Would an upgrade of my MOBO help with OC'ing/performance?

the_tobzster · 17 Jan 2017 at 11:52

Hi guys so I currently have an AMD FX-8320 @ 3.5Ghz but am restricted by my old Gigabyte 78-LMT mobo not being able to hold a stable overclock. I was just curious to see if you think I upgrade my motherboard to something better, would make noticeable difference in things like gaming and everyday computer use. I believe this processor can be overclocked a fair bit (to 4.0-4.5Ghz?) and feel I am not getting anywhere near the most out of it not being able to overclock it.

Specs:
FX-8320 @3.5ghz
Gtx 970 4gb
Gigabyte GA78-LMT motherboard
16gb ddrr3 ram
1x250gb SSD + 2x1 tb HD
600W Corsair PSU

I feel my motherboard and cpu are the weaker component of the pc, but my CPU isn't that old so I'm a little reluctant to upgrade that. Do you think upgrading mobo enabling me to overclock my cpu to say 4.0 - 4.5Ghz would be worth it? Thanks for any help I'm a little bit of a pc noob

oh and I also don't use the stock cooler, I use a Coolermaster hyper 212 EVO

Disco_P · 17 Jan 2017 at 12:21

Money invested in AM3+ now is money down the drain. The 8320 is 4 years old and very soon to be left in the dust by AM4. Save your money for a platform upgrade.

zBitkus · 17 Jan 2017 at 12:57

the_tobzster said:
Hi guys so I currently have an AMD FX-8320 @ 3.5Ghz but am restricted by my old Gigabyte 78-LMT mobo not being able to hold a stable overclock. I was just curious to see if you think I upgrade my motherboard to something better, would make noticeable difference in things like gaming and everyday computer use. I believe this processor can be overclocked a fair bit (to 4.0-4.5Ghz?) and feel I am not getting anywhere near the most out of it not being able to overclock it.

Specs:
FX-8320 @3.5ghz
Gtx 970 4gb
Gigabyte GA78-LMT motherboard
16gb ddrr3 ram
1x250gb SSD + 2x1 tb HD
600W Corsair PSU

I feel my motherboard and cpu are the weaker component of the pc, but my CPU isn't that old so I'm a little reluctant to upgrade that. Do you think upgrading mobo enabling me to overclock my cpu to say 4.0 - 4.5Ghz would be worth it? Thanks for any help I'm a little bit of a pc noob

oh and I also don't use the stock cooler, I use a Coolermaster hyper 212 EVO

watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys24AJh42xA try watching older videos about it too and maybe you will get lucky

pastymuncher · 17 Jan 2017 at 13:05

I have to agree with Disco P really seeing as Zen/Ryzen is so close now. Your problem illustrates exactly why it is so important to buy the right motherboard in the first place instead of the cheapest. Then there's the dilemma of spending at least £400-500 on a new platform upgrade or £86 on a decent motherboard so that you can overclock what you have. If your case can take a full size board then the Gigabyte 990X Gaming SLI tries to update the ancient AM3+ platform with newer interfaces such as, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, a M2 slot along with crossfire and SLI support and better audio than your current board.

My basket at Overclockers UK:

1 x Gigabyte 990X-Gaming SLI AMD 990X (Socket AM3+) DDR3 Motherboard= £85.99

Total: £96.49
(includes shipping: £10.50)

the_tobzster · 18 Jan 2017 at 18:06

Disco_P said:
Money invested in AM3+ now is money down the drain. The 8320 is 4 years old and very soon to be left in the dust by AM4. Save your money for a platform upgrade.

pastymuncher said:
I have to agree with Disco P really seeing as Zen/Ryzen is so close now. Your problem illustrates exactly why it is so important to buy the right motherboard in the first place instead of the cheapest. Then there's the dilemma of spending at least £400-500 on a new platform upgrade or £86 on a decent motherboard so that you can overclock what you have. If your case can take a full size board then the Gigabyte 990X Gaming SLI tries to update the ancient AM3+ platform with newer interfaces such as, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, a M2 slot along with crossfire and SLI support and better audio than your current board.

My basket at Overclockers UK:

1 x Gigabyte 990X-Gaming SLI AMD 990X (Socket AM3+) DDR3 Motherboard= £85.99

Total: £96.49
(includes shipping: £10.50)

Thanks for the responses guys, the motherboard just came in my system since I bought a pre built custom build so I had no Idea really what it was. I'm thinking I will wait until the new zen cpus come out and upgrade both my motherboard and cpu! Seems a waste of money to spend on a new motherboard when overclocking won't bring that much of a boost.