What should I improve?

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25 Jan 2009
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What should I improve? *New Deal please advise*

Here is a description of my PC. I have put a fresh copy of windows on it, but it is crashing in certain games like Call of Duty MW3 and it is getting a bit old. I don't want to spend too much on it to be honest. So what should I upgrade?

Main things I was thinking was RAM and processor. If so, what would you guys go for?

Computer is mainly used for gaming.

Thanks!


Description


Processor
Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q8200

Graphics Card
AMD Radeon HD 6870

Motherboard
ASRock G31M-GS

Memory4096 MB

Module 1
2048 MB A-Data Technology 7 @ 400 MHz
Module 2
2048 MB A-Data Technology 7 @ 400 MHz

Hard drive model500GB Hitachi HDP725050GLA360 ATA Device

3DMark 11 Score 3635
 
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Your cpu is more than capable especially if u overclock but your mobo is a bit limited as it only suppotrs a single gpu.
 
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Your GPU looks alright and a SSD wouldn't help game performance very much, so probably best getting a CPU/RAM/Mobo upgrade.

So your looking at either a Phenom II 955, FX 4100 or Intel i3 2100. Not really sure which is best TBH, but if you go Phenom then something like this:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-134-MS&groupid=701&catid=1903&subcat=1782
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-244-AM&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=1943
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-133-CR&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517

It's even under budget :D
 
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Your GPU looks alright and a SSD wouldn't help game performance very much, so probably best getting a CPU/RAM/Mobo upgrade.

So your looking at either a Phenom II 955, FX 4100 or Intel i3 2100 + motherboard. Not really sure which is best TBH, but if you go Phenom then something like this:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-134-MS&groupid=701&catid=1903&subcat=1782
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-244-AM&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=1943
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-133-CR&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517

I just picked up the GPU it used to be a 4770. I got it for all-in-all around £70 boxed like new with a years warranty, so I couldn't really turn it down. Ever since I put it into the system though I feel like everything else is a bottleneck.

These upgrades look interesting, I believe my brother has this processor, his fan is always on! I'm an intel fanboy at heart so was toying with i5's in the near future maybe but was I wrong to dismiss i3s completely as I see you have mentioned them?

PS Cheers for links, really appreciate that effort.
 
Damn, that is a good deal :)

Having a look on google that mobo is going for £30, so not surprised it won't overclock TBH :p

Apparently the AMD stock coolers aren't great and hence need the fan on all the time to keep them cool, plus a 955 will use a lot more power and create a lot more heat than a 2100. Only reason I didn't choose a i5 2300 is I couldn't get it into the budget, even with the cheapest motherboard I could find. It would however be better then the other 3 processors, so if you can raise the budget a bit then go for it. Also, despite the fact you'd need a crappy mobo to get it anywhere near budget, thats not really a problem as you can't overclock it (or the i3 2100) anyway. And i'm assuming that based on your budget your not concerned about crossfire? (A crossfire compatible motherboard would seriously increase the cost).
 
What would your rec for a mobo for the i5 be? Sorry to ask I'm coming onto all this from years of being a mac user and never upgrading a comment in my life haha.
 
maybe see if you can find a cheap asus p5q or similar and overclock the cpu, should then last you till you have the money for upgrade to sandybridge/ivybridge.
 
Just been offered and xfx 680i mobo, 4gb corsair ram and a decent cooler for £50.00. What do you think of that? Would allow me to spend the remaining money on my pride and joy rather than my computer (Integra DC5 Type R).

For £50.00 am I likely to get any benefit? Should be easier to overclockers my q8200 then?
 
You could be a bit more clearer in what you just typed in your second last message,
so someone has offered you a motherboard , 4gb of corsair ram along with a decent cooler, all of them for 50 pounds ?
 
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