What should I upgrade?

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PsYcHo1032

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Jul 19, 2014
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MoBo: GA-78LMT-S2P
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Quad Core ~3.2 GHz
RAM: 4GB
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670
Win 7 64 bit

Since I've started to play newer games my performance has started to drop.

I think I should upgrade my processor first, is that correct? I want to get a quad core i5, but I would need to get a new motherboard.


Also, does your PSU effect performance if you don't have much wattage?
 
Solution
bignastyid
I wouldn't trust that Thermaltake PSU and 750w is much more than needed. Here's a list with a better quality motherboard(i might be a bit bias had too many asrocks fail on me in the past to recommend them) and PSU.
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Qgjst6
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Qgjst6/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($184.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97MX-Gaming 5 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $354.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
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geofelt

geofelt

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Oct 9, 2006
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A graphics card may slow down if it does not get sufficient power.
Or, it may show artifacts or not work at all.
What brand/model do you have?

The X4 is actually a decent gaming cpu.

To help clarify your CPU/GPU options, run these two tests:

a) Run your games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 70%.
Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.
Conversely what a 30% improvement might do.

You could also experiment with removing one core in the bios. This will tell you how sensitive your games are to the benefits of many cores.

If your FPS drops significantly, it is an indicator that your cpu is the limiting factor, and a cpu upgrade is in order.

It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system, and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS.
 
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PsYcHo1032

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Jul 19, 2014
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I don't see a PSU sticker on it, I think it is a replacement from an older pc. I do remember that it was pretty much the minimum wattage in order to run the build.

I have tried some games and lowered the resolution and other settings and the FPS doesn't change much. Maybe 2-3 frames.

Since the CPU seems to be the issue based on what you said, do you have any recommendations? I would hope for around $200 total for the upgrade. May be able to go over though.

 
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bignastyid

bignastyid

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Jun 19, 2011
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I wouldn't trust that Thermaltake PSU and 750w is much more than needed. Here's a list with a better quality motherboard(i might be a bit bias had too many asrocks fail on me in the past to recommend them) and PSU.
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Qgjst6
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Qgjst6/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($184.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97MX-Gaming 5 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $354.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
 
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