I'm running an athlon 3400+ with 1GB RAM and Radeon 3850, is it worth upgrading?
Colin McRae Dirt runs like a dog when theres sand on the screen, but other times I'm able to play alright at around 30FPS.
I'm also interested in games like TDU, Prototype, Red Faction and Wolverine.
Will I see much improvement in a system upgrade?

Which processor would be favourable, an E7400 or Q8200?
Is that graphics card ok for the mo? I haven't really used it too much since buying it.

Also, a question regarding resolutions. I'm running a widescreen monitor so I want my games to make use of the widescreen, does this mean I need to choose a widescreen resolution?
I would guess yes, but this seems to mean I always have to pick a fairly high resolution, the lower resolutions are 4:3.

Hell yeah you need an upgrade. You are running a slow single core processor and a low end video card. I recommend a good gigabyte motherboard (check newegg ratings) + the E5200. It overclocks like a dream. Spend an hour learning how to do it and you can push that chip to 3.4-3.6ghz without breaking a sweat. For video card, look for a deal on a 4850 or 4870 if you want to play the newest games on high resolutions.. Any core 2 duo OC'd to 3+ghz along with the video card I mentioned + 2-3 gigs of ram will be a huge upgrade for you.

If you are on a budget, grab the combo listed for $108.85 on this page.

https://www.ewiz.com/combo.php?src=DC

Use code SIZZLE for $15 off. The motherboard doesn't OC as well as a Gigabyte, but you should be able to at least hit 3.1ghz on it.

So that's your mobo + processor for $100 shipped. Spend the rest of your money on a good video card + some new ram + a better power supply if you need it (you'll need a good 500-600W with 2 6-pin connectors to power an HD4870, GTX280, or any other high end card)

Last edited by Capitalizt on Jun-14-2009 at 18:11

definitely upgrade. the whole box and dice too. a top of the line PC today should last you at least 5 years. mine is 2.5 years old and still running everything maxed out.

Get an e8400, very good chip.

___________________

quote:

Originally posted by BrettFromTibet @ isratrance It used to be called Psychedelic Trance... it was paradise... with good vibes and magic people. Then the Russian mafia, the death metal fans, and the thugs-in-tiedye took over. "Louder, harder, faster, meaner, angrier!" became the motto. GAME OVER.

Check out my Goa and psy Trance mixes!

Here's your video card: http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produ...odlist=celebros

$85 after rebate.

I hate seeing all these great deals on parts that only deliver to the US.

___________________
Tru-thi-ness 1: Truth that comes from the gut, not books. (Stephen Colbert, Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report," October 2005) 2: the quality of perferring concepts or facts one wishes to be truth, rather than concepts or facts known to be true. (American Dialect Society, January 2006)

Thanks, I've decided to get a 4850, it only needs one 6-pin adapter from the PSU, yes?
Still unsure about the processor, I will probably aim higher than an E5200. I'm sorta thinking of a Phenom II X3 550BE, I think its a middle ground between clock speed and number of cores.
I saw some review and the more expensive Phenom II processors weren't much better than the 550BE, though they do have a fourth core

I know the AM3 socket will be more future proof, but by the time I upgrade again it'll probably be outdated and I'll want a better upgrade then.

Don't bother with AM3 or I7 motherboards. They are overpriced and really unnecessary. You can still build a killer gaming rig with "last gen" hardware that will last you several years.

I fancy either an E8400, Q8400 or Phenom II 940, similar money, which would you all choose?

Same with the graphics card, a brand new 4850 or used 4870?
Any new graphics cards on the horizon?

Last edited by generic on Jun-21-2009 at 22:35

I would get the E8400 and the 4870. The E8400 overclocks 20% to 3.6Ghz without breaking a sweat and is amazing for games.. Don't get a 4850 unless you are really on a budget. If you want future proofing, grab the 4870. Consider it an investment in your future.

The 1GB version is a MONSTER. I found one for $128 after rebate here:

https://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MSI-487M1G

And here's a great CPU fan for $20 shipped..You'll need it if you want to OC:

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=FAN-AC7PRO

Last edited by Capitalizt on Jun-22-2009 at 15:26

quote:

Originally posted by generic I'm running an athlon 3400+ with 1GB RAM and Radeon 3850, is it worth upgrading? Colin McRae Dirt runs like a dog when theres sand on the screen, but other times I'm able to play alright at around 30FPS. I'm also interested in games like TDU, Prototype, Red Faction and Wolverine. Will I see much improvement in a system upgrade? Which processor would be favourable, an E7400 or Q8200? Is that graphics card ok for the mo? I haven't really used it too much since buying it. Also, a question regarding resolutions. I'm running a widescreen monitor so I want my games to make use of the widescreen, does this mean I need to choose a widescreen resolution? I would guess yes, but this seems to mean I always have to pick a fairly high resolution, the lower resolutions are 4:3.

I should say, upgrade to something good that you can stay long enough without needing another upgrade. Check NewEgg they have a bunch of stuff...