Suggestions for an upgrade?

[SpiritSharD]

Hey everyone,

I brought a computer sometime during September last year with the following system specifications;

- Foxconn G31MX
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 @ 2.33GHz
- 4GB RAM
- nVidia 9800GT
- 400w PSU

I've not had any problems with the build since I purchased it, however I've recently started playing computer games more and fear my system specs may not be able to run more 'advanced' games. Preferably I'd like to play the games on their highest settings.

I was thinking of getting an nVidia GTX 280 but wasn't sure whether or not my motherboard could handle the card?

I'm basically just looking for suggestions on how to upgrade my PC. Should I get a new GFX card, if so which one? Should I get a new motherboard, if so which one?

I lack the knowledge to upgrade the system myself as I'd probably end up buying a new GFX card that isn't compatible with the motherboard.



Thanks in advance.

[digibucc]

I am looking at a new video card as well, as you should be. You have 1 PciX16 slot so any single card should do fine. I can't tell if it's V1 or V2 but either way, it can handle a new card.

The ATI Radeon 5770 seems to be prime right now, at around $160USD w/DirectX11
I am going to wait another month or so to see what Nvidia releases though, as they have NOTHING with DirectX11 out now.

CPU itself is good, next upgrade after GPU would be RAM and then MOBO...

and duh, as intel noted your PSU may not be up to snuff. a 550-650 for about $60 would be good, corsair or PC, P&C brands are good.

Your psu wont handle a gtx 280 thats for sure, What brand is it ? I would go for a new PSU and maybe a GTX 260 216sp

[ChiSox]

Originally Posted by SpiritSharD

- Foxconn G31MX
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 @ 2.33GHz
- 4GB RAM
- nVidia 9800GT
- 400w PSU

I was thinking of getting an nVidia GTX 280 but wasn't sure whether or not my motherboard could handle the card?

Do you mean your psu may not handle it?? Your Mobo will handle it fine...your cpu clock speed may bottleneck your system though

[SpiritSharD]

Originally Posted by digibucc

CPU itself is good, next upgrade after GPU would be RAM and then MOBO...

and duh, as intel noted your PSU may not be up to snuff. a 550-650 for about $60 would be good, corsair or PC, P&C brands are good.

I don't think I can upgrade the RAM as I believe the motherboard can only handle a maximum of 4GB. Don't think I need to do it anyway, seeing as how most games only require minimum of 1GB-2GB RAM.

Originally Posted by InTeL-iNsIdE

Your psu wont handle a gtx 280 thats for sure, What brand is it ? I would go for a new PSU and maybe a GTX 260 216sp

I don't know the brand, I'll have to check later. Yeah, I was thinking the PSU may not changing, wasn't all too sure though.

Originally Posted by ChiSox

Do you mean your psu may not handle it?? Your Mobo will handle it fine...your cpu clock speed may bottleneck your system though

Nope, I meant motherboard. Like I said, I lack knowledge in this area of computers.

[kurosagi01]

your motherboard is fine but you would need overclock your CPU a little bit and you should look at what PSU you have in your system.

it won't be able to handle 5770 if its a cheap brand let alone an GTX260.

[SpiritSharD]

Well, I'm definitely in need of an upgrade now, as the graphics card has just died. xD

What's better, ATI Radeon 5770 or GTX260?
ill my system specifications be alright to run the best out of the two?

I will get a new PSU, probably 600-700w.

EDIT:

Also, where can I purchase them cheapest? Link would be appreciated.

[BarbaricSoul]

where are you located?

[assaulter_99]

I'd take dx 11 over dx 10 any time. Guess you ve got your answer. And a 600w is more than enough to power it.

[BarbaricSoul]

the GTX260 and 5770 are about equal performance wise, but the 5770 does offer DX11 support and uses less electricity

[SpiritSharD]

Originally Posted by BarbaricSoul

where are you located?

England.

Originally Posted by BarbaricSoul

the GTX260 and 5770 are about equal performance wise, but the 5770 does offer DX11 support and uses less electricity

Sounds better.

[BarbaricSoul]

Originally Posted by SpiritSharD

England.

sorry, I don't keep up with the European e-tailers as I'm in the States. I'm sure someone will be along shortly to point you to where to go shopping.

[SpiritSharD]

No problem, thanks.

[JrRacinFan]

Opt for a 5770 as an upgrade, I know most (93%) of the cards do hit 1Ghz core. Don't worry about bottlenecking either unless you have a resolution max of 1280x1024/1440x900.

ebuyer.co.uk or ebuyer.com
HD5770: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/191864
Corsair 650W PSU: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/135514

scan.co.uk
Every once in a while you will come acrossed a deal or 2 on this site. Although both items depicted above were quite a bit more expensive.

Those are a couple shops I know off hand that are based in England.

EDIT:
You also asked about a motherboard upgrade. Personally wouldn't bother with it, with all the newer stuff being released. Let's say you purchase a new motherboard now, what gives in a few months if say you are wishing to now build an i5 rig or that budget AM3 build?

