I would like to upgrade *Update*

[brin]

Hi folks, I built my PC 3 years ago and I would like to upgrade my video card. I’ve been out of the loop since then and would really appreciate some help. I am also thinking about upgrading my CPU. Can someone suggest a good upgrade? Thanks. Here are my Specs.

Motherboard – Gigabyte P35-DS3L socket 775 . It has one PCI E x16 1.0 slot not 2.0 . Is it still compatible with the newer GPU’s ?
CPU - Intel core2 duo E6850 3.0 GHz
Video card - NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS 512
8Gb of RAM
Power Supply – 650W
Windows7 64 bit

 

[55Range]

Hello, at what is your screen resolution ?
Ati 5770, gtx 460, 6850, 6870..
Many alternatives, what is your budget ?

 

[brin]

1680 x 1050
I would like to keep it under $500 for both cpu and gpu . Thanks

 

[55Range]

I noticed your motherboard, is x16, but is it specced as 2.0 compatible ?
check that-
For cpu, you will have to continue with socket 775, a core 2 quad [Q 8400 or Q 9400 or >].
AS for gpu, a 5770 , will do great at that resolution or gtx 460 for even better perf..
Btw, what psu model is it ?

 

[brin]

My mobo website don't say if it is or isn't compatible ...i don't know
power supply is thermaltake toughpower 650w

 

[55Range]

For psu, absolutely fine, will run both cpu and gpu w/o prob.
Try to get more info on the mobo, i also checked, they didnt list it as 2.0 comp, well i guess it isnt .

 

[55Range]

I checked, comp with p 35 and a new gpu for eg gtx 460, you might get a little perf loss with the mobo but you should be fine, a mobo upgrade would make your system better though.

 

[coozie7]

Some PCI-E 1.0/1.1 motherboards have issues with PCI-E 2.1 cards, but otherwise all are usually compatable, so check the specs carefully before you make a purchase and steer clear of PCI-E 2.1 cards.
Even now few games make full use of a Quad, most like a fast CPU instead so I'd suggest you invest in a decent cooler and overclock that E6850 rather than buy what is now, an obsolete LGA 775 Quad.
As for GPU 55range nailed it-The HD5770 is a minimum upgrade while the HD6850/GTX460 will allow faster gameplay at higher settings.
The PSU is more than adequate for any of these single cards.


Why not get yourself a cup of hot cocoa and a few biscuits and have a read here:

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/gaming-graphics-radeon-hd-6870-radeon-hd-6850,review-32039.html

 

[brin]

I really appreciate you taking the time to help me 55range! So you think If I upgrade to a Q 9400 and the GTX460 it will be a pretty big improvement? even with the same mobo? If I did go ahead and change the Mobo do you have any suggestions? I've been out of the loop for some time

 

[55Range]

Np, yes a good upgrade, you will have pretty same specs as mine then, as for mobo, a P45 [ddr2 ram though] will do, decent cost, and decent performance-

 

[brin]

Coozie7 when I built my PC 3 years ago that was the case then. Games didn't make full use of the quads . Its still that way now? I never overclock before so i don't know about that

 

[55Range]

Games do use quad core now, most games i play make use of the quad core..

 

[brin]

Ok, I went with the GTX 470 GPU . I had a few issues at first with it but a few settings in my bios Seemed to fix it . Its a huge jump in performance. Here is my next issue , I have a Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 on its way and it looks like I have to update my bios. I've never done this before and I'm not sure I should try it . I hear its risky . Anyone have any advise? Thanks


Motherboard – Gigabyte P35-DS3L socket 775
CPU - Intel core2 duo E6850 3.0 GHz
Video card - NVIDIA GTX 470
8Gb of RAM
Power Supply – 650W
Windows7 64 bi

 

[55Range]

Well, go to your boards manu.. website, check for any bios update utility -

 

[brin]

Best answer selected by brin.

 

[55Range]

Enjoy

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey