Wanting to upgrade my pc guts this tax season but I have never even touched AM3 (Im just now hitting the snag of gaming with my current platform and I avoid brand new technology for a few years anyhow)
Ok, Ill start off with my current hardware:
Phenom IIx4 940 BE 3.0Gh/z
4GB DDR2 800 memory
Biostar Ta-790GX a2+ mobo
EVGA GTX-260
Sigma Shark 500w(?) PSU
Ok...Ive learned real fast that AM3 is not cheap but Im trying to get the best upgrades I can for the money. I AM a hardcore gamer so I need reliable parts.
To start with the Mobo Im 100% going asus or biostar. I need the Full ATX form factor. Any thoughts there as to best budget mobo?
Next Im looking at which phenom to get. I dont think Im ready for a 6 core and 8 cores are a bit out of my budget thus far. So Im dealing with the 4 core. Im currently running the 3.0Gh/z am2 model. If I get the 3.0Gh/z Am3+ model will it be much better? Need suggestions there.
And now the kicker question. Im running my GTX260. If I get into a full AM3 system with 16g of ram will my gaming performance be hindered or improved if I keep running the 260? If I would run into bottlenecking what would be a cost effective upgrade to the 260 thats NOT a 550 (WAY too expensive).
Hoping for some helpful responses here. Im pretty tech savy but I know nothing about AM3 on personal use. Thanks all!
Ok, Ill start off with my current hardware:
Phenom IIx4 940 BE 3.0Gh/z
4GB DDR2 800 memory
Biostar Ta-790GX a2+ mobo
EVGA GTX-260
Sigma Shark 500w(?) PSU
Ok...Ive learned real fast that AM3 is not cheap but Im trying to get the best upgrades I can for the money. I AM a hardcore gamer so I need reliable parts.
To start with the Mobo Im 100% going asus or biostar. I need the Full ATX form factor. Any thoughts there as to best budget mobo?
Next Im looking at which phenom to get. I dont think Im ready for a 6 core and 8 cores are a bit out of my budget thus far. So Im dealing with the 4 core. Im currently running the 3.0Gh/z am2 model. If I get the 3.0Gh/z Am3+ model will it be much better? Need suggestions there.
And now the kicker question. Im running my GTX260. If I get into a full AM3 system with 16g of ram will my gaming performance be hindered or improved if I keep running the 260? If I would run into bottlenecking what would be a cost effective upgrade to the 260 thats NOT a 550 (WAY too expensive).
Hoping for some helpful responses here. Im pretty tech savy but I know nothing about AM3 on personal use. Thanks all!