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| 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. |
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| Capitalizt |
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) |
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| pkcRAISTLIN |
| 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. |
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| Darkarbiter |
| Get an e8400, very good chip. |
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| Rodrico |
| I hate seeing all these great deals on parts that only deliver to the US. :( |
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| generic |
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:conf:
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. |
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| Capitalizt |
| 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. |
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