Do I need to upgrade my CPU?

what games do you play? I would think the CPU will be slowing down some games but some will be limited more by the GPU.

what games and what resolution?

Keep in mind, new processor = new motherboard = new RAM (DDR3).

Ok first of all what's your budget ?
Which games you will be playing ?
Which psu do you have ?

Hi musicman23

If you are very lucky your motherboard may support Core 2 duo cpu's

A second hand core 2 duo (at similar speed to the P 4 D) will give a significant increase in performance for a reasonable price

check the motherboard manufacturers web site for compatible cpu's

A re-install of Windows and up to date AMD/ATI Radeon Drivers will be cheaper.

regards

Mike Barnes

i think pentium d is 775 socket and core 2duo support it.
your current processor is very very slow

Since you mention Intel i3 3220, it means you are prepared to budget/save up for a new complete build, which will be a very smart decision.

For how long have you used your current Pentium system?

Well im currently playing skyrim, ME3 and NBA 2k12.

It seems fine at first but it just got slower and slower along the way, my drivers are up to date so I chose to upgrade my RAM but it didn't help so I am thinking my processor needs to be upgraded as it is really really old.

My budget for the CPU is aroung $100 to $150 can you name any suggestions? my mobo is a gigabyte G31m - ES2C

Thanks for the replies guys!  

Checked your mobo cpu support list and it looks like you can upgrade quite ahead.
At that budget you can get an extreme quad core but then the cpu - gpu combination will become odd.
So my suggestion is that increase the budget a little more and upgrade both cpu and gpu

Windows picks up lots of crap over the years that can make it get slower, re-installing fixes that.

Another thing that can make CPUs slow down is heat either due to the HSF getting packed with dust, loosening contact between the HSF and CPU or the paste/TIM breaking down. You might want to try running monitoring software along with your games to see if this might be your problem.

Can you suggest a good combination of cpu and gpu for my mobo?

What is the maximum budget ?
At least get a core 2 duo e7xxx and above