Current system no longer cutting it. Need advice (Yes a dull upgrade thread)

Laoch · 11 Aug 2011 at 02:52

Hi,

Been using OC for many years. I occasionally lurk the forums, but haven't for a few years. I've built nearly every computer I own, but with college and work I have no idea what's good standards these days. I'm mainly looking to change because I think my PC is decent but struggling and with BF3 coming out I'm worried I'll finally start to turn the settings to low.. (BF:BC 2 runs well on medium only)

So what I'm basically looking for is advice on upgrading and whether a new card will do the job or I'll need an entirely new system.

Currently my build is the following:

Samsung SpinPoint F1 1TB SATA-II 32MB Cache - OEM (HD103UJ)

Asus P5Q Intel P45 (Socket 775) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 LGA775 'Yorkfield' 2.66GHz 12MB-cache (1333FSB) Processor - Retail

G.Skill 4GB DDR2 PQ PC2-8000C5 (2x2GB) CAS5 Dual Channel Kit (F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ)

Gainward GTX295 - Graphics adapter - 2 GPUs - GF GTX 295 - PCI Express 2.0 x16 - 1.75 GB GDDR3 - DVI, HDMI ( HDCP )

This all runs on a Samsung 27" monitor at 1920x1200. The 295 GTX is is very loud and very hot and does my head in. I was hoping I could get a good card and just replace that component, but fear I'll bottleneck the new one. Would I get away with only a GFX upgrade or do I need an overhaul?

Thanks

EDIT: Forgot to mention I'm running Win7 64-bit

Jony27 · 11 Aug 2011 at 02:59

nothing really worth upgrading, wait for the new toys coming out in the coming months.
the CPU could be bottlenecking the GPUs, have you tried overclocking the CPU?
get a decent cooler and overclock it, you should see a performance boost/rise in games/general use.

honosuseri · 11 Aug 2011 at 03:08

How much money do you have in the budget?

I would definately go with a gfx card upgrade. I'll attach a link that shows your current cpu is still on par for gaming with an i3 2100 (often spec'd in budget gaming builds). If you havent already an aftermarket heatsink would be a wise purchase (choose one that covers your socket and a future socket you might well upgrade to).

Start a thread in the overclocking section if you need advice overclocking your CPU. An aftermarket heatsink will easily get you to 3-3.4 Ghz. More than matching required minimum spec for games.

If i had a budget it would be easier to suggest parts

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/51?vs=289

Jony27 · 11 Aug 2011 at 03:13

id keep the 2xgtx295s

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/317?vs=330
closest comparison i could get.
thats with a single gtx285 vs a gtx560ti, with sli gtx285, you should get nearly double the fps of the single. they dont scale aswell as new gen cards but it will still be close to double the fps. and the 285 being slower than the 295.

just buy a cooler and overclock the CPU.

honosuseri · 11 Aug 2011 at 03:41

I did look at the GPU benchmarks too Jony. I simply took into account that the OP said the current config was driving him bonkers.

I wouldnt suggest buying anything till the game is actually released. See what your current rig manages then compare it with screenshots & benchmarks once you upgrade the GPU. It makes sense to save now and buy when you need it.

The gtx 295 is also a directx10 card only. Obviously a newer card will be 11 allowing the new "special effects" for games. Couple that with it being a better house mate by making less noise and not working part time as an electric fire it does make sense

The benchmarks do show those cards still pack a reasonable punch in SLI. Makes it easier to sell them on in the members market etc. If i knew what you were thinking of spending we could spec a current GPU to keep an eye on but remember it is possible that better cards maybe released nearer the BF3 release date.

If you are itching to upgrade then upgrade the heatsink now. Your CPU will thank you for it even at stock, although by having it you can ask much more of your CPU with a modest overclock.

TheYoungster · 11 Aug 2011 at 03:49

Laoch · 11 Aug 2011 at 12:54

Cheers guys. I actually only have the one 295 GTX which is very noisy and keeps me warm in winter, but sweating buckets in summer.

Great list TheYoungster. Definitely using it as a guide. I actually have some of those products like the Samsung 1TB HD, Windows Vista 64 bit and actually Win 7 64 bit, 750W power supply as well as fairly modern CD Drive and ReWriter etc.

I do have an after market cooler for the CPU and had it overclocked it at 3.0 GHz, but it ran far too hot and even at it's base speed of 2.66GHz it still runs far too hot for my liking. I suspect the cooler is utter crap despite it looking like a fridge (it's massive) and costing me 65 euro.

I'm going to go away and draw up a budget but I'll be using the above list to help me so thanks again for that.

pastymuncher · 11 Aug 2011 at 13:11

For the time being i would just get a new graphics card and good cpu cooler and then overclock that Q9450 to at least 3.6Ghz. You have a excellent motherboard to do this with.

What case do you have?

Laoch · 11 Aug 2011 at 13:18

Some crappy case I bout 8 years ago and has served me well. It's big black and ugly but does a job. Would like a new one though

jennidc · 11 Aug 2011 at 13:21

Lapping

It might be worth lapping your cpu if it runs hot at stock.

I have a q6600 which ran hot even with the Tuniq Tower.

I lapped the cooler and the q6600 and it was then much cooler and I can now overclock it to 3.6 (although I tend to leave it at 3.3 on 1.35 volts)

Youtube has some great lapping guide videos I just followed them to learn what to do. As all you need is some fine sandpaper (Halfords), a mirror and some tape it could be an extremely cheap upgrade!

Laoch · 11 Aug 2011 at 15:50

Guys how good is the 295 GTX in today's standard of graphics card. Is it a major bottle neck for my system?

pastymuncher · 11 Aug 2011 at 18:55

Laoch said:
Some crappy case I bout 8 years ago and has served me well. It's big black and ugly but does a job. Would like a new one though

So, 8 year old case with poor airflow then? Get a new case with decent airflow, new graphics card and then overclock the cpu.

honosuseri · 11 Aug 2011 at 19:30

Use that link jony posted. He compared the 285 with the 560Ti but you can change the cards to compare whatever you like.

As i said before it's a directX10 card so you cant really compare it to current GPUs. In most budget gaming builds a 460 gets spec'd. For £100ish you get slightly better fps than your card and directX11 support.

I think it would be wise to invest in a new case. Seeing as your case is so old it probably doesnt have 120mm fans. So it's louder and not shifting as much air as a more modern case.

Because your ambient temp in the case is going to be high because of your current GPU and the case. This will have a negative effect on the CPU temps which in turn hampers your overclocking options.

If you had around £200 to spend come BF3s launch date. I imagine you could cop a 560Ti or a basic 6950 and a cheap windowed case with 120mm fans together. This will give you higher FPS & directX11 support for better effects and should allow you to OC the CPU to atleast 3GHz which should still meet recommended spec for running games.

For the record you have the F1 not the F3 HDD. The F3 is better but i dont think it's worth the upgrade. Same goes for DDR2 versus DDR3 the difference in performance isn't massive. You wont be able to reuse your RAM if you change the mobo and CPU so that's an extra expense.

Because you have hinted towards gaming a better GPU makes sense as an upgrade. The new AMD CPUs are due in the fall so it's pointless for you to upgrade the core system now. Better to wait for them to be released and see what performance they offer and what they do to prices of currently available CPUs and mobos

jennidc · 11 Aug 2011 at 19:51

Case

If its a big case you might get away with adding some decent 2x120ml fans
and another to exhaust hot air.

jennidc · 11 Aug 2011 at 19:52

fans setup

Here is a good guide
http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=304051