Build advice

[garpizzle]

Hi Toms! I have been upgrading this rig for the passed two years now and I think Im almost to completion although I have a couple of problems holding me back. Im using an older 590 chipset mobo by asus (p5n32 Sli premium) with an E6600 @ 2.7 ghz w/Xigmatech Rifle Cooler, a 9800GX2 @ stock, 4 gb of DDR2 800mhz OCZ SLI Ram, 700 watt thermaltake toughpower psu, and a Cosmos 1000 case. The most annoying part of my problems is that I cannot OC my cpu passed 2.8 without constant lockups. I think this has something to do with the mobo. Also, I am not entirely convinced that the e6600 was the right choice as far as processors go. Anyway, this computer is used mostly for gaming and I seem to get stuttering and slideshow quite frequently in crysis (high settings @ 1600 x 1200) and aoc (high settings but this game is buggy as hell anyway). I guess what it all boils down too is what should I upgrade next? Mobo (because the 590 seems to have problems) CPU (something better than the e6600) or second 9800gx2 or just spend 150 bucks and pick up a new GX280 on BFG's step up program? Any input is greatly appreciated guys!!! Thanks for your time.

e6600 @ 2.7 ghz w/xiggy cooler
2 Raptor 10k RPM HD's Raid 0
ASUS p5n32 Sli premium wifi
BFG 9800gx2
thermaltake toughpower 700 w
4 gb ocz sli ddr2 800 mhz ram
Cosmos 1000 case (silenX fans) Temps atm CPU at 46 c idle 58 c load

 

[akhilles]

You're probably right that the chipset ain't great for overclocking Intel:

http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?modelmenu=2&model=1325&l1=3&l2=11&l3=337&l4=0

You can swap that out for P35-DS3L or P45-DS3R or P5Q-E. You get some money back when you sell the old mobo. Overclock the cpu to 3-3.6ghz. That's a capable cpu. Even the P965 can do better than nv 590. P965 can be had for $50 on ebay.

No, I don't think 9800GX2 cause stuttering. Prolly your high settings. Try lower them to lowest and see what happens.

 

[sarahwingler]

The chipset isn't all too great for overclocking but at the same time Crysis can barely be run on even the most high end machines.

Using a 9800GX2 though..... Try using different drivers. Maybe the ones that came with it aren't too good, usually using the NVIDIA ones are better.

 

[garpizzle]

Thanks for the input! Yeah, I am kind of fed up with this mobo as it is. I was considering going with the XFX 780i or the asus p5n T motherboard. I hear alot of good reviews on those two. Im thinking 790i probably wouldnt be worth it at this point due to the price and the fact i would have to update my ram to the expensive DDR3.

 

[garpizzle]

So I guess my next question would be.....If you could make any changes to my rig...what would they be?

 

[akhilles]

780i isn't a bad one. However, overclocking is easier with Intel chipsets. nvidia chipsets need a bit more tweaking.

If it were me, I'd switch that mobo out for a P45 if budget is tight, or X38/X48 if budget allows. Not the top end ones, but something good for overclocking. i.e. Gigabyte's.