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AMD Dual graphics help

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  • AMD
  • Graphics
  • CPUs
  • Corsair
  • Homebuilt
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October 12, 2014 7:18:08 AM

I want to upgrade my system but buying a new CPU will be out of the budget. I want to get the
cpu FM2: AMD A8 6600K 3.8-4.2Ghz, 4-Core, 256 Shaders but it will cost here like $110.

Here's my current system

cpu:AMD A6 5400k
psu:Corsair vs450 w
mb:asus fm2-a55 lk+
ram:1x4gb corsair vengeance 1600mhz
hdd:500gb SATA
dvd: samsung dvd rw

I play dota2 most of the time with medium to high settings, sometimes my system will just freeze or crash and i will need to do a force reboot in order to get back up.

I need to know if I can do the crossfire or dual graphics on my current system, if my psu can supply the needed power and the best video card compatible (ie. hd7800). My budget is like less than $50 at the moment. Any feedbacks and recommendations will be highly appreciated. Thank so much guys.

More about : amd dual graphics

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October 12, 2014 7:28:05 AM

doublehunter said:
I want to upgrade my system but buying a new CPU will be out of the budget. I want to get the
cpu FM2: AMD A8 6600K 3.8-4.2Ghz, 4-Core, 256 Shaders but it will cost here like $110.

Here's my current system

cpu:AMD A6 5400k
psu:Corsair vs450 w
mb:asus fm2-a55 lk+
ram:1x4gb corsair vengeance 1600mhz
hdd:500gb SATA
dvd: samsung dvd rw

I play dota2 most of the time with medium to high settings, sometimes my system will just freeze or crash and i will need to do a force reboot in order to get back up.

I need to know if I can do the crossfire or dual graphics on my current system, if my psu can supply the needed power and the best video card compatible (ie. hd7800). My budget is like less than $50 at the moment. Any feedbacks and recommendations will be highly appreciated. Thank so much guys.


you dont have near the psu to handle crossfire. with a budget of $50, not too many gpu options are available to you(options that will give you decent gameplay) i'd wait until you have at least a $100 for the gpu.
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October 12, 2014 7:31:29 AM

Don't use dual graphics. All that get's you is artificially increased frame rates and screen tearing.

If you experience a system freeze or crash there are several factors which can cause that. I would first check your CPU temperatures to make sure it's not overheating. After that I would check to make sure you have the latest drivers for your CPU.

Your 450W PSU should be fine, unless it's faulty. Your HDD could also be the problem if you notice any whining/ loud clicking noises when it freezes.

A new GPU will let you play at higher settings, and possibly not fix the freezing and crashing you're experiencing.
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October 12, 2014 7:31:43 AM

but $100 for gpu is it better if i just get the A8 6600K that costs like $110?
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October 12, 2014 7:33:38 AM

it could also be the cause, sometimes i will see a message that the temp is 60C, but i only saw that twice since i bought the system. all drivers are up to date, hdd is not faulty not hearing any ticking sound but is almost full.
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October 12, 2014 7:39:37 AM

To make sure your temperatures are not a problem, download a program called HWmonitor and check to see what your temperatures are like during idle at your desktop, with nothing running, and while gaming such as running Dota.
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October 12, 2014 7:40:11 AM

RazerZ said:
Don't use dual graphics. All that get's you is artificially increased frame rates and screen tearing.


What? :heink: 
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October 12, 2014 7:42:13 AM

Mousemonkey said:
RazerZ said:
Don't use dual graphics. All that get's you is artificially increased frame rates and screen tearing.


What? :heink: 


That's what I remember seeing when toms did an article on this a while back.
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October 12, 2014 7:45:16 AM

RazerZ said:
Mousemonkey said:
RazerZ said:
Don't use dual graphics. All that get's you is artificially increased frame rates and screen tearing.


What? :heink: 


That's what I remember seeing when toms did an article on this a while back.


So how do you not artificially increase framerates then? Is there an organic alternative?
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October 12, 2014 7:57:06 AM

Quote:
Yes, Fraps is telling us that the average frame rates are notably higher. However, this very conundrum was what inspired FCAT in the first place. If the software is counting every dropped and runt frame toward Dual Graphics' average frame rate, then you're getting absolutely no benefit from pieces of frames like the one pictured that are artificially inflating performance.


Source: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/dual-graphics-cross...
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October 12, 2014 8:19:45 AM

RazerZ said:
Quote:
Yes, Fraps is telling us that the average frame rates are notably higher. However, this very conundrum was what inspired FCAT in the first place. If the software is counting every dropped and runt frame toward Dual Graphics' average frame rate, then you're getting absolutely no benefit from pieces of frames like the one pictured that are artificially inflating performance.


Source: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/dual-graphics-cross...


Ah yes, I had forgotten about the FCAT revelations. Thank you for the reminder.
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October 12, 2014 8:33:50 AM

RazerZ said:
To make sure your temperatures are not a problem, download a program called HWmonitor and check to see what your temperatures are like during idle at your desktop, with nothing running, and while gaming such as running Dota.


i have that software before but did not notice any issue with the temp, i use the temp monitor software from asus AI suite II. so dual graphics will not do anything good? Should i just get a new processor instead?
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October 12, 2014 9:38:16 AM

Depending on your budget it would be a much better idea to get a recent graphics card than using an old hd 6670 or whatever card is needed to use dual graphics.

But there's still no guarantee that a new graphics card will fix your problem...

What frequency is your CPU running at? Did you overclock it by any chance?
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October 12, 2014 10:32:22 AM

have not oc the cpu yet, no plans in doing so at the moment. forgot what frequency but as far as i remember its 3.4ghz, i am not concern about the crashing that is mostly random instance, just planning what upgrade route will be best if i should buy a new CPU or just get a decent graphics card.
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October 12, 2014 10:45:33 AM

Do you only plan to play low demanding games like Dota? I have the same CPU as you and I can run League of Legends around medium settings with no crashes/freezes.

If you only play low demanding games like that you honestly don't need a new CPU.

I have the same CPU as you and I was able to run League of Legends around medium settings without any crashes or freezes. I added a low end graphics card (9800GTX+) and could play it on ultra.

If you plan to upgrade I would get an AMD A8-6600K for <$90 or if you can spend around double that amount, you could get an AMD Athlon X4 750k and add a dedicated graphics card.
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October 12, 2014 11:21:05 AM

Wow we have the same CPU whats your entire system build?

Yeah as of now i just use my pc to play dota2 but just in case i want to get a new game from steam i really will need to upgrade. So should i just add a low end graphics card like yours to play on better resolution and no need to consider the dual graphics thing?
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October 12, 2014 11:26:03 AM

Hover over my profile pic and you can see my build. The A6 isn't holding up for me very well and there's a huge bottleneck because of it with my HD 7950. I'm planning to upgrade to an i5/i7 later on. If you can afford to do so, I would definitely consider it.

Technically adding a cheap graphics card like a R7 240 should help, if it's just low frame rates/lag that you're experiencing.

However the fact that your system freezes and crashes is a different subject on its own....sadly there are endless things that could be the cause of that.
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October 12, 2014 11:45:56 AM

impressive specs by the way, unfortunately it is holding you back. Upgrading will be impossible for me at the moment, will take lots of things to consider first coz i have plans on migrating to a different place. But i definitely consider that. I'll check the hdd and core temp and get from there.
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October 12, 2014 12:59:29 PM

For around 120 you can get the ATI R7 260x card, and it will be a much better investment than a new CPU with a build in graphics chip.
Reasons.
You can reuse that graphics card in a different build or computer.
You can reuse the card if you upgrade the CPU (system) to an intel based.
It will give you much better performance.
it is small so you can fit it in practically any case.
It uses ONLY 135W of power, so even your PSU can support it.

I just installed that card on my brothers system. I used to have it in my system until yesterday when i upgraded (check my current config).
It can play Middle Earth - Shadow of Mordor at 1080p and Very High preset graphical settings very smoothly. And this is a VERY demanding game. With this card you can play anything at 1080p almost always at high settings.

Your current CPU has enough power to do the CPU part of processing for current games. You do NOT need a cpu upgrade. You need a better GPU. AND you need to really diagnose the reasons behind your crashes.
My guess would be your Hard drive. The AMD chips have a bad habit of burning mechanical hard drive controllers.

Beffore you upgrade your CPU, consider the following.
Run a logger for your CPU usage, see if you actually ever use 100% of your CPU, When, and for what duration. That should tell you if you need a more powerful CPU. BUT you definetely need a better GPU.
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October 12, 2014 1:10:22 PM

For $104 he could get a HD 6970, much better card. I suggested the R7 240 since he's on a low budget.

That being said, his A6 5400k will hold him back A LOT in games more demanding than DOTA.
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October 12, 2014 1:19:59 PM

RazerZ said:
For $104 he could get a HD 6970, much better card. I suggested the R7 240 since he's on a low budget.

That being said, his A6 5400k will hold him back A LOT in games more demanding than DOTA.


you are right that it might hold him back. i did not pay enough attention, i just realized his is a dual core.
in that case he might as well get the cpu upgrade. A platform change would be better. the g3258 cpu and mobo combo runs at around 110$, cheaper if he goes to microcenter, and that will give him a better 1150 socket which can be latter upgraded to an i7 if need be. also it will give him a decent intergrated graphics. which i still recomend he upgrade regardless. i understand he has a budged, but sometime you have to push it as far as you can. the g3258 works like a charm. i installed it for a costumer of mine and all the computer work flawlessly and the cpu keeps up with anything. i didnt try gaming with them but their review here says good things.

thanks for pointing out my mistake :) 
apologies
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October 12, 2014 4:20:13 PM

RazerZ said:
For $104 he could get a HD 6970, much better card. I suggested the R7 240 since he's on a low budget.

That being said, his A6 5400k will hold him back A LOT in games more demanding than DOTA.


i can attest to the hd 6970 as being an excellent gpu!
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