AMD Dual graphics help

doublehunter · Oct 12, 2014

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.

drkatz42 · Oct 12, 2014

doublehunter :

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.

RazerZ · Oct 12, 2014

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.

doublehunter · Oct 12, 2014

but $100 for gpu is it better if i just get the A8 6600K that costs like $110?

doublehunter · Oct 12, 2014

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.

RazerZ · Oct 12, 2014

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.

Mousemonkey · Oct 12, 2014

RazerZ :

What?

RazerZ · Oct 12, 2014

Mousemonkey :

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

Mousemonkey · Oct 12, 2014

RazerZ :

So how do you not artificially increase framerates then? Is there an organic alternative?

RazerZ · Oct 12, 2014

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-crossfire-benchmark,3583-10.html

Mousemonkey · Oct 12, 2014

RazerZ :

Ah yes, I had forgotten about the FCAT revelations. Thank you for the reminder.

doublehunter · Oct 12, 2014

RazerZ :

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?

RazerZ · Oct 12, 2014

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?

doublehunter · Oct 12, 2014

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.

RazerZ · Oct 12, 2014

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.

doublehunter · Oct 12, 2014

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?

RazerZ · Oct 12, 2014

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.

doublehunter · Oct 12, 2014

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.

Ervis Gjoni · Oct 12, 2014

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.

RazerZ · Oct 12, 2014

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.

Ervis Gjoni · Oct 12, 2014

RazerZ :

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

drkatz42 · Oct 12, 2014

RazerZ :

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

doublehunter · May 6, 2015

i saw the reviews on g3240/3258. I am planning to get an entry level card like the gt 730 ddr5. as suggested it is the best entry level gpu for budget build. My system no longer freezes up but i hear beep sounds occasionally when i am playing, thinking that there is an issue with the CPU. Is my PSU sufficient for the gt730 ddr5? I know some of you will recommend saving up more and get atleast the 750ti but that's double the price from where i am. i am considering to get the r7 240 which RazerZ suggested or the gt 730.

btw i tried to run the game on 800x600 resolution, did not hear beep sounds alot compared when in 1338x768. thanks for all your help and input.

RazerZ · May 6, 2015

Yes. 450W is plenty for the GT 730 or R7 240. Just know that the moment the game becomes CPU intensive you will see the same frame rate as you did before without the graphics card. I've now upgraded to an i5 2500k, believe me the A6 shouldn't even be considered for a light gaming CPU or even for general usage. Intel simply has better alternatives at the same price.

If you wanted to start fresh with an Intel platform the G3258 or G3240 would be the way to go. Get a small overclock on it using the stock cooler and your FPS will be much better compared to the A6 in Dota 2.

As for the beeping sounds I can't help you there... you should post a new thread.

doublehunter · May 6, 2015

nice build you have there. i am very impressed with the g3258 review but ill need to buy a new board for that which will double up my expenses compared on buying a new graphics card. weird thing is it worked for me before with high settings and no issue but now i can barely run it without any hiccups.

AMD Dual graphics help

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