[SpiritSharD]

Originally Posted by JrRacinFan

ebuyer.co.uk or ebuyer.com
HD5770: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/191864
Corsair 650W PSU: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/135514

Thanks for the links.

Can you tell me the difference between the card you just linked me, and this one; http://www.ebuyer.com/product/189741

[JrRacinFan]

No differences as far as I can tell. Oh and you're welcome.

PS: Welcome to TPU!

EDIT:
Here's a review of the Sapphire card:
http://forums.techpowerup.com/showth...19#post1762519

[SpiritSharD]

Originally Posted by JrRacinFan

No differences as far as I can tell. Oh and you're welcome.

PS: Welcome to TPU!

EDIT:
Here's a review of the Sapphire card:
http://forums.techpowerup.com/showth...19#post1762519

Thanks. Just gave it a quick read. Seems like a good card.

I've got a question regarding the PSU you linked. What's the differences between that one, and this one?

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/650W-...Fan-ATX12v-Rea

I'm expecting the one you linked to be better, but if the above PSU is decent enough (650w), then I'll go for that one as it's cheaper.

[BarbaricSoul]

Originally Posted by JrRacinFan

Opt for a 5770 as an upgrade, I know most (93%) of the cards do hit 1Ghz core. Don't worry about bottlenecking either unless you have a resolution max of 1280x1024/1440x900.

ebuyer.co.uk or ebuyer.com
HD5770: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/191864
Corsair 650W PSU: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/135514

scan.co.uk
Every once in a while you will come acrossed a deal or 2 on this site. Although both items depicted above were quite a bit more expensive.

Those are a couple shops I know off hand that are based in England.

EDIT:
You also asked about a motherboard upgrade. Personally wouldn't bother with it, with all the newer stuff being released. Let's say you purchase a new motherboard now, what gives in a few months if say you are wishing to now build an i5 rig or that budget AM3 build?

Good advice there.

Out of curiousity, since you did say "fear my system specs may not be able to run more 'advanced' games. Preferably I'd like to play the games on their highest settings", I have to ask a few more questions before you push the purchase button. What monitor size and resolution are you running? What games are you looking to play? And last, but definently not least, what is your budget?

[SpiritSharD]

Originally Posted by BarbaricSoul

Out of curiousity, since you did say "fear my system specs may not be able to run more 'advanced' games. Preferably I'd like to play the games on their highest settings", I have to ask a few more questions before you push the purchase button. What monitor size and resolution are you running? What games are you looking to play? And last, but definently not least, what is your budget?

Sure, right...

When I'm browsing web etc my resolution was 1920x1080 (running through mobo now as card is bust). In-game I'd run at the same resolution, sometimes lower depending on the game.

I'm not really looking to play a particular game. All the games now I could have run on the highest settings (apart from Crysis, but I could play using "High" settings). I just want a decent set-up that'll last me a while. I'm not expecting to play games on their highest settings in about a year or so's time.

Hmm, well I've already paid £450 for the rig I have, and now it looks as if I'm going to have to spend another £150 on the card and PSU. Essentially it's the best components I can get for the cheapest price. I'm not looking to complete re-do my computer as I've only had this one for less than 6 months.

[JrRacinFan]

Originally Posted by SpiritSharD

Thanks. Just gave it a quick read. Seems like a good card.

I've got a question regarding the PSU you linked. What's the differences between that one, and this one?

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/650W-...Fan-ATX12v-Rea

I'm expecting the one you linked to be better, but if the above PSU is decent enough (650w), then I'll go for that one as it's cheaper.

Brand is the biggest difference. Oh and the single 12v rail. If you need something a little cheaper:

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/127861

Really wouldn't skim much on power supply. Think of it as the heart of your PC.

5770 would be a perfect match for 1080p.

[BarbaricSoul]

yeah, the 5770 will do ok for your resolution, but you might want to look into the 5850 cards(I have a 5870 and run 1920*1200 resolution myself). The single 5870 in crysis gives me 40-50 fps 1920*1200 all settings maxed, I'd guess the 5850 with no OC'ing would give 35-45 fps with the same settings. I only mentioned crysis to give you a idea of performance differance from your current set-up.

Please don't skimp on the PSU. Quality definently matters when it comes to power supplies, simply because if a power supply dies, it can quite possibly will take out one or more your motherboard, cpu, RAM, or video card.

[SpiritSharD]

Me again. xD

My mate recommended I buy this card, because apparently it would be a bad idea to get the HD Radeon 5770 when my system has an Intel processor. He also said nVidia out perform ATI.

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/160679

So, yeah, thoughts?

[assaulter_99]

Your friend is a ****. Sorry but there's no proof about what he is saying. Just get a 5770, you won't regret it. I mean just look at the number of people who've got ati cards with intel cpu's, no one's complaining.

[SpiritSharD]

Rightyo. Just need the money now.

[assaulter_99]

Originally Posted by SpiritSharD

He also said nVidia out perform ATI.

It used to be the case, but for the moment, nvidia is mia. That gts250 is no match for a 5770. Its more on par with a 4850. A 5770 sits between a 4870 and a 4890. You've got you answer, you friend is just a fanboy