Curse

Quaker · Nov 15, 2009, 04:23 PM // 16:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by subarucar

I looked at the specs, and all the numbers except the Bus were higher. And to a tech newb like me more numbers=better.

Although you seem to have answered you own question, I'll say this. No, higher speed/clock numbers does not equal higher performance.
Think of it this way - a Corvette traveling at 120mph and an 18-wheeler traveling at 60mph - which one is faster? Which one holds more cargo? Which one gets more cargo to it's destination faster?

subarucar · Nov 15, 2009, 08:03 PM // 20:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quaker

Although you seem to have answered you own question, I'll say this. No, higher speed/clock numbers does not equal higher performance.
Think of it this way - a Corvette traveling at 120mph and an 18-wheeler traveling at 60mph - which one is faster? Which one holds more cargo? Which one gets more cargo to it's destination faster?

Well remember the truck would have more horsepower, high load capacity etc. So it would have big numbers aswell.

I am placing a request that no more "Your current PC should run things just fine" Because it doesn't. If I didn't need a new one or an upgrade I wouldn't be here.

There are still a few unanswered quesions regarding how to go about OC'ing and whether my PC is having heat issues. And if it is havingheat problems, the best way to go about stopping them.

Lord Sojar · Nov 16, 2009, 05:07 AM // 05:07

Don't expect to run GTA4 at high... LOL @ GAME CODING!!!11!!

Anyways... moving right along.

The 8600GT is the bottleneck. The rest of the system is decent.

Upgrade to a GTX260 or better, pop in a nice cheap Core2 Quad, and another 2GBs of RAM, and presto chango, better system!

Get this CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115041

This video card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127461

This RAM kit:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231166

Install, and GG. Will run almost all games that you named at max settings, period.

Ec]-[oMaN · Nov 16, 2009, 05:37 AM // 05:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief

Don't expect to run GTA4 at high... LOL @ GAME CODING!!!11!!

Anyways... moving right along.

The 8600GT is the bottleneck. The rest of the system is decent.

Upgrade to a GTX260 or better, pop in a nice cheap Core2 Quad, and another 2GBs of RAM, and presto chango, better system!

Get this CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115041

This video card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127461

This RAM kit:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231166

Install, and GG. Will run almost all games that you named at max settings, period.

The proposed changes you offered, especially relating to cost, he could ditch his system and build a new i5 rig. Why even suggest an old quad core that costs over 50$ more than an i5? 775 is an old platform, the 50$+ could be put towards a new p55 mobo, you can get the Matx from giga ud4 for under 110$.

Bias much regarding nvidia? No one in their right mind suggest a 260gtx at the current prices it's a rip, in fact no one as of late suggest an Nvidia card, unless they are a die hard fan.

DDR2 is dead and doesn't warrant a 100$ price take for 2gig more or for 4gig, or for the rated speed, just move your stuff to the latest platform.

I'm rather disgusted at the last advice.

Moving along to make things plain and simple, like some of us have been trying to say all along.

Your GPU is holding back your computer. You have computer components that are leaps and bounds more powerful than your current GPU, and you're never really going to experience anything until you drop a better GPU in there.

Simply upgrade the GPU and if you aren't happy with the results, sell or trash, or make a back up pc with your old rig and buy new stuff.

This is draggin out...

subarucar · Nov 16, 2009, 05:51 AM // 05:51

Quote:

Dr. House uses nVIDIA, and you know what he says when you disagree with him.

I guess it may be time to find out what he says

With the older cards, Nvidia seemed to be competetively priced with Nvidia. However now ATI seems to give far better value for money (at least in NZ) the 4890 more or less equals the 270. And at 30%, I think I know which I would prefer.

As far as I am aware GSkill RAM is difficult to find in NZ. The only places I were able to locate that sell it are based in Auckland and have no online store, so that doesnt work. Kingston, Corsair and Crucial are the main brands available.
Here are the 2x2GB kits (Excluding Kingston - I heard they were pretty bad).

http://pbtech.co.nz/index.php?item=MEMCRU1891
http://pbtech.co.nz/index.php?item=MEMCOR12958
http://pbtech.co.nz/index.php?item=MEMCOR12991

Unfortunately Newegg don't ship to NZ. And the cost of shipping could quickly add up if something doesn't work.

PBTech are my store of choise as they have an online shop so I don't need to constantly go down and check stock and prices, they are one of the cheapest places available. They have an actual storefront aswell, so I can simply order in the stock I want, and pick it up from shop.

Most people tell me Quad core CPU's don't add much when it comes to gaming. And that dual core is really all that's needed.

Quote:

This is draggin out...

I don't really mind how long it takes. I won't be doing this build for a while, as long as I have all the info I need to make the PC I want at the price I want. Basically the only things I'm currently unsure about is exactly what RAM to get, what version of the 4890, how to OC my system and how to go about keeping it cool.

Could someone please inform me if those temperatures I posted a few posts back are to hot. With new components making it hotter I may need to factor in costs for additional cooling.

Ec]-[oMaN · Nov 16, 2009, 07:13 AM // 07:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by subarucar

I don't really mind how long it takes. I won't be doing this build for a while, as long as I have all the info I need to make the PC I want at the price I want. Basically the only things I'm currently unsure about is exactly what RAM to get, what version of the 4890, how to OC my system and how to go about keeping it cool.

