Upgrade???

holymonk · 15 Oct 2011 at 15:27

Hi

I currently have an E8400 @3.7, 4gig DDR2 800 RAM, a EVGA SC GTX 460.

I want to upgrade, primarily to increase my gaming experience. With the total flop of the Bulldozer I am still scratching my head as to what to do, I want to maximise my performance / £ (I dont have much £!).

What I would like to know is what would give me a better gaming exp, going for something like:-

i2500k
8gig ddr3 memory
Z68 mobo with SLi (but for the time being usitilise my 460).

or

go for an amd phenom (not sure which)
8 gig ddr3 memory
AM3+ mobo
x2 gtx 460

I have no idea which will perform better in games, however I am worried that going with a 2500k, will offer me no 'cpu upgradability' as the ivybridge isnt the same socket right?

My thinking about going for an amd, is that I can stick a better revision bulldozer if amd get their act together, anyway thoughts welcome. Will I see a decent performance upgrade from my E8400?

holymonk · 15 Oct 2011 at 15:33

Ok Stulid, will the performance increase in games be noticable tho, considering I am only upgrading the RAM speed / CPU?

holymonk · 15 Oct 2011 at 15:34

Also, whats the best motherboard to go with? something thats going to last, can beoverclocked well yet inexpensive?

holymonk · 15 Oct 2011 at 15:35

ASUS Maximus IV GENE-Z Intel Z68 (REV B3) ?

holymonk · 15 Oct 2011 at 15:37

stulid said:
This is at stock speeds - http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/56?vs=288

If you cant get the i5 2500K past 4GHZ then I will eat my hat (if I had one)

This is the cheapest board that allows SLI/Crossfire at an equal 8X/8X - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-368-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1990

Will the board work with the new ivybridge?

holymonk · 15 Oct 2011 at 15:42

Thanks stulid, nearly ready to order, not sure if I am breaking forum rules, by linking, but bearing in mind the prices on this site, would you still stick with the gigabyte?
https://www.****.co.uk/Products/Com...sc&p=cF9zdHlsZT0mcF9wcm9kdWN0c1BlclBhZ2U9Jg==

holymonk · 15 Oct 2011 at 15:42

clearly I am, can I pm you? (**** website)

holymonk · 15 Oct 2011 at 15:44

MSI Z68A-GD55-G3 Intel Z68 (REV B3) Socket 1155 DDR3 PCI-Express Motherboard w/ FREE Voucher DiRT 3! ??

its cheaper board on another site?

holymonk · 15 Oct 2011 at 15:48

Does the MSI support ivy too?

holymonk · 15 Oct 2011 at 15:50

Thanks, do you think ivybridge will be a gaming CPU, i have heard its mainly for servers?

holymonk · 15 Oct 2011 at 15:51

oh last question i promise, best air cooler price/perf?

holymonk · 15 Oct 2011 at 16:09

All ordered, thank you

1 x Intel Core i5-2500K 3.30GHz (Sandybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor - Retail @ 155.99GBP
1 x 8GB Mushkin Silverline #996770 (2x4GB) DDR3 1333MHz 9-9-9-24 @ 31.99GBP
1 x MSI Z68A-GD55-G3 Intel Z68 (REV B3) Socket 1155 DDR3 PCI-Express Motherboard w/ FREE Voucher DiRT 3! @ 119.99GBP
1 x Gelid Tranquillo CPU Cooler @ 24.50GBP
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Order Total (inc.VAT inc. Shipping): 340.81GBP