CPU or GPU update....

[RichBowman]

Hi all,

After a bit of advice – I’m looking to possibly update my PC and I’m not sure whether to upgrade CPU or GPU. I’m currently running a E8400 at 3.6ghz, coupled to 4gb ram, EVGA nvidia 260 card (not been overwhelmed by that to be honest).

The E8400 won’t go any higher than 3.6 (most likely down to the MB – Gigabyte P43).

Options would be for an i5 750 based set up for around £350-£375, or up to about £200 for a new GPU (the cheaper option) – not really up to date with the latest and greatest GPU’s at the moment.

I largely run games (FPS like BFBC2, MW2) but do a little photoshop etc...

Any thoughts/suggestions? As understand it, the CPU might not be the bottle neck at the moment anyway.

Cheers,

Rich

 

[RichBowman]

Cheers chaps. Much appreciated.

Out of interest, what sort of power PSU would the 5850 need to run? I've a 480w at the moment and wouldn't be sure it if it was fully up to the job.

Rich

 

[RichBowman]

Cheers again guys - your views are very much appreciated.

I'm gaming at 1680 x 1050 - I've run the EVGA monitor, and it looks like the GPU is running at pretty much full tilt as far as I can tell - running BC2 in DX9 (anything else results in the White screen of death).

Ideally, I'd upgrade both!

Rich

 

[RichBowman]

Are you sure you can't squeeze some more from your E8400?

I've had a good hard try - don't seem to have any joy. Seems nice and happy at 3.6, which it did almost immediately out the box without any adjudtments. I reckon it's good for 3.8 to 4 as the CPU barely ever hits high 40C under prolonged load, but think it's the RAM or MB holding it back. If I were to replace both, I might as well go the whole hog.

Rich

 

[RichBowman]

I think a P43 chipset Gigabyte board should have no problem overclocking a E8400 to 4GHz (or even more). You should try adding more voltage to the vcore...but definitely no more than 1.4V, as a E8400 should not need that much power for overclocking. I think your default vcore should be around 1.25-1.275v, try upping it to may be 1.3 or 1.325, and see if you can get a stable 4GHz.

Cheers - I might have another crack at it when I get a chance. I've a feeling if it is failing, it's something to do with the FSB divider thing with the RAM (instead of figures like 133/166/200/800 and whatnot, it's got some strange arbitrary 2.00D or 2.00B) - can't quite see how it affects the actual speed the RAM is running at. If I could (understand how to) lock it down to 800 MHz (like the ram is supposed to run at) - I might have bit better luck - less variables. I used to have a nvidia board that ran the FSB and Memory clocks asynchronously - which would be useful.

If anyone knows of a good guide, feel free to pointme in the right direction!

Thanks,

Rich

Rich

 

[RichBowman]

Cheers for all your help chaps - puts some faith back in forums!

I think what I might do is try and push the CPU a bit further, and see how that goes. Have a slight burning hole in the pocket, so could go for the 5850, and see how the CPU market pans out in the next 6 months or so.

Thanks again guys!

Rich