Core2Quad in existing system vs. new system with i7

[skyguy04]

I'm debating weather or not to upgrade to a Core2Quad processor in my current system, or just bite the bullet and upgrade the whole system for an i7. here is my current system:

Core2Duo E6750 OC'd to 3.4ghz
4 GB DDR2 Super Talent memory
Asus P5N-T Deluxe Mobo
HIS Radeon HD 5850 Video Card

Windows 7 64bit
Eyefinity setup with 3 standard aspect monitors running at 3840x1024 resolution

Work:
Photoshop CS4, Dreamweaver CS4, Fireworks CS4, misc others

Play:
Battlefield Bad Company 2

Let's be real... i'm really just trying to boost gaming performance as this is my home PC. Your advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[skyguy04]

Thanks ct1615. I'm curious where i'd get the most bang for my buck though. Ie. I can get a Core2Quad 9550 or 9650 for around $300. Where as a new i7 system with DD3 would probably cost me around a grande. However, i don't want to be wasting $300 for not much performance increase.

 

[daship]

I doubt for your money you can increase your game experience much more then it is now. You could increase your all around performance with a Intel SSD.

 

[calinkula]

At that res it's the GPU holding you back, crossfire will help more than a CPU upgrade. Although I think you'll need to upgrade both to get the performance you're imagining.

 

[ainarssems]

Your cpu @3.4GHz should not have any problems for gaming. At 3840x1024 I bet it is Your video card holding You back. Get another HD5850 for crossfire if Your m/b supports it.

 

[ainarssems]

That m/b is 780i chipset so no crossfire I am afraid.

Without video upgrade I am afraid You will not see much improvement with either Core2Quad or i7 @ 3840x1024 resolution for gaming except some games like FSX or GTAIV.

 

[garygole85]

Just note in your mind, if u decided to go for LGA 1156 or LGA 1366, put it in your mind that you would want a mid range MOBO, i5 - i7 processor, mid range ram, which estimated at around $800ish or more.

Also, you better check some reviews on core 2 quad processors such as Q9550, Q9650 compared to i7 920 or whatsoever iCPU out there, then make up your mind.

As me? i just bought a Q9650 and going to OC it up to 4.2Ghz or so, as i game much and i am very very very happy with this Q9650 purchase.

If you have the money and going to spend more to LGA1366, then go ahead. But be ware, i9 is coming already

 

[skyguy04]

Thank you all for your help! I think you've talked me out of the Core2Quad route. I have access to an XFX HD 5870. I think i'll give that a try next. I also like the idea of an overall boost with the SSD. Do those really make a big difference in load times?

 

[Scotteq]

I doubt for your money you can increase your game experience much more then it is now. You could increase your all around performance with a Intel SSD.

Quoted For Truth. And yah - It makes a noticable difference in load times. Though not, as pointed out, in FPS once all is loaded and running.

On a cost per GB worth of storage basis, though, SSD's are VERY expensive. So the current wisdom is to use a Small~medium sized SSD (80~128GB) for your operating system and a key applications(games) for best performance. Then use a large capacity, standard (rotating) hard drive for your Data (music, videos, pictures, and whatnot).

 

[LePhuronn]

But be ware, i9 is coming already

Since when? Or do you mean the i7 980X?

 

[garygole85]

err.. even the price is already up LePhuronn. google ssome websites regarding i9, its said the cost would be around $1000

 

[LePhuronn]

err.. even the price is already up LePhuronn. google ssome websites regarding i9, its said the cost would be around $1000

Yeah, it's the i7 980X as I thought.

And it was officially released yesterday.