General hardware upgrade question

deSade · 5 Mar 2009 at 11:39

Hi all

I'm wanting to upgrade my desktop & was wondering if I could get some opinions on the best upgrade(s) to increase gaming performance.

My current set-up is:

E6600 CPU
Asus Comando mobo
BFG 8800gtx
2GB Cellshock memory 6400
WD Raptors x2
Enermax 800w PSU
XP Home Edition

Nothing is overclocked.

Many thanks

ChrisLX200 · 5 Mar 2009 at 11:43

An extra 2G memory and a better GFX card (295GTX?) , and overclock that cpu.

icey_haj · 5 Mar 2009 at 11:47

ChrisLX200 said:
An extra 2G memory and a better GFX card (295GTX?) , and overclock that cpu.

EDIT: 295 is outrageously priced. Go for a 1GB 4870, can be had for £165 and will be a nice boost from your 8800.

ChrisLX200 · 5 Mar 2009 at 11:51

Pricy but no budget was quoted, just 'best'

icey_haj · 5 Mar 2009 at 11:53

ChrisLX200 said:
Pricy but no budget was quoted, just 'best'

Well if he said 'best' then you should have told him to buy an i7 extreme as well.

deSade · 5 Mar 2009 at 12:09

Sorry, yes there is a budget of about £280.

I am concerned about the FSB speed, but then I'd probably need a much bigger upgrade than I'd really want!

ChrisLX200 · 5 Mar 2009 at 12:16

Well RAM is cheap just now so grab some, a 4870 falls within that budget too and it is a good gaming card. You haven't said what screen you're using so if it's less than 24" that would be a good upgrade also (not performance but the whole gaming experiance is improved with a good screen).

deSade · 5 Mar 2009 at 12:20

BTW, the Cellshock memory is dual channel but I also have a 1GB stick of OCZ PC6400. Would it be advisable to use that as well, or could that hinder performance?

mp260767 · 5 Mar 2009 at 12:23

i'd get a 2x2gb pack of memory and a cooler for the processor and overclock it.

ChrisLX200 · 5 Mar 2009 at 12:32

You don't want to mix RAM if you can avoid it, it will hinder overclocking ability if nothing else. You want to stay with dual channel, adding another single stick means that part won't run at the smae speed.

deSade · 5 Mar 2009 at 14:16

mp260767 said:
i'd get a 2x2gb pack of memory and a cooler for the processor and overclock it.

I'd rather try and get another 2x1GB set of the same Cellshock if possible (nice memory).

I've already got a Thermalight 120 cooler for the CPU, but I'm rubbish/scared of overclocking!!

MoRT489 · 5 Mar 2009 at 15:12

GTX 260 and another 2GB of RAM f.t.w! Ocing the CPU to 3GHZ shouldnt case u too much hassle or require much of an increase in temps but u will see improved performance when coupled with the latest gen GPUs.