When I built this computer I was fed up with my Computer Renaissance prebuilds which lasted 18 to 24 months before needing replacement (they were very good about that, if you got the extended warranty). When I finally decided complete collapse on such a regular basis was abnormal, I started watching youtube and Newegg videos and made my first computer. My goal was to make a nice, midrange, durable desktop with better quality components.
Unfortunately, I've succeeded. It's worked flawlessly for three years, and I have no reason to wish to replace it.
I get the distinct impression from reading these and other fora that if I really want to move the benchmark up from say 18% on gaming to 35 to 50% on gaming (and stick with AMD) that I'm just going to have to break down and build a new computer. (I don't really need to score 85 to 100% on benchmarks, the problem is, I just enjoy messing with computers--so moving up to 50% would be a nice goal for now). I'm already at 50% (UserBenchmark) as a generic desktop, but only 18% gaming.
So my question is: can I jazz this thing up with a fancy GPU? The current GPU is a humble obsolescent HD 6670 which I selected because it doesn't need fans, and noise is an issue. (I originally needed the GPU card to run dual screens, this desktop powers the home theater). And when I built, I was fetishizing durability, and my theory was that lower temps mean longer life.
So here's the current build....
ASUS F85 V pro
AMD A-10 5800k w/Noctua cpu heat sink
16 gigs ddr3 1600
850 Watt Thermaltake platinum
OS is on a Samsung 850 Evo, 500 gig
HD 6670 (which one might wish to replace, but it works fine)
The case is well ventilated with one five inch fan on intake and a five inch and a four inch on exhaust. The system runs pretty cool, though how cool depends on what software you're asking.
Having done some research on these fora my impression was that about the best I could do for a graphics card that would go with this build was an R9-270, one of which I've actually bought to install upstairs on an almost identical build. But I'm wondering how high one could climb in the Radeon line and still be compatible with the equipment listed, and boost performance. I'm a little unclear about this, as I seem to have read that there was an upper limit to what would work with a graphics card, but it was in an article on crossfire, and may have meant in crossfire applications only. I will have to be careful to make sure that outputs remain compatible with the home theater, but I think it would work out OK.
If the only realistic alternative is new CPU new mobo new video card, well that will likely happen later rather than sooner. I'm working between my inherent cheapness and my desire to tinker and improve.
I'd prefer to improve "native performance" without overclocking.
Thank you for any thoughts,
Greg N
Unfortunately, I've succeeded. It's worked flawlessly for three years, and I have no reason to wish to replace it.
I get the distinct impression from reading these and other fora that if I really want to move the benchmark up from say 18% on gaming to 35 to 50% on gaming (and stick with AMD) that I'm just going to have to break down and build a new computer. (I don't really need to score 85 to 100% on benchmarks, the problem is, I just enjoy messing with computers--so moving up to 50% would be a nice goal for now). I'm already at 50% (UserBenchmark) as a generic desktop, but only 18% gaming.
So my question is: can I jazz this thing up with a fancy GPU? The current GPU is a humble obsolescent HD 6670 which I selected because it doesn't need fans, and noise is an issue. (I originally needed the GPU card to run dual screens, this desktop powers the home theater). And when I built, I was fetishizing durability, and my theory was that lower temps mean longer life.
So here's the current build....
ASUS F85 V pro
AMD A-10 5800k w/Noctua cpu heat sink
16 gigs ddr3 1600
850 Watt Thermaltake platinum
OS is on a Samsung 850 Evo, 500 gig
HD 6670 (which one might wish to replace, but it works fine)
The case is well ventilated with one five inch fan on intake and a five inch and a four inch on exhaust. The system runs pretty cool, though how cool depends on what software you're asking.
Having done some research on these fora my impression was that about the best I could do for a graphics card that would go with this build was an R9-270, one of which I've actually bought to install upstairs on an almost identical build. But I'm wondering how high one could climb in the Radeon line and still be compatible with the equipment listed, and boost performance. I'm a little unclear about this, as I seem to have read that there was an upper limit to what would work with a graphics card, but it was in an article on crossfire, and may have meant in crossfire applications only. I will have to be careful to make sure that outputs remain compatible with the home theater, but I think it would work out OK.
If the only realistic alternative is new CPU new mobo new video card, well that will likely happen later rather than sooner. I'm working between my inherent cheapness and my desire to tinker and improve.
I'd prefer to improve "native performance" without overclocking.
Thank you for any thoughts,
Greg N
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