Upgrade time!

setter said:
Dont think thats the proper vid, the screenshot shows the rig running at 1976 mhz, 329x6, the multiplier dropped down from the default of 9, (speedstep/c1e enabled), if put under load the true vid could be anything from 1.200 to 1.32500 which is the highest for the q6600.
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How do i find real vid?
 
Put the system under load, ie prime95 small fft/intel burn test/LinX, keep an eye on the vid display in coretemp, or as i used to do, disable speedstep/c1e in bios.
 
Can someone summarize what I should UPGRADE to make my current computer good for my gaming needs? I have around £850 but I am only willing to buy things which are necessary.

Just to remind you:

Antec 900
Gigabyte GA-X38-DS4 Intel X38
Q6600 @ 3 GHZ
OCZ SLI-Ready Edition 4GB 1066MHz Dual Channel
Samsung SpinPoint 500GB SATAII Hard Drive 16MB Cache 7200 RPM
PowerColor HD 3870 XT X2 1GB GDDR3 256bit
Antec TruePower Quattro 850W Modular PSU
 
Could you explain why you picked the 470?

and could you give me some sort of idea on how much of a boost I will get with a 470 + C300 from my current specs?
 
The 470s are pretty good value for money now and that MSI one has voltage tweak if you fancy overclocking. They're faster than HD 5850s and only slightly more expensive.
 
The cheap option.

Real SSD C300 64GB
Palit Sonic GTX 460 1024MB



The more expensive option

Vertex 2E 60GB
MSI GTX 470

That's all you should need really. Even a SSD is a 'bonus' item, but they do make a difference in 'comfort'.
 
If you want to, but depending on your monitor 470 should be enough to run games on high settings.

However, I don't think (a techie will correct me if I'm wrong) that board supports SLI, so if you were thinking of upgrading again to SLI 470's in the future, you would be better off spending more on the 480 now and getting an SSD later.
 
I am thinking about getting the 480 but doesn't it produce a lot of noise and heat and I heard it causes the card many problems?
 
The card is fine unless you're running it in a case with 0 fans while running furmark. Think they're rated up to 105C so they can take the heat, but the noise is certainly annoying.
 
nlr said:
Is there an equivalent ATI card or better ATI card which doesn't produce much heat and less noise?
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The 5870 isn't quite as good, and the 5970 is better than the GTX 480. Depending on the budget, the choice is yours :p

Both produce less heat and noise, but ATI are having a bit of a mare with drivers according to many people.

If you were gunna get a GTX 480, then I reckon an extra few quids for the 5970 wouldn't be a bad choice.
 
But i'm sure the drivers can only get better? A company like ATI will eventually improve them right?

would I hear my 480 in a fractal design case which supposedly have noise deadening material?
 
admoo said:
The 5870 isn't quite as good, and the 5970 is better than the GTX 480. Depending on the budget, the choice is yours :p

Both produce less heat and noise, but ATI are having a bit of a mare with drivers according to many people.

If you were gunna get a GTX 480, then I reckon an extra few quids for the 5970 wouldn't be a bad choice.
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I've had no issues with the 5870 + 10.7 cats. Runs Bad Company 2, Starcraft 2, Call of Dutys, Source games without any problems. I think its mainly Crossfire that is having problems with drivers at the moment as it seems very hit and miss with people. My brief experience with a 4870X2 put me off crossfire, high temps, high power and noise for good. If you can get a 5870 at a decent price then go for it if you need a card now. However the price of the MSI 480 at the moment is undeniably very sweet indeed.
 
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