Is my computer worth upgrading?
August 3rd, 2013
My current specs are:
GPU – Radeon HD 5750 (Not Over clocked)
CPU – i5 650 (Not Over clocked)
Mobo – Gigabyte P55A-UD3
So I’m wondering should I buy a new rig all together? I don’t really want to spend over 1,200 if I go for a new rig. and if I’m going to upgrade I don’t really want to spend over 350…So I was considering maybe a new GPU. What do you guys suggest? Also if I was to upgrade it seems to be a waste to scrap the 5750 it isn’t that bad, it just doesn’t meet my needs.
And if I upgrade what should I get? Is there even a decent GPU I can get for under 350 bucks?
give us more info about Ram / PSU
and if u need Full HD gaming
How much RAM do you have? You do need to upgrade your GPU. It is a little weak to run BF3 on hi-res and high video-settings. But you can lower the res and video-settings and play it.
If you wish to buy a Graphics card then consult the chart below and try to buy a card as high in the chart as possible by your budget. Before you buy a new card, make sure that your case and power supply can accommodate it.
If the above chart is NOT showing then kindly use the link below
http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/91/febn.png
Also make sure your drivers are updated to the latest version.
AMD (ATi) Driver: http://sites.amd.com/US/GAME/DOWNLOADS/Pages/downloads.aspx
nVidia Driver: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us
You can also try using softwares Like Game Booster.
http://www.iobit.com/gamebooster.html
You can get another 5750 in crossfire if you want to keep this card or sell it and get at least 6950.
i5 760 (4c/4t) or something better like i7 870 (4c/8t)
6gb-8gb ddr3.
I don’t know how much these components cost, i hope you can make a deal and save some money
Depends on what you need and can afford as usual. Try getting the same card and running in crossfire see if it makes a difference. I know that the most graphic intense games such as COD BLK OPS, and BF3 use a lot of the CPU. Have you tried overclocking your CPU? Before you start spending and actually have the money saved up. Try overclocking the CPU. If it gets too hot as Intel uses a lot of power. It will produce heat, try investing in a heatsink or watercooling. CPU is what’s bottle-necking you at the moment. Try to lower your config’s to accommodate your lack luster hardware.
If your keen on comparing cards and have some in mind, you can use these sites to compare and contrast, whether it be pure speed or budget base.
http://whatgfx.com/
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/CPU/2
dunkler replied: You can get another 5750 in crossfire if you want to keep this card or sell it and get at least 6950.
i5 760 (4c/4t) or something better like i7 870 (4c/8t)
6gb-8gb ddr3.
I don't know how much these components cost, i hope you can make a deal and save some money
The 6950 is 308bucks at a local computer shop from mine. So it’s in my price range.
ATM I have 4gbs ram DDR3 I think. but since I’m using a 32-bit OS it’s only using 3.5, so that is why I didn’t mention RAM. I could format to 64bit, but I’m very reluctant to because I hate reinstalling steam+all it’s games rofl.
Also at one point I was considering crossfireing my 5750 but it hardly seemed worth it in a couple of months has new games came out.
PS ATM I have a iON2 629w PSU will I need to upgrade if i get this GPU?
http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/ati-radeon-hd-5000/hd-5750/Pages/ati-radeon-hd-5750-overview.aspx#3
450 Watt or greater power supply with one 75W 6-pin PCI Express® power connectors recommended (600 Watt and two 6-pin connectors for ATI CrossFireX™ technology in dual mode)
Bite to bullet, most performance computer’s use 64bit. Need to use of the memory for smooth rendering. RAM is cheap now, that should be your last worry. Concentrate on the more important components if your worried about gaming frames.
http://gizmodo.com/5576467/the-best-cheapest-ways-to-upgrade-your-pc
Okay so I’ve done a little bit of digging and I have considered forking out the extra cash for
http://www.centrecom.com.au/catalog/r697oc-gigabyte-radeon-hd6970-p-50902.html?sort=2a
Is it worth it? and will I need to upgrade my PSU…I think 620w might just be a bit under what is needed?
I’m surprised no one asked what resolution you play at, or the ampere rating on your 12V rail(s). You can check the amps by opening up your case and reading off the side label of the PSU. It’ll look something like this:
A good tip for now would be to overclock your CPU. If you still plan on buying the 6970, check how much clearance you have in your case too (the Gigabyte 6970 Windforce 3x is around 290mm, or, 11.4″).
i play on a 1920 x 1080. And lucky you pointed out the size issue i completely forgot about it. It seems like the 6970 wont fit in my case damn
Well so it says on my case FAQ page.
Q: What is the longest graphics card that may be used with this chassis?
A: This chassis will fit a video card that is no longer than 9.6".
I have a Thermaltake M9 case.
