Spec me please

caz32 · 31 Jan 2010 at 11:59

Hey all

I'm looking to upgrade my CPU, Mobo and RAM (PSU if needed).

My current rig is:

E5200 @ 3.2 (overclocked)
2GB RAM, 667MHz
ATI 4770 (overclocked to max)
Intel Conroe 1333-D667 (Motherboard)
500W Arctic PSU

I have about £250 to spend.

Also my resolution is 1680x1050, My current rig is OK, I can max out most games at native but there is some slow downs which are doing my head in now lol.

If possible I want my new parts give me a performance increase in games like Dragon Age Origins, Mass Effect 2, and upcoming Alien VS Predator.

Thanks!

So if possible I would like to notice the increase from the new parts

CAT-THE-FIFTH · 31 Jan 2010 at 12:58

Get a new PSU and this should help with things.

In this thread the OP had issues with slowdowns in games and it was most likely do the el-cheapo PSU they were using:

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18106507&highlight=PSU+username_CAT-THE-FIFTH

You HD4770 overclocked should as fast or even faster than an HD4850 which should do fine in most modern games at 1680X1050.

I would get the following PSU as a minimum:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-026-OC

If you want DX11 and have Vista or Windows 7 get an HD5770 1GB:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/search_results.php?sortby=priceAsc&search=hd 5770

If you have XP get and HD4870 1GB:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-204-SP

The HD5830 is coming out next month so I would probably wait until it comes out to see what sort of performance it has and of course its pricing.

caz32 · 31 Jan 2010 at 13:05

Yeah, I am on Windows 7 32 Bit, I'm sticking with my GPU for now, but I am looking to upgrade my RAM, CPU and Motherboard.

Ill Probably buy that PSU, if you could recommend the above?

Essexraptor · 31 Jan 2010 at 13:21

+1 on the PSU

Minimum one you should consider.

Essexraptor · 31 Jan 2010 at 13:26

NB. Just check with sales first

The product description says 2 x PCI-Express cables and a 4/8 CPU auxiliary cable BUT the list says 1 x PCI-E and 1 x 4-pin CPU !!!! might be a typo??

CAT-THE-FIFTH · 31 Jan 2010 at 13:28

caz32 said:
Yeah, I am on Windows 7 32 Bit, I'm sticking with my GPU for now, but I am looking to upgrade my RAM, CPU and Motherboard.

Ill Probably buy that PSU, if you could recommend the above?

Here is a review for the PSU:

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/798/1

With 32 bit Windows you are limited to around 4GB of RAM including the RAM on your graphics card. Hence 4GB of RAM under 32 bit Windows with a 512MB graphics card will leave you around 3.25GB of usable system RAM. Upgrade to a 1GB graphics card and you will have less useable system RAM.

This is the best upgrade within your budget and considering you are getting a PSU too:

OCZ StealthXStream 500w ~ £43

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-026-OC&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=

AMD Phenom II X2 550BE ~ £72

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-249-AM

Asus M4A77D ~ £60

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-376-AS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1482

4GB 1066MHZ DDR2 ~ £68

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-192-CS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=817

The X2 550BE has a good chance of unlocking to a quad core and it is worth looking at this thread:

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=227004

TBH,you could probably get away with using your existing system for the time being.

Essexraptor · 31 Jan 2010 at 13:55

Or if your not AMD minded consider a i3 build like this

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=BU-042-OE

It does not need to be this particular bundle if you intend to overclock yourself, which it appears you can do anyway!. But will give you the basics for a solid system and buying OEM will keep the price within your budget limits.

caz32 · 31 Jan 2010 at 14:37

Also, I don't think I get the slow downs like the guy who you posted the link to, I just get them in certain parts, Like in Mass Effect 2 I go to the Citadel and my FPS just drops when I go into certain parts

Im going with the AMD bundle, Thanks!

caz32 · 4 Feb 2010 at 20:02

I got my CPU today and i was wondering if there is a specific guide for my motherboard? If not ill just research it a bit more

(my motherboards the one CAT told me to buy)

ASUS M4A77D

CAT-THE-FIFTH · 4 Feb 2010 at 20:12

caz32 said:
I got my CPU today and i was wondering if there is a specific guide for my motherboard? If not ill just research it a bit more

(my motherboards the one CAT told me to buy)

ASUS M4A77D

This thread should help:

http://www.overclock.net/amd-cpus/535501-amd-phenom-ii-core-unlocking-guide.html

Try to keep the voltage under 1.5V and temperatures under 60C.

I would not try to overclock a fully unlocked X2 550BE too much with the stock cooler as it would be better to invest in a better heatsink as it will run hotter. If you have a spare fan direct some cool air towards the VRM area as seen in this webpage:

http://edgemeal.110mb.com/AMD_Unlock/index.htm

caz32 · 5 Feb 2010 at 08:53

cheers, will look in to it!