Upgrade Advice: GPU & RAM

Murcuseo · 10 Dec 2011 at 14:45

Hey guys,

I'm looking to upgrade my 5870 and 6GB of RAM to a 6970 and 12GB of RAM. I have around £500 to spend(more than I'll probably need) so I'd appreciate any advice you're willing to give. I'm looking to stick to ATi GPU's only.

Here's my current system spec:

i7 920 @ 3.2GHz
ATi Sapphire 5870(can't remember the exact OC on this, doh!)
ASUS Xonar D2
Gigabyte X58A UD3R USB 3.0
6GB Corsair XMS3 DDR3
Corsair TX650w
Antec 902

Also, due to the Over-clock is there anything I need to do within the BIOS before I make the upgrade?<-- I'm ot very tech savvy.

The GPU and RAM I have been looking at are linked below:

GPU:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-123-MS&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1752

RAM:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-294-CS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1389

What do you guys think, worth it?.

I'd appreciate any constructive input you're willing to give!

Thanks in advance.

Murcuseo · 10 Dec 2011 at 18:20

I use my PC for gaming, capture and video editing/rendering.

Excuse my ignorance, but I can add another 6GB of the same RAM in the other 3 Tri-Channel slots? So that I have 12GB using all 6 slots? I note that you said it 'probably' won't upset the over-clock, does that mean there's a chance it could? If so I don't think that's a viable option.

Also, is there any editing of the BIOS necessary when upgrading with an Over-clocked system?

Thanks for the advice on the GPU. If the cards are coming in January I will wait for a better deal.

I'll update the sig just now, my bad.

Thanks for the advice.

Murcuseo · 10 Dec 2011 at 21:54

I think I will upgrade to 3x4GB rather than use all 6 slots. Stability is quite important for what I use my PC for so it seems like the safest option.

In regards to checking the settings in the BIOS after an upgrade, is it simple enough to do for someone like myself or would I be better getting a technician to do it? I have flashed a BIOS in the past which was easy enough.

If so can you recommend tutorials or maybe suggest someone online who can talk me through it?.

I'd greatly appreciate it.

Once again, thanks for the advice.

Murcuseo · 10 Dec 2011 at 22:17

Would you recommend the Kingston HyperX Genesis over the Corsair Vengeance?

Here's the screenshot:

Murcuseo · 10 Dec 2011 at 22:46

My current RAM speed is also meant to be 1600. Is the reason it's running low due to the BIOS in it's current state?

If there is little to no difference between the Vengeance and Genesis there's no reason for me to pay an extra £20. Although, the heat spreaders wouldn't be a problem as my CPU cooler isn't in the way. My Antec 902 has good flow anyway so having the benefit of spreaders isn't really something I need to consider.

Murcuseo · 10 Dec 2011 at 22:56

That's something I'll need to try and remedy, until I get my upgrade.

Would you be willing to help me with that tomorrow? It's not really something I'd be willing to tackle in my current exhausted state. xD

Murcuseo · 10 Dec 2011 at 23:06

That's excellent. I can't thank you enough for your help.

I'll post again sometime tomorrow afternoon and see if you're free. :cool:

Murcuseo · 11 Dec 2011 at 16:52

Here are the Screenshots from CPU-Z:

What key would I need to press during start up to access the settings in the BIOS?

Sorry for my ignorance but I have no experience with this apart from Flashing a BIOS, which was quite some time ago.

Murcuseo · 11 Dec 2011 at 17:19

Well, I was informed when I bought the system it was overclocked to 3.4GHz so I've either been lied to or something has happened that's affected it. Neither of which I can be sure of as my technical knowledge is lacking, as you've probably noticed. lol

Although, I did notice when I was in the BIOS it mentioned my CPU being at 3.4GHz but that may not be relevant due to the image below.

When I went in to the BIOS I received this warning:

Here are my Advanced Memory Settings:

And finally, my Timing Settings for A, B and C.

A:

B:

C:

Murcuseo · 11 Dec 2011 at 17:35

The BIOS Flash was actually on the previous Motherboard, which was swapped out for my current one by the OcUK Technicians during an RMA. That is probably why there is no overclock. Sorry, I should have mentioned that but only just thought of it. I actually presumed the overclock would be reinstated with the new Motherboard but I was obviously wrong.

I'll check for the profile regardless.

Edit: I couldn't see any profile in the Boot Menu.

Murcuseo · 11 Dec 2011 at 18:01

I'll enabled it then run CPU-Z again and post an update.

I have to say I'm extremely disappointed the processor isn't overclocked. Is that due to the change in Motherboard or was it sent out to me stock?

Murcuseo · 11 Dec 2011 at 18:14

That's unfortunate. If something like that ever happens again I'll make sure to mention to the Technician I'd like the overclock reinstated. I shouldn't have just presumed they'd do it.

The RAM is looking much better now.

Is there anything I can do to improve the CPU performance? Things that aren't too complicated.

Murcuseo · 11 Dec 2011 at 18:49

I doubt I have the time, knowledge or patience to overclock. Mainly I lack the confidence so I think I'll just leave it stock for now.

I can't thank you enough for your help over the last couple of days. You've been extremely helpful and most importantly, patient.

In regards to the RAM upgrade, when I get it. Will I just post in this thread or start a new thread in the memory sub forum?

Murcuseo · 14 Dec 2011 at 16:02

A short update for you Surveyor.

The Mrs decided to get the RAM for my X-mas so I went with the Corsair, seeing as I didn't have to pay for it myself.

Installed it this afternoon and switched the XMP to Profile 2. Took no more than 5 minutes and it's working great.

Once again, many thanks!