Best current-technology processor on a budget?

Hello there T.H.,

So if i'm going to be upgrading my computer from an 8800GT to an ATi HD5870 (vapor-x) next week, then i may as well upgrade other bits of my system as well. I seem to upgrade every two years, and in those two years i usually lose touch with the market somewhat. I currently have a Q6600 2.40ghz processor, and i assume it is probably quite dated now. It does seem to handle itself alright, but if i can get even more performance for a reasonable amount of money, i will.

My budget is around £150, i would like something that would be considered up-to-date, but not £700 like some of the CPUs on Overclockers. I will probably also have to get a new Motherboard, if not for performance, then to accept the crazy alien technology socket that comes with the new core. So if you could recommend a board for the core that would be great! I have been checking out the P55 UD5, but it apparently only supports three types of processor, and i'd really rather not limit myself so much, no matter how fantastic the board looks (unless it's worth it of course).

I plan to get the processor separately from the core, so i would like the board to be around 150 as well. The P55 UD5 does actually fall within that margin.

Incidentally, my current mobo is a Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L

Thanks for all the help!

Will a 5870 fit inside your current case? What power supply will you be using?

I think 'crap' starts out above 3.2Ghz.
Many Q6600s have been known to reach 3.6Ghz without trouble.



There is a pretty good guide to overclocking in the ....errrrrrrrr.. overclocking sections of the forums.
HOWTO: Overclock C2Q (Quads) and C2D (Duals)

Have you measured it yet?
600W is in the ballpark but 600W and 3 years old? What make and model. How many PCI-e connectors?

Since that model of Tuniq Tower 120 Extreme will also fit a 1366 and AM3 socket you'll be able to take it forward into your next system. It's the type of cooler you'd choose for going for a 3.6Ghz overclock.

Probably the same 11" size from the just released data;
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/news/video/sapphire-reveals-hd-5870-vaporx/
SAPPHIRE Vapor-X HD 5870 1GB Video Card Pictures and Specs

Thats some interesting "old basic case" if it has 11.8" of GPU clearance. Some of the more modern gaming cases struggle to handle the 10.5" GPUs.

You'll have to double up on the molex-to-6pin PCI-e cables then.
Luckily, the 5870 isn't as much of a power hog as some other, older GPUs.

See if there's any markings, names or serial numbers on the PSU to help you identify it - you should be OK but it's always safe to check these things out.

Plus if you're re-using your Tuniq tower for a future build, you can do the same with a new, solid PSU now as well.

Nah man, that's no where near as fun. I really get so much enjoyment out of adding on to the same system and making it mine. It's my baby.

LePhuronn, I did actually, inside and out, there aren't any markings apart from to say "Fan speed control" on the back, under the fan speed control knob. If i can get away without having to change PSU then i will try to, it has been extremely reliable and seems to do the job. Also, if i were to upgrade it, i would have to try and get the best one, and the best PSUs are mega expensive.

Yeah i had realised that would be the case, but wouldn't the card come with one? I'd been assuming it would, however i had planned on ordering those bits at the same time as the card just in case, to double up on the shipping, 8 quid a time from OCUK is extortionate.

Thanks for posting those links to the additional info I want to say 'hot stuff', but i guess that would be a bit inaccurate! So i'll go with 'Very cool!"

And yeah, the case is absolutely huge, i think it was before space-saving was really a big thing. I think it may have been intended as a server? I can't be sure though.

Asus P6T