Should I Upgrade ?

[chrissyburns]

Hey guys I have ran into a problem where my computer isn't as stable anymore I don't know where the problem comes from I have looked more into overclocking so I know I can do it the right way. So I have a Gigabyte 990FXA - UD3, AMD FX-6100 and 8GB Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz (stuck at 1333MHz since I bought them). I have been able to keep it at 4.2 GHz at 1.35V stable for the past year with slight stutters and crashes which made me realize this motherboard sucks or something isn't right even . So I tried overclocking the Ram to 1600MHz which it is meant to be at by default and fails to boot then just gave up and left it at default settings (CPU 3.3GHz and Ram 1333MHz) then it would run stable with some BSOD's . So coming to the conclusion it's my 18th in July I want to get this running stable and overclock-able should I just get a new motherboard and possibly Ram or CPU ?? or start fresh with an Intel build although I would like some money left over for driving but I know for definite I will get a new Graphics card for upcoming next gen games that could use more graphics headroom. also I have a FSP 700W Gold Efficient PSU enough headroom there also.

All of my parts are nearly 2 years old and well took care of, I clean my case every month for dust build up.

Any opinion, help, advice would help so much thanks

 

[lee32uk]

Hi

You have a very good Motherboard there so that shouldn't be the issue. Have you tried loading the XMP profile for your Ram, to get it running at 1600MHz ?

There will be an option somewhere in the BIOS which will enable you to run a profile for the Ram at 1600MHz.

An upgrade path would be a 8320 cpu and a 280X/290 gpu or Nvidia 770/780. Your current gpu should overclock for a nice boost though, and is still pretty decent.

 

[P4Clock]

There is no need for you to upgrade right now.

8gb of 1600mhz ram is fine
FX-6100 is fine
Motherboard is fine
GFX.... if you play lots of new games then a new card would been needed but if you only play the game you have then its fine.

an 8 ciore cpu is pointless really unless you run programs that will use all 8 cores,
As you useing AMD any GFX over 280 / 760 will be bottle neched by the cup even if you upgrade it so find a cheap 7950(r9 280) or 7970(r9 280x)

as for your OC stuttering i would say it down to the low voltage, or you going to a little too high. ever way 1.35 is low.

 

[chrissyburns]

Hi

You have a very good Motherboard there so that shouldn't be the issue. Have you tried loading the XMP profile for your Ram, to get it running at 1600MHz ?

There will be an option somewhere in the BIOS which will enable you to run a profile for the Ram at 1600MHz.

An upgrade path would be a 8320 cpu and a 280X/290 gpu or Nvidia 770/780. Your current gpu should overclock for a nice boost though, and is still pretty decent.

Thanks, yes I have tried a 1600MHz profile and it just fails to boot every time can't even touch any setting for the ram. don't know weither to upgrade the cpu or not anymore because it is a 3 Core 6 Thread cpu and handles anything fine just not able to overclock it to it been stable enough. I had a look at the 280X and it seems beast enough to handle any next gen game so it's future proofed especially with 3GB of VRAM

 

[chrissyburns]

There is no need for you to upgrade right now.

8gb of 1600mhz ram is fine
FX-6100 is fine
Motherboard is fine
GFX.... if you play lots of new games then a new card would been needed but if you only play the game you have then its fine.

an 8 ciore cpu is pointless really unless you run programs that will use all 8 cores,
As you useing AMD any GFX over 280 / 760 will be bottle neched by the cup even if you upgrade it so find a cheap 7950(r9 280) or 7970(r9 280x)

as for your OC stuttering i would say it down to the low voltage, or you going to a little too high. ever way 1.35 is low.

Yeah the card needs to go soon it's no just Watch Dogs I play most other games I can get maxed out just fine but recently more demanding games are out so it's worth the upgrade. I seen a overclocking tutorial and the guy stated FX series cpus can't handle high voltages as well so I thought that was the issue haha. So increase the voltages and start overclocking again then run prime 95 and I will post back here of the outcome.

 

[lee32uk]

If you are keeping your current board then you could go for a fx8320 and R9 280X. I don't know if it would solve the problem with the Ram though, although the difference between 1333 and 1600 is pretty negligible.

You could always try asking in the memory section and see if anyone knows a solution.