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Upgrading CPU

Tunez

Tunez

Tunez

Associate
Joined
1 Jun 2007
Posts
258
Ive been thinking about building a new system, but unfortunately being away most of the time I can't justify £600+ for it. My spec is E6600 @ 2.4 (cant overclock due to the make of the PC), ati 3870, 4gig ram. I was thinking about upgrading the cpu to a Q6600 or Q6700, I have a 375w psu will this be enough?

Would I see a significant performance increase in a game like ARMA 2? Getting around 20-30 fps on low/normal settings depending on the amount of AI in the game.

Thanks
 
You would be far better off upgrading your gfx to a 4870 or 4890 - as you will see little benefit in games with just the CPU upgrade.

Games don't utilise the quad core yet - and you will benefit far more from a faster GPU in your system.

What make is the PSU? If it's a good brand you should be ok - if it's a generic/poor brand - it may struggle with a new top end card.
 
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If i were you i would upgrade the mobo to a top P45 model so then you can overclock the 6600 to maybe 3.4GHZ with some play, decent ram no cheap cra* please and a 4890.

Heres what i would get if i wanted a decent comp.

Asus P5Q Deluxe P45 Motherboard

MB-278-AS_200.jpg


http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-278-AS
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http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-278-AS

4GB of OCZ Reaper 8500

MY-110-OC_200.jpg


http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-110-OC&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=817
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And last of all a nice beefy 4890 from XFX.

GX-126-XF_200.jpg


http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-126-XF&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1403
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Total cost: 312.96 including vat

This is only what i would get if you wanted a decent pc, but in the end its up to you.
 
I would do that if the mobo would fit in the case but im not sure if the case is custom made for their mobos. Would all cases be the same? I don't know if i can go into too much detail about the computer due to it being a competitor?

I think the psu is enough for the 4870, as on the ati site it recommends the same psu as the 3870 not sure about the 4890...
 
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Go for the 4870 if it's the safer option - either one will see a marked improvement in gaming for you.
 
If its the very famous, large PC maker I have in mind, then there's no gaurantee the new motherboard will fit and there could be other compatility issues. So research carefully before buying a new motherboard.
 
I think I might bite the bullet and go for a full upgrade... I'm a bit fed up with the limitations of the large manufacturers computer lol. Gonna see how a 650-750 budget does me.

If it was to be as futureproof as possible I take it the i7 and 1366 socket is the way to go? How long will this socket be in production? I've been hearing a lot of confusing talk about the i7, why are they the price they are? (been out of the loop for a while)
 
£750 will get you a very respectable upgrade - and the i7 920 will hit 4GHz with the right MB and cooler combination. You wouldn't need to worry about upgrading for a long time.
 
What mobo and cooler combination would you recommend?

Thanks

Edit: would an AMD config be worth considering with future proofing being top priority?

Another edit: Is it worth going for an i7 over a Q9550 with ddr2 ram?

With the i7 mobo, is triple channel worth going over dual channel ram?

Thanks
 
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If the primary use is gaming then the Phenom II is the best way to go, there is little between the Phenom II & i7 in gaming and a bit saving to be made...

AM3 is not going anywhere for a while and neither is the i7 socket although if you wanted to upgrade the i7 in the future chances are the CPU is gonna cost a lot as Intel are reserve it more for there top end CPUs only in the future so I understand.
 
Tunez said:
Edit: would an AMD config be worth considering with future proofing being top priority?
Click to expand...

As mentioned above - AMD would be sound option, certainly cheaper and certainly the i7's equal if it's a gaming system you're after.

Which ever way you decide to swing, format wise, you'll have a system that will last you a very long time.
 
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