Some upgrade advice sought (new processor for ASUS P5W64 WS mb system)

[MordanteUK]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking to upgrade the processor and memory for my computer system and wondering about the current options available.

I'm currently running a dual core intel 6600 2.40 ghz processor
with 2 GB ram in an ASUS P5W64 WS Professional motherboard.

I'm using a geforce 8800 gts graphics card.

Basically since getting the computer I've upgraded to a 24 inch flat screen (dell) thats absolutely lovely but its noticeable that the processor suffers a bit running some games at the 1900x1200 resolution and I'd like to improve it.

Also at some point I guess I will move over to vista and so the memory probably needs increasing to 4 GB ram.

I use the computer for general desktop work and gaming and am a particular fan of Supreme Commander - hence looking for processor upgrade options around the quadcore range that will make that game sing.

So questions - is the motherboard I've got capable of running the latest processors available - and if so what is fairly decent upgrade of the kit I've got?

And how much memory is a good idea?

I've got about 600-700 quid to spend on an upgrade and the rest of the machine is pretty good. Hard-drives, soundcards, graphic card seems fine. And the case is nice and expandable.

So its basically down to how good this motherboard is today and if it can still be upgraded with the latest processor / memory.

Any thoughts or advise please?

 

[Edward01]

from having a quick google, Yes I believe that your mobo does support latest cpu's, however, if your upgrading your whole system and have that sort of money to spend I see no reason in not getting a new mobo as well.

New GPU, Mobo, CPU and RAM all for 600

Dual Core is actually slightly better for gaming atm, but if you wanna go down the quad core route get somthing like this

But if you wanna stick with dual core get somthing like

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showp...-IN&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=793&name=Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 LGA775 'Wolfdale' "Overclocking E0 Stepping" 3.33GHz (1333FSB) - Retail

 

[martian_aphid]

I like edwards spec and would recommend the dual core for gaming because the higher clocks will aid your frame rates, I would guess more evidently in games like supreme commander.

He's also given you the option of crossfire with another 4870 should you want to at a later date.

A couple of things I suggest - If you are interested in overclocking you could save some money and get the e8400/e8500. With the money saved invest in a good air cooler like the Thermalright Ultra Extreme or the Tuniq Tower and overclock the cpu quite considerably. Also maybe consider the 1gb version of the 4870, though its not in stock yet.

 

[errata]

You could try overclocking the existing cpu first see if that helps at all

Supreme commander is a particuarly demanding game and loves memory another 1gb might help it along for less than £20. an extra 2gb is mostly wasted unles you go to 64 bit windows/vista.

http://support.asus.com/cpusupport/cpusupport.aspx?SLanguage=en-us&model=P5W64%20WS%20Professional has the cpu support list for the board so yo have lots of choice.

Cant help feeling though that memory, then oveclocking the existing cpu would help you decide if you need a graphics upgrade.

these guys went through the same optins http://www.behardware.com/articles/660-1/supreme-commander-benchmark.html