Does a processor upgrade increase framerates?

[Jango]

I am thinking about upgrading my current E6550 Core 2 Duo 2.33Ghz processor to a Q6600/6700 Core 2 Quad 2.4/2.66Ghz processor.

I have recently upgraded my graphics card to a GeForce GTX 260 896Mb, which has increased framerates a lot on Crysis but it is only at 15-20fps on Very High settings.

Would the new processor increase framerates to around 25-30fps, or make much difference at all?

NB: I am not interested in overclocking, as I won't be upgrading the heatsink when I put my new processor in and I don't want it to overheat.

 

[alex24]

Yeah, for quad enabed games you should see a nice increase, though it'd be such a shame not to overclock the quad to see a large performance gain for your money. Why not pick up a second hand freezer 7 pro or something cheap that'll do the job? You may as well if you're upgrading.

 

[Jango]

But I am worried it will overheat as I will probably be buying the processor chip on its own without a new heatsink. Would my current one be OK for overclocking? Would a freezer 7 pro work with my LGA775 motherboard?

How much do you think it would increase the framerates by (with and without overclocking)?

 

[alex24]

You'd need a new stock heatsink most likely anyway, as the quad is a higher power CPU than the dual core you have there, so more cooling power would be needed. The freezer 7 pro is 775 only.

As for quantitative results, I suggest you look up some CPU benchmarks on sites like toms hardware or similar, it's never going to be the same as your setup though, but it should give an idea.

 

[SkodaMart]

I would say buy a good after market cooler and overclock the CPU you have.
I had an E6600 @ 3.3 GHz I swapped it for a Q6700 @ 3.4 GHz and I didn't see any improvement at all in most applications.
I am now running an E8500 @ 4.0GHz and I see better framerates in just about everything!

 

[Jango]

If I do overclock it, then surely it won't be as good as a quad-core, GTA4 and Resident Evil 5 both recommend a quad-core and so will games in the future.

If my overclocked dual-core would be good enough for the future, which good after market stock coolers do you recommend? Would they work with my PSU and LGA775 motherboard?

Here are the details on my PSU sticker:

(H.E.C) HIGH-QUALITY EVOLUTION COMMITMENT

HEC-550TD-PTE
__________________________________________________ _______
AC INPUT:..|...230Vac 50Hz 7A................................................ .|
__________|_______________________________________ _______|
DC OUTPUT:|.+3.3V..|..+5V..|...+12V1..|..+12V2.|..-12V...|..+5Vsb.|
__________|_______|______|________|_______|_______ |_______|
MAX.A:......|..30A....|.38A....|....18A....|..17A. ...|...0.3A..|...2A.....|
__________|_______|______|________|_______|_______ |_______|
....+5V8+3.3V COMBINED 185W...........TOTAL OUTPUT 550W..........|
__________________________________________________ _______|

 

[alex24]

Doubt a generic power supply and overclocking mix to be honest. Might want to look at a proper, more solid PSU of around 450-550W. Something like a corsair.

 

[Jango]

It can handle my GTX 260 896Mb graphics card, and they are huge. I don't really want to buy a new PSU...

You say that around 450-550W would be fine, but it is 550W.

 

[alex24]

Don't then.

 

[Jango]

So you are certain that it won't work? PS: Thank you for your help so far

 

[alex24]

You say that around 450-550W would be fine, but it is 550W.

There's a big difference between a rubbish 550W PSU and a decent 550W PSU. One will cost about £30 and the other £70 upwards. It's for a reason. A decent brand 400W PSU would probably handle your rig fine, as they can sustain a load of 400W constantly, sometimes more. The cheap 550W PSU may not even be able to do that.

My advice is upgrade it, but you can certainly try without it, just don't come crying back here when it goes pop and has taken out your motherboard with it.

 

[Jango]

Would it be able to handle any quad-core processors at all, seeing that it can't handle the heatsink needed to overclock my current one?

 

[alex24]

I don't know. It might, or it might not. On paper it should, but it wouldn't surprise me if it gave up the ghost fairly quickly after installing a quad. Not quite sure what you mean about the heatsink and how that has any relation to the PSU though.

Perhaps holf off an upgrade until you can get a new PSU, CPU and heatsink at the same time. Good ones. I'm guessing that this is a pre-built machine you've popped a high end gfx card into. Christmas isn't long, treat yourself if you're serious about PC gaming.

 

[Jango]

So, it isn't the heatsink that is the problem, it is the processor?

If not, would I be able to upgrade my processor without upgrading the heatsink?

Although, I could just buy the processor and if it doesn't work i'll sell it on eBay; as that is where I will get it from. But I would still like you to answer my questions ^^.

 

[alex24]

I already answered those questions, just re-read what I've posted. Good luck.