Upgrade

[Idleman]

Mobo: Asus P5N-MX 775

CPU: Pentium(R) Dual-Core E5200 @2.5GHz

Graphics: Nvidia 9500GT 512mb

Looking to upgrade for better gaming. Struggling to meet specs for latest games. All assassin creed games need a better CPU than i have at the moment. Everything esle is OK. Getting a lot of lag and unable to run at full performance. My problem being, there are so many to choose from. Just need something to keep pace.

 

[Idleman]

Hi Guys,
thanks for the quick response.

Budget wise, i have about £600 to spend. So that would have to cover Cpu/mobo and a new Gpu(with HDMI connecter).

My main problem is i don`t fully understand the specs, like what makes one cpu, mobo or gpu better than another. Plus the compatability issue.

I just want something that will allow me to play my games as they were made to be played. I have all AC, AC2 and ACB but experience lagging whilst playing. I used Can You Run It(http://cyri.systemrequirementslab.com/CYRI/intro.aspx) which says my CPU fails on all AC games.
So basically i my system to be able to play these high end games for a few more years.

All advice is very welcome.

PS. I don`t mind spending a bit more to achieve this. Building a custom PC intrigues me but my limited knowledge gives me second thoughts.

 

[Idleman]

For gaming just overclock the CPU and go with the best GPU for the res you game at. Yes you could build an entirely new system but personally I would wait. Im still using an athlon x2 6000 and the E5xxx processors smoke it especially when OC'd, pair it up with an HD6950 or something like that. that'll keep you going for another wee while until you save up a bit more and then upgrade. The 6950 can then be carried over to the new build. Much better than buying an all round PC and ending up skimping on the GPU and having to upgrade it again sooner or next time you build.

No room for another card. I need at least 3Ghz to cut out the lag and enjoy the games to there full potential. Never overclocked before, not sure what to do. Plus, how much more would i get.

Reaper, will bear in mind your suggestions, don`t have the time to put this together at the moment because i work away. Only get the occassional w/end.
What`s a 5min job for you is hours to me.

 

[Idleman]

Your Intel processor is faster than my AMD at the same speeds. 3GHz athlon 6000+ would be similar to a 2.5Ghz intel. What I was saying is replace your 9500 with an HD6xxx card and oc your PC and you'll be grand. There are several guides on here how to do it. the E5xxx where capable of 4GHz if it was a good chip and with a good cooler and mobo. No reason you can't hit 3.5GHz with yours, esp with an ASUS board.

Decided to OC. Got rid of stock cooler and fitted a Hyper 212+(a little to big for case). Have managed to get to 3.4Ghz stable. Ran Itb at max 5 and standard at 10, all passed. Temps running at low to mid 40`sC and in the 70`s at full load. Ran Prime95 for 18+ hours all passes. Will do the Crysis test and monitor temps, when i get another free w/end. But i think my main problem with existing case, is ventilation. Only 1 rear and cpu fan.
Started another thread in the OC`ing section, but seem to have problems uploading screenshots, any advice on how to best insert links, etc,.
Looking around atm for a new case, something with better cooling capabilities and room for future upgrades.

 

[Idleman]

if you think you have time to build one yourself, then that would be great, but by the sound of things your going to want to go for a prebuilt computer, which will have a major price premium (about £150-£200)[/QUOTE]

Hey Reaper don`t want to buy another PC. Would much prefer to build my own. As regards time, i only work about 7-8 months a year so come Jan, will have a few months to play around. So in the meantime all work and no play. This gives me 7 months to get all the hardware i need, for the system i want.
As i said in previous post, i`ve decide to OC my existing CPU purely for experience. Don`t want to OC a really good CPU.
Also decided i want my new build to be as quite as is possible, as the constant whirring of my existing PC is annoying to say the least.

 

[Idleman]

the noise of your pc will mainly be due to the fan on your gpu. You could just buy a 3rd party cooler and 3rd party fan for your gpu and overclock that which would improve your 9500GT quite a bit. Your cpu is fine once overclocked for nearly all games.

Your cooling is fine as your cpu temp is fine.

Any recommendations?

 

[Idleman]

Just been looking at this MSI 1024MB GDDR5 GeForce GTX 560 Ti Twin Frozr II OC, but without the OC. Cheapest about £180.
What`s the main difference between Nvidia, MSI, Pny and Gigabyte. All selling virtually the same card, but BIG difference in Price.
I imagine the heatsink on this should be adequate.

 

[Idleman]

Mobo
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=BU-037-OP&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1906
or this
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-450-AS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1906

CPU.

i5-2500k

GPU.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...-113-MS&tool=3
or
GeForce GTX 560Ti or 580 when price comes down later in the year

RAM. I could do with some advice on.

Cooling System, will decide later, air or water?

Already have 2 hdd`s, but will have at least 1 ssd for OS, yet again, undecided and looking for advice.

PSU

OCZ ModXStream-Pro. Already bought, currently in existing pc.

Case. This is by far my biggest headache. Looked at hundreds and seen nothing i either like or want. Toying with the idea of designing and building my own custom case. That way, i get what i really want. Got GoogleSketch, so will try to come up with the picture i have in my head. Will start a new thread in Cases.

All help, advice and contructive criticism, welcome.

 

[Idleman]

You don't need to spend a ridiculous amount on a mobo for SB. A £130-140 board will overclock just as well as one twice the price.

Point taken. So will probably go with this http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-449-AS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1906. the £100 saved can go towards a better cooling system.
What RAM would you recommend?

 

[Idleman]

Since OC`ing cpu and gpu, gaming is better. But the idea of building my own rig is something i`m looking forward to doing. I have thought of upgrading my gpu, but the case is a bit limited in regards ventilation. Not much room for modding either. So, rather than waste money on short term fixes, i`m going for a complete new build. I have the rest of the year to get all my hardware and case sorted. Then come the New Year, i`ll have a couple of months to put it altogether, what better way to while away the winter months. So in the meantime, if you or anybodyelse has any tips or advice on a first build, i would love to hear from you. Would like to know the best places to get drive bays etc from. Thanks again.