or 3 or 4 etc. on a new video card or CPU, try adding another 4GB of RAM and see if that helps. Can also try increasing your Page File..
The video card is a good one: what games do you play that do NOT run smooth and at what resolution and on how many monitors are you playing.
 

elit3

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Mar 19, 2014
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BF3, BF4, FC3 blood dragon, FC3... soon I will be getting some next-gen games so I don't know if they will play smoothly as-well.
1080p, single monitor
What do you mean "Can also try increasing your Page File"?
Sorry for such a late response =(
 
Windows systems (I don't know about Mac and Linus) place information onto your hard drive, things/info that may or may not normally end up on your RAM, in a Virtual Memory or Page File. With 4GB of RAM, when you are gaming, your system is probably adding to and pulling from Virtual Memory. Yes, it does work the hard drive, and Yes it is slower then RAM, but that is the nature o f the beast. If it is to small or disabled, it can cause problems.
Here is how to check on the settings
Rt. click "Computer". Select 'Properties'.
In the left menu click on 'Advanced system settings'.
Then open/click on the tab at the top of that window labeled "Advanced".
In that window, under the Performance box, click the "Settings" button.
In the Performace Options window that opens, again click on the tab labeled 'Advanced'.
At the bottom of that window (damn, seems like a thousand steps!) is a box labeled "Virtual memory". Click on the "Change" button: Highlight your main drive (usually C: ) NOW you have choices to make.
You can let Windows manage your page file by checking the 'System managed size'. This is probably already checked.
You can set a custom size: It should be NO less then your installed RAM (4096MB), but it can be bigger. Set both amounts/numbers the same {Minimium and Maximum size} Try a custom setting about 1 1/2 times larger then your installed RAM and see what happens with your games. That would be about 6144MB.

 
Solution


Thanks for selecting my answer. Did you make changes and did they help?
 

elit3

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Mar 19, 2014
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Well I did increase my page file to 8gb, and I think it may have helped a little. Do you think that I should still upgrade my RAM, do you think I will see a performance increase?
 


Yes, 4GB is considered the minimum to run Windows 7, 8, 8.1. 8GB is generally considered more then enough for gaming.
So yes, if you can afford it I would get another 4GB. If you simply buy another 4, buy identical RAM: manufacture, model, speed, timing. If you can afford it, by an 8GB 2 pack (2 x 4GB) of matched RAM. From what I have heard Kingston and Kingston HyperX are the most dependable, but I have had really good results with Crucial and Corsair (both have excellent customer service, too).
You mention CrossFire: I am not all that familiar with it, but there have been many reports of problems with dropped frames in games using that system, but the newer drivers from AMD should have that solved.
Before I invested in another 270, I would add the RAM and see what happens. Your video card should play games quite well at 1080p with that card.