Upgrade

spoogle

spoogle

spoogle

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Joined
3 Sep 2008
Posts
462
Time for an upgrade, what component should be replaced first?
This is for playing games, here's the spec:

-AMD Phenom II X4 Quad Core 920 2.80GHz (Socket AM2+)
-Gigabyte GA-MA78G-DS3H AMD 780G (Socket AM2) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard
-Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 PC2-8500C5 1066MHz Dual Channel (BL2KIT12864AA106A)
-ATI Radeon 4870 512mb Graphics Card

Haven't played games in a while so the spec is a bit dated, suggestions?
 
Budget: just the same as anyone else really, if it needs replaced for newer games, I'll replace it. Is the graphics card/cpu outdated enough to need a replacement?

I assume there's an issue with mis-matched memory as I don't think I'll find the same memory anymore.
 
It's a 24" Dell Monitor I'm using, native resolution 1920x1080 so that's the aim, to run everything well at that resolution.
Will the operating system have any effect on game performance? As the gaming rig is still using Windows XP.

It has a Zalman CNPS7000C CPU cooler, which allows the CPU to run at 42 degrees, haven't tried overclocking it yet. I've read that the new cpu coolers on AM2 point the fan upwards which is no use for the case I have - Coolermaster ATC201 - PSU sits on top
 
Okay, well I've got a windows 7 sitting on my desk ready to go so that's tonight sorted!
Yeah 42 is idle temp, I've stressed it a while ago and I dont remember it increasing any further than low 50's.

Should I install 32bit or 64bit Windows 7?
 
Thanks, CPUZ and Prime 95 are what I've used/use at the moment.
Never tried overclocking in Windows, only tweaking BIOS.
Time for a long read on overclocking!
 
Ah right, that's fine then, have a good idea what I'm doing now.

Would buying another 4870 and running crossfire be cost effective, or better buying a single new card?
 
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