AMD Phenom II x4 GPU Upgrade

Sylosis

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hello, i would like to know what Gpu upgrade would be best for my system i currently have



    Mobo: Asus M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 - CPU: AMD phenom II x4 955 black edition - RAM: Corsaire XMS3 4 GB x2 1333 MHz - PSU: Cooler Master GM Series G650M - Compact 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Modular - GPU:Graphics Chipset
    AMD Radeon HD 7700 Series _ Any help would be greatly appreciated thank you :)

 
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I must be!

To answer your question; Only if you're willing to front the extra cash for the 6GB version. Remember that it would be best pay $20~ for the CPU cooler for overclocking for sure, so you'll be adding that to the cost.

The 1060 3GB puts you in line with the 4GB RX 570, which would be better value in this case. Your PSU would support any of these, so no issues there.

It really comes down to your budget. But again, I would only go above the 1050 ti if you're willing to upgrade almost every other part of your build soon, otherwise you'll see no GPU performance increase with the 955 watsoever.

Budge414

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The absolute best GPU you could go for is a GTX 1050 ti.

You'll get the most gaming power you can out of that x4 955 with it, and if you choose to upgrade everything else, the 1050ti will stand up VERY nicely.

If you need to go cheaper, and don't plan on upgrading the rest of your rig soon, see if you can find an RX 460, preferably a 4GB version.


Don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have.
 

Sylosis

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Hey Budge414 thank you for the response. I have been doing a fair amount of research and this seems to be everyone's response. Only question I have left I suppose is: is there gtx 1050 ti that you would recommend over another?
 

Sylosis

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Also with the way prices seem to be is there another GPU out that may be more worthy at the 170 to 190 price range? I would be willing to overclock my CPU if needed
 

Budge414

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All manufacturers have good GPU cooling solutions these days. You could base it purely on asthetics if you wanted.

Let me know your location/where you're buying from and I'll suggest a couple to choose from and why. Let me know your budget and I'll have a look what else there is, but the 1050 ti is a great card for the price.

I would definitely recommend overclocking to get the most out of both the CPU and GPU. I'll recommend a cheap cooler too if you don't already have one.
 

Sylosis

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That is fantastic thanks again Budge, and our clocks certainly are different as I am in the U.S I also do not mind buying from any reputable dealer as far as my budget I would like to keep it under $200 spending limit but if there is something worthy I wouldn't mind going slightly over it.
 

Budge414

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It might be a good idea to ask what PSU you're currently running. A 1050ti is perfect for what you have now, but if you have a decent PSU there are some good prices on RX 570s which is huge performance jump for $220~. You wouldn't see much of a difference between them with your 955, but if you plan to upgrade the rest of the parts within the next 6 months or so you'll have yourself quite the gaming rig.

This will start an upgrade chain that will be better for the future, but is only cost effective IF you plan on upgrading relatively soon. As you're still using a 955 you're obviously a person who likes to get the most of what you buy, this is keeping that in mind as you might not be forking out $1000+ for a PC anytime soon.

Since your original question was to get the best out of your 955, this may not be what you want. I don't want to put any ideas in your head! Let me know the PSU first before I get ahead of anything, though.
 

Sylosis

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You are right I do like getting the most out of what I buy :lol: and the way you put sounds like the best option really is a 1050 ti.

As far as my psu goes I am currently running a Cooler Master GM Series G650M - Compact 650W 80 PLUS Bronze.

I have noticed that there are several variants of most 1050 ti cards. Would you mind helping me narrow that down to only a few cards ?
 

Budge414

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You have a tough decision!

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/7Ks8TW/gigabyte-geforce-gtx-1050-ti-4gb-video-card-gv-n105toc-4gd

-OR-

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/LrmxFT/zotac-geforce-gtx-1050-ti-4gb-oc-edition-video-card-zt-p10510b-10l


2 excellent cards. Base your choice on whatever you like! The $10 price difference, which card will arrive quicker, the aesthetic differences.. Even which box you think looks better! :D










P.S: Worth noting the Zotac is ever so slightly (almost negligibly) quicker, but at this time this is also represented by the price.

PP.SS: Why do I always have to add another shake-up??
 

Budge414

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Oh, and I just noticed, the PSU you're running is 'compact'.

If your case is on the smaller side, make sure to measure up how much room you have for the GPU!! The links I gave you state the length of each card. If you find that it won't fit, this card also comes in many small form factor versions, at the cost of a little cooling power.
 

Sylosis

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I've one last question then.. should I perhaps just go with a 1060? Based on the current pricing

P.S: may be that you are a sadist? With many curve balls too throw lol
 

Budge414

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I must be!

To answer your question; Only if you're willing to front the extra cash for the 6GB version. Remember that it would be best pay $20~ for the CPU cooler for overclocking for sure, so you'll be adding that to the cost.

The 1060 3GB puts you in line with the 4GB RX 570, which would be better value in this case. Your PSU would support any of these, so no issues there.

It really comes down to your budget. But again, I would only go above the 1050 ti if you're willing to upgrade almost every other part of your build soon, otherwise you'll see no GPU performance increase with the 955 watsoever.

 
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Sylosis

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I was not willing to fork out the extra cash I ended up going a 1050 ti.

It unbelievable how difficult it is find these cards in stock lol I almost gave in.

Pardon the delay in my response it was a hectic weekend for me.

I would appreciate your input and I especially appreciate your patience with me thank for all the help I sincerely appreciate it.

Here is what I got and I am very excited! :bounce:


https://m.newegg.com/products/9SIA9GZ5HW0789?ignorebbr=true&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP-Mobile&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-Mobile-_-pla-_-Video+Card+-+Nvidia-_-9SIA9GZ5HW0789&gclid=CjwKCAiA3o7RBRBfEiwAZMtSCdh2JSJZXfRzpEa64pEMqwow793-9cKJynvv6oG8tp-gS7SGWrwebBoC5-wQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
 
Just an aside here, as someone who ran an OCed 965 for quite some time, dont be surprised if you bottleneck that 1050Ti a bit.
Its nothing to worry about, and your purchase was still your best choice, but my 965 could barely handle my 760 at times, and the 1050Ti is quite a bit more powerful.
 

Budge414

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Thanks for providing real world input.

There definitely will be a slight amount of bottlenecking, but as the one of the best price/performance ratio cards that is currently available, I wouldn't recommend much less.

If the situation changes and a CPU upgrade is viable later on, the 1050 ti will hold up quite nicely. A second 1050 ti in the future if funds are still a factor would create a beast. Single cards are better but if cost is an issue it's an excellent compromise.
 

Budge414

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No worries at all, I'm glad to help.

EVGA units are clocked nicely and have high quality coolers, good choice!

I'm glad the small form factor tip became useful. Nothing worse than figuring something like that out after you've made the purchase!

Enjoy the card mate, let me know how it all goes. And don't hesitate to pick my brain again if you need to in the future!