GDDR3 or GDDR5?

[newb2745]

Hello, i have a Dell Optiplex 755 mini-tower. Here are my specs:

- Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 @2.53 GHz
- 8.00 GB DDR2 RAM
- Windows 7 Pro 64-bit
- 500 GB HDD


I am thinking of getting the HIS Radeon 7750 graphics card. However, there are two versions:

H775F1GD --- (1 GB of GDDR5 memory)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161403

H775FS2G --- (2 GB of GDDR3 memory)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161427


One has 1gb of DDR5, while the other card has more memory at 2gb but is DDR3. I am also considering upgrading my processor to a quad core if necessary. What do you guys think? They are both priced the same, and I would like the best of the two. Thanks!

 

[kitsunestarwind]

1gb of GDDR5 is faster then 2gb of GDDR3
1gb will be enough memory for the settings you would play at on that card, and GDDR5 will offer better performance then GDDR3

 

[dscudella]

1gb GDDR5 is better than 2gb GDDR3. The resolutions the 7750 will play respectably at won't tax more than the 1gb.

What's your motherboard? If you try to upgrade your CPU you will also have to upgrade your motherboard, RAM & PSU.

Edit: Doh, kitsunestarwind beat me by 60 secs

 

[newb2745]

I'm not sure about the exact motherboard, but it supports the LGA-775 socket. I have a 305W PSU..

 

[dscudella]

Download CPU-Z and check the motherboards tab.

On the LGA 775 you could swap CPU's for a Q6600 or Extreme QX. The problem would be finding one new and how much are you going to pay for it. I'm afraid that what you'll pay for a new Quad Core you could get a MATX 1155 Motherboard and a locked i5. The problem would then be upgrading to DDR3 RAM and your PSU.

 

[newb2745]

so it's not worth getting a core 2 quad? if not, i'll just opt for the video card alone.

 

[dscudella]

so it's not worth getting a core 2 quad? if not, i'll just opt for the video card alone.

Shop around before giving up. The cheapest I was finding Quad Core's on 775 was ~$200 (new). For that price it's not worth it. If you want to take the chance on a used CPU I'm sure you could find them fairly cheap on eBay, but that's entirely up to you.

The problem is that the 775 chipset has been dead for quite some time. You're better off upgrading everything to 1155 or 970/990 now or wait until next year when the new Intel's drop (Haswell).

But, by all means, feel free to upgrade to an HD 7750. While the 7750 doesn't take any additional power from the PSU like a 7770 would, I would still look at upgrading your PSU in the near future. The units that come with pre built systems have just enough Amps & Wattage to run the computer as it is.

 

[newb2745]

So i found a Q9550 processor for $199. Because my computer comes with Dell's modified motherboard, I can't replace the motherboard. If I do get a new one, I will have to get a new case as well (costing me more money).

With that being said, is this processor a good deal? Or will it really make that big a difference from my current E7200?

 

[Sumukh_Bhagat]

CPU upgrade will not make any difference until you get LGA 1155 Mobo and CPUs.
Just get that 7750 DDR5, because its faster than DDR3.

You'll not cross 1GB of your VRAM with that GPU. So, don't take tension for VRAM.
7750 is Decent GPU and should run fine.
7750 doesn't require any outer PSU Connections. It draws Power from PCI sot.

 

[newb2745]

So even if i upgrade from Core 2 Duo E7200 (what i have now) to a Core 2 Quad Q9550, there won't be a big difference? I thought quad-core was much better than a dual-core?

Anyway, I'm not in the market for a new motherboard since that will require me to buy a case as well. And then I'll have to buy decent components to load the new system. With that being said, is it even worth buying the processor for $199? I feel it will be cheaper in the long run. What are your thoughts?

 

[Sumukh_Bhagat]

It may give you a better experience but why get a Old Processor. You'll again have to upgrade soon.
Save money and get i5.

 

[newb2745]

So if i am to build a new computer, can you give me any links to a decent motherboard and case?

 

[Sumukh_Bhagat]

Which socket? LGA 1154 Mobo for i5 ?

 

[newb2745]

Maybe i'll go with an i7...

 

[Sumukh_Bhagat]

If you do some Rendering, Encoding or any other Work stuff at large scale then get i7.
Or else i5 3570k is also good for Softwares and best for gaming.

 

[newb2745]

Best answer selected by newb2745.