Anyway your dual core CPU was a bottle neck for 6970. Save money and switch to quad core and a less spec video card like 560 or 6950. Don’t forget you can unlock 6950 to 6970 with RBE
The best choice would’ve been to get an iCore 7 processor. It has 4 cores but because of hyper-threading you actually get 8 cores. As far as a good graphics card is concerned I would’ve gotten the XFX Radeon HD 6870 1 GB DDR5 which costs $200 at Amazon. Every game that I have played on it so far I have been able to set the quality and resolution to the maximum. If you were to buy a really good system (iCore 7 being the best) your looking at around $800 or $900. iCore5 and iCore3 systems are cheaper but aren’t as good. If you were to upgrade to an iCore7 processor and a good graphics card your looking at around $500 total. Dual-Core systems just aren’t going to cut it if your going to do some serious PC gaming. Also, I would consider upgrading to Windows 7 because some games don’t support Windows XP. Also, you need a good amount of memory.
id get a 6790 with that cpu.
Sounds like a sweet setup. Could benefit from a little better board though…
Hmm thanks for the advise guys, ATM im considering going off budget getting a 6950 with a i7 960…BUT a couple of problems. I’m not sure if the 6950 will FIT in my case and if I get an i7+that GPU i don’t think i have enough power with my current PSU…so then i will have to buy another PSU.. so yeah….lol
I would go for a better motherboard too, if you have some bucks laying around.
Asianess replied: Hmm thanks for the advise guys, ATM im considering going off budget getting a 6950 with a i7 960...BUT a couple of problems. I'm not sure if the 6950 will FIT in my case and if I get an i7+that GPU i don't think i have enough power with my current PSU...so then i will have to buy another PSU.. so yeah....lol
A P55 motherboard won’t support an X58 processor; you’ll need an X58 motherboard for an i7-9xx CPU. Any i7-8xx would work in a P55 motherboard though.
A reference 6950 is 10.5″ in length. The best card that would fit your case would be the GTX 560 Ti 448 Core at 9″ in length.
Oh, and again, open up your case and tell us the ampere rating on the 12V rail of your power supply unit, it’s really not hard..
Bladesta75 replied: Asianess replied: Hmm thanks for the advise guys, ATM im considering going off budget getting a 6950 with a i7 960...BUT a couple of problems. I'm not sure if the 6950 will FIT in my case and if I get an i7+that GPU i don't think i have enough power with my current PSU...so then i will have to buy another PSU.. so yeah....lol
A P55 motherboard won't support an X58 processor; you'll need an X58 motherboard for an i7-9xx CPU. Any i7-8xx would work in a P55 motherboard though.
A reference 6950 is 10.5" in length. The best card that would fit your case would be the GTX 560 Ti 448 Core at 9" in length.
Oh, and again, open up your case and tell us the ampere rating on the 12V rail of your power supply unit, it's really not hard..
Sorry i forgot about that.
AC Input: 115~230V / 10A~6A / 50~60Hz
DC Output: +5V +3.3V +12V1 +12V2 -12 +5VSB
Max Output Current: 25A 25A 22A 22A 0.5A 2.5A
Max Combined: 160W 444W 18.5W Wattage: 620W
I think that’s all.
Asianess replied:
Sorry i forgot about that.
AC Input: 115~230V / 10A~6A / 50~60Hz
DC Output: +5V +3.3V +12V1 +12V2 -12 +5VSB
Max Output Current: 25A 25A 22A 22A 0.5A 2.5A
Max Combined: 160W 444W 18.5W Wattage: 620W
I think that's all.
You most likely won’t need a new power supply if you have at least 1x 8-pin (or 6+2-pin) PCI-E connectors and 1x 6-pin PCI-E connectors
Now then, as I said, the GTX 560 Ti 448-Core is the best video card that will fit your case at 9″ in length. Even the AMD 6870 is 9.75″ in length, which is longer than what your case supports.
I would definitely suggest the 560 Ti 448-Core and an i5-7xx or an i7-8xx CPU for your upgrade if you’re not looking to buy a whole new computer.
EDIT: Typo.
skim through the comments your asking if your computer is worth upgrading…… what are the ideal specs you want for your computer system…… than compare that to how much it would cost for a computer with those specs compared to what it would cost to upgrade..
SGS_Raven replied:
You most likely won't need a new power supply if you have at least 1x 8-pin (or 6+2-pin) PCI-E connectors and 1x 6-pin PCI-E connectors
Now then, as I said, the GTX 560 Ti 488-Core is the best video card that will fit your case at 9" in length. Even the AMD 6870 is 9.75" in length, which is longer than what your case supports.
I would definitely suggest the 560 Ti 448-Core and an i5-7xx or an i7-8xx CPU for your upgrade if you're not looking to buy a whole new computer.
Thanks so much for your help. I will take your advise! and start shopping around for those parts.
It’s probably just better to trash your current setup and get a sandy (depending on your budget) cause in the end, it might just cost around the same. You never really told us the TOTAL price you’re willing to spend.
On that note, I’d stick with your setup and OC the comments. Then several months from now I’d get a Ivybridge processor.