Could someone please inform me if those temperatures I posted a few posts back are to hot. With new components making it hotter I may need to factor in costs for additional cooling.

I don't mean to be rude but, thread started out on upgrade advice. Given your latest comments it seems you want a whole new computer? Is this correct or not? If so just say so

, but again many people have already said you really don't need a "major" upgrade, your current graphics card has left you with a sour taste in your month.

subarucar · Nov 16, 2009, 08:55 AM // 08:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ec]-[oMaN

I don't mean to be rude but, thread started out on upgrade advice. Given your latest comments it seems you want a whole new computer? Is this correct or not? If so just say so

, but again many people have already said you really don't need a "major" upgrade, your current graphics card has left you with a sour taste in your month.

The thread actually started out as advice for a complete new PC. I would like a second computer, but that can probably wait a bit. Sorry if I was confusing, I use the term "build" to define creating or modifying a computer.
The video card is the main object here, and a PSU to power it. 2GB RAM doesn't really cut it these days, especially the no-name slow stuff I have at the moment

Lord Sojar · Nov 16, 2009, 05:41 PM // 17:41

Your opening post alluded to the fact that you would wish to avoid ATi... thus my recommendations. However, the 5800 series are certainly worth their weight in gold, at least until Fermi makes it debut to the public.

If you have the budget to build a new PC, go for it.

Stick with a Corei5/i7 (Lynnfield) build, P55 mobo, 5800 series ATi card (or wait for Fermi if you want nVidia more), 4GBs of DDR3-1600, and a 650W+ Corsair PSU. Maybe toss in a small SSD for your boot drive, and then a 1TB for storage etc.

subarucar · Nov 18, 2009, 01:27 AM // 01:27

I was just taking a look at the parts again to see how much money I will need to stash away for this and then I noticed this PSU:

http://pbtech.co.nz/index.php?item=PSUTHM0355

I have heard thermaltake are a good brand and 600W is enough power to run my planned upgrades and gives some room for expansion in the future. The main thing that attracted me to this PSU however is the price, is this some kind of crappy PSU from thermaltake? Or is it the real deal?

A friend pointed out another site yesterday. This site doesn't have the advantage on of a retail outlet, but it does sell things a bit cheaper than PB.
Someone brough up OCZ ram earlier, how do they compare to Corsair as I found some on this site. There was also another set of Corsair 2x2GB. Could somebody let me know the advantages and disadvantages of each, or if it really matters - If theres only a small difference, Ill go with the cheapest.

http://www.notebookcity.co.nz/produc...oler-combo-kit
http://www.notebookcity.co.nz/produc...ered-twin2x409
http://www.notebookcity.co.nz/produc...red-twin2x40-0

Elder III · Nov 19, 2009, 12:58 AM // 00:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by subarucar

I was just taking a look at the parts again to see how much money I will need to stash away for this and then I noticed this PSU:

http://pbtech.co.nz/index.php?item=PSUTHM0355

I have heard thermaltake are a good brand and 600W is enough power to run my planned upgrades and gives some room for expansion in the future. The main thing that attracted me to this PSU however is the price, is this some kind of crappy PSU from thermaltake? Or is it the real deal?

A friend pointed out another site yesterday. This site doesn't have the advantage on of a retail outlet, but it does sell things a bit cheaper than PB.
Someone brough up OCZ ram earlier, how do they compare to Corsair as I found some on this site. There was also another set of Corsair 2x2GB. Could somebody let me know the advantages and disadvantages of each, or if it really matters - If theres only a small difference, Ill go with the cheapest.

http://www.notebookcity.co.nz/produc...oler-combo-kit
http://www.notebookcity.co.nz/produc...ered-twin2x409
http://www.notebookcity.co.nz/produc...red-twin2x40-0

Thermaltake is a good brand - that PSU is good, but as it's name implies it's a "lite" version. It only has 45 amps combined on the +12volt rails and has just one 8 pin (6+2) PCI adapter. Many newer video cards require 2 adapters per card, such as the 4890.

COZ is quality, it's what I usually buy, although I have also had the Corsair XMS RAM and been happy with it. Buy what's cheapest there.

subarucar · Nov 19, 2009, 02:59 AM // 02:59

I think that's about all I need to know. Thank you very much to all who offered their assistance.

cebalrai · Nov 26, 2009, 08:02 PM // 20:02

I keep itching to upgrade my system because I'm an itchy upgrader. But my 8800 GTX still plays modern, brand-new games extremely well, even at high resolutions. I'm getting a smooth 45 FPS on Arkham Asylum when FPS dips during combat/action and a full 60 FPS with less movement.

Other specs are Core 2 Extreme @ 2.8 ghz, 4 GB Ram with 32-bit Vista (effective 3.25 ghz), running on a 1920x res monitor at full res. I'm going to upgrade to Windows 7 64 bit and get a bit of an upgrade too.

IMO the OP shouldn't upgrade yet, except for his graphics card. If he gets even a cheap GeForce 9800 gpu it will be a massive upgrade for his system.

The OP has a few more years in his rig. He seems cost-conscious, so building a new system right now is puzzling.