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Seeking advice regarding upgrade(s)

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  • Homebuilt
  • Systems
Last response: in Systems
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November 16, 2009 3:57:17 PM

Hey guys ( and girls if any ). I'm not english, so please excuse me, if there are some spelling or grammar errors.

Let me start out with my current system:

Motherboard: Asus P5N-E SLI
CPU: Intel E6850 ( No OC )
RAM: Kingston ValueRam PC2-6400 - 4 GB
GPU: GeForce 8800GT
LCD: Samsung SyncMaster 2693HM ( I think its 25.5" )

What do I use my computer for? Def. Mostly gaming. Call of Duty: MW/MW2 and World of Warcraft. I dont play any other games at the moment, but would like the opportunity to play newer and more demanding games, as they come out.

I'm really having a hard time trying to figure out, whats need a upgrade here. I mean, I can play MW2, but it annoys me a bit, that I cant play it in top resolution ( 1920 x 1200 ), or with details at max.

What do you think I should upgrade? CPU/Mobo or GPU? I'm also thinking about going for 2x 8800GT. Is that stupid considering the new cards on the market?

I havent read that much about the new techs on the market, the last couple of months, so I'm not that into it anymore. But I would really like to get a advice regarding what to focus on.

Thanks in advance :) 

More about : seeking advice upgrade

a b B Homebuilt system
November 16, 2009 4:10:08 PM

Well, nothing on that system is too bad, but it looks like it's all about two years old, is all. You could try putting in a Radeon 5770 (or 58xx series if you have the money), which will give a slight boost to your graphics capabilities and also keep you current for DirectX 11. I mean, your existing card isn't terrible by any means, but it's now a step down from top-tier.

Same story with your processor ... although you could get a little more performance out of it for free by overclocking it. If not, a quad core CPU could give you the boost you need.

One more thing -- what kind of power supply do you have? That could make a difference, especially with some of the higher-end video cards.
November 16, 2009 4:12:27 PM

Oh crap, even though I just changed the PSU, I cant remember what its called. But its a 450W.

Right now, I'm looking at this CPU: Phenom II X4 955

As far as I can tell from various tests, its a great CPU for gaming?
a b B Homebuilt system
November 16, 2009 4:32:54 PM

PF85 said:
Oh crap, even though I just changed the PSU, I cant remember what its called. But its a 450W.

Right now, I'm looking at this CPU: Phenom II X4 955

As far as I can tell from various tests, its a great CPU for gaming?


It's a good CPU, but not as good as the i5 or i7. But if you got an AMD chip, you'd also have to replace your motherboard since AMD and Intel chips use different sockets. Replacing your motherboard usually means formatting your hard drive and reinstalling Windows. So I doubt you want to go through all that.

That chip you mentioned is basically the equivalent of an Intel quad core, which DOES fit in your current motherboard. So a quad core is what I'd get if I were you. This chart will probably be helpful in determining which CPU does what:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-gaming-cpu,243...

Of course, your current CPU is not THAT far from the top ... so if I were in your shoes, before I spent a couple hundred bucks on a new processor, I'd try overclocking my existing one and see if that got me good enough results to be content with. Buying a new CPU may be easier and give you better peace of mind, though.

Your power supply should be plenty to handle most video cards, including the 5770, although I'd double-check with certain cards that are known power hogs.
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