Is The Phenom 2 (955) too old gaming 2014

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crispykiller96

crispykiller96

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Apr 14, 2009
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Hi there my PC is old back from 2009 heres my specs

Windows 8.1 with Duel boot windows XP Home Edition
Phenom 2 955 3.2GHZ overclocked to 3.8GHZ with Hyper Evo 212 Heatsink
10GB DDR3
M3A770DE Motherboard
GTX 460 768 MB
2000GB Sata Harddrive

I want to play games at 1080p on a 32inch LG Monitor i'm currently using a 20inch DVI monitor and if i'm honest the picture is quite nice at its native resolution 1024 x 768 if i was to use my other TV as a computer monitor i'm guessing i may have problems keeping consistent high frame rates at high settings

So heres my question would a graphics card update help its future state or would a new cpu be necessary i have squeezed every ounce of power from this machine one by increasing the northbridge to 2400MHZ and other little things is the phenom 2 still recommended in 2014 or is it dead in the water as i have not seen these sold for a few years now :)

Cheers

Joe
 
Solution
logainofhades
I believe that you will soon start to see your current CPU fall behind. It's had a good run, but I think you are due for new CPU, MB, and GPU. I would reuse everything else. Your CPU is a bit better than AMD's Athlon II 760k, at the same clock speed and that CPU has been considered pretty much the starting point for low end builds for months now.
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logainofhades

logainofhades

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Apr 27, 2009
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I believe that you will soon start to see your current CPU fall behind. It's had a good run, but I think you are due for new CPU, MB, and GPU. I would reuse everything else. Your CPU is a bit better than AMD's Athlon II 760k, at the same clock speed and that CPU has been considered pretty much the starting point for low end builds for months now.
 
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burdenbound

burdenbound

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Although your CPU could use an upgrade it's still good enough to perform nicely if you pair it with a new GPU. I would use toms guide http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-3.html to figure out what is the best card in your price range.

I would stick with something mid range because if you get a really powerful graphics card your CPU will hold you back even more. Also make sure you have a good enough PSU to power it.
 
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crispykiller96

crispykiller96

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Hi there thanks for the quick response what cpu and motherboard would you recommend i have found this one on sale for a nice price

http://www.amazon.co.uk/M5A97-LE-R2-0-Motherboard-PCI-Express/dp/B008RPZ5SC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408131890&sr=8-1&keywords=am3%2Bmotherboard

Now stumped for CPU ideas would a FX 6300 cut it or would i need to go the FX 8350 Route i'm not to fussed about the graphics card for the time being as i can upgrade that in a few weeks i will use all my other componants case ram 1050 watt 80+ power supply HDD cheers
 
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sora

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A FX-6300 could cut it but it all depends on what GPU you are planning to purchase.
 
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geosh

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Aug 27, 2014
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Wait, a 20 inch DVI monitor with a native resolution 1024x768? Sure it is possible, but I would still double-check that info. Some of the old 20 inch LCDs used to be 1600x1200 and if by chance that was the case, then you aren't far from fullHD already. On the other hand, if you really use 1024x768 now, then I guess every single game you play now is limited by your cpu, so you should already have a decent idea whether it's ok or not. Even with a top notch single gpu at fullHD, the cpu should not do much worse than it does in your setup now.

Anyway, to me it seems pretty simple. Try to hook up the new monitor. If you aren't happy with performance (that's likely if you want to play on high), get a new gpu. If you still aren't happy, get the cpu too.
 
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sapperastro

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Jan 28, 2014
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I agree with geosh, hook the new monitor up and see what happens. No use spending money if there is no need.

If you want to stick with AMD, the new FX 8370s will be coming out on September 1st, should you head in that direction. Otherwise, if things are ok, just grab a new GPU (mid range as others have suggested).
 
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