The Immense Gaming Overkill: I upgraded to i7 2600k and still kept my 17" Monitor!

[MaxAwesome]

Now my system is as can be seen from the "My System" drop down menu.

I used to have a Q9550 @ 3.8ghz that people here on TPU told me would last for many years for gaming, especially at my resolution. And I know it would. It is an awesome CPU.

But now, instead of lasting for a 2 or 3 years, my system will last AGES for gaming! At least the CPU will! And I haven't even overclocked it yet! (still deciding on which cooler to get).

Considerations:

Is it absolutely overkill? Yes.

Do I love getting insane FPS in every game? DAMN RIGHT!

(I used to get incredible FPS with my Q9550 as well, for the record).

 

[cyriene]

Take back the cpu/mobo and buy a bigger monitor. My 24" and 30" monitors were the best computer parts I have bought.

 

[DonInKansas]

Once you go bigger, you'll never go back.

 

[cdawall]

didn't i tell you to upgrade your tiny monitor a while ago?

 

[MaxAwesome]

Yes you did

But I don't want to. The i7 2600k eliminates the CPU bottleneck at this resolution (My Q9550 wasn't really holding me back that much in games, but still it feels like an upgrade), and my games simply fly.

For example, I used to get 90-120 FPS in Mafia II with my Q9550 @ 3.8ghz. Now I get between 120-160 FPS with my 2600k @ 4ghz. Quite a difference, but the Q9550 was still absolutely owning the game.


I now have a long lasting gaming PC. And this CPU should last for a really long time


NOTE: This upgrade cost me almost nothing, because I sold my parts for a very nice sum, which basically covered the cost this upgrade.

NOTE 2: Yes, I'm perfectly aware that my Q9550 would still last me a huge amount of time for gaming.

 

[cdawall]

just FYI your eyes cannot tell what is 60FPS and what is 1000FPS however your monitor cannot even render that many FPS so i hope you enjoy frames being dropped or tearing good job you accomplished nothing...

 

[MaxAwesome]

just FYI your eyes cannot tell what is 60FPS and what is 1000FPS however your monitor cannot even render that many FPS so i hope you enjoy frames being dropped or tearing good job you accomplished nothing...

My monitor cannot display over 75hz, I know that.

But that doesn't mean it can't tell me what kind of FPS games are pulling.

I know my monitor can't display the 160 FPS that Mafia II is pulling for example, but it is nice to see that "theoretical" number that FRAPS is showing.

 

[cadaveca]

Don't let others ruin your enjoyment of your new rig. Sounds like you are all set.

 

[MaxAwesome]

Don't let others ruin your enjoyment of your new rig. Sounds like you are all set.

Thanks

I understand other people's opinions, that it might be overkill and whatnot. I don't get offended.

But to me, it really isn't overkill at all.

Here's how I look at it: My eyes are comfortable with 1280x1024. For gaming (which is what this system really is for), this res suits me just fine, but by having a smaller monitor, means that my hardware can last much longer.

I know Sandy Bridge chips will last a very long time for gaming (Core 2 Quad, Phenom II Nehalem i5 and i7 will also last very long), but this way I can make it last even longer.

I'd say 4-5 years is perfectly acceptable as a gaming life expectancy of this chip.

 

[cadaveca]

Considering 1280x1024 is a higher res that 720p, I'm sure it's fine too.

but I will say, it's easier to play FPS when you have more pixels. But then, more pixels = less FPS. I've been fighting that battle for far too long, and always seem to be on the losing side.

 

[Kreij]

But can it run Crysis?

Glad to see someone enjoying their upgrades.
One of these days I'll have to retire my QX9650 and 4870x2 for something newer, but for now my rig is keeping me happy.

 

[MaxAwesome]

But can it run Crysis?

Glad to see someone enjoying their upgrades.
One of these days I'll have to retire my QX9650 and 4870x2 for something newer, but for now my rig is keeping me happy.

You'll have to retire that GPU much sooner than the CPU

In all fairness, LGA 775 Quads are still processing monsters.

You can still keep it as a relevant gaming CPU for at least another 2 years or so.

 

[cdawall]

You'll have to retire that GPU much sooner than the CPU

In all fairness, LGA 775 Quads are still processing monsters.

that GPU still holds its stick at the 6870 your running they are quite good i hope you ejoy your rig i was just coming from what i used to play at screenwise and switching from a 17" 1280x1024 to a 24" 1080P was night and day admittedly you do have to get used to how huge it was lol

 

[Kreij]

I'm an RPG fan (not so much FPS), so my GPU does pretty well at 2560x1600.
I still get something like 4000 FPS in Minesweeper.

My 30" monitor was one of the best investments yet. Not necessarily for gaming (with is pretty much pure bliss) but it allows me to have a lot on the screen when writing code.

 

[cdawall]

I'm an RPG fan (not so much FPS), so my GPU does pretty well at 2560x1600.
I still get something like 4000 FPS in Minesweeper.

My 30" monitor was one of the best investments yet. Not necessarily for gaming (with is pretty much pure bliss) but it allows me to have a lot on the screen when writing code.

pretty much my reason for switching 3D CAD sucked with 1280X1024

 

[Kreij]

I will say that not everyone likes a really large monitor.
I went from a 19" (4:3) to the 30".
Took a little getting used to at first. I'll never go back, though.

 

[Completely Bonkers]

Nice upgrade Max.

I'm an old skool 1600x1200 TFT user. Got 5 of them knocking around here and there. As Kreij says, upgrading the "y" makes a HUGE difference in productivity, whether reading webpages, forum pages, PDF documents, or programming.

Unless you only "game" or "video" on your PC, then DONT get a small "y" like 1080. My advice would be 1200 minimum, but if you can afford it, 1440 or 1600 in the y.

I will upgrade my TFTs as soon as pixel density increases and I can get 1440 or 1600 in a 21-24" screen. I dont want 30" monster(s) on my desk.

 

[Kreij]

The problem I had at first with the large monitor was that I was so enthralled looking at the graphics in 2560x1600 that I kept getting killed in game.

 

[MaxAwesome]

Since I'm a "just" a gamer, I don't really feel the need for a bigger monitor Pixel density is quite nice as well. And it is a 75hz monitor, which, all things considered, isn't that bad.

But you know what, guys? I think I'm gonna miss my Q9550. I feel like I've left behind a perfectly capable CPU, that could still last me plenty of time for my gaming.

But I'm sure the person I sold it to, will take advantage of it's true power.

 

[hv43082]

Once you go bigger, you'll never go back.

That's what she said!

 

[Kreij]

But you know what, guys? I think I'm gonna miss my Q9550.

Don't get all sentimental on us Max. lol
My QX6700 did me well until I traded it off. I don't miss it.

 

[MaxAwesome]

Don't get all sentimental on us Max. lol
My QX6700 did me well until I traded it off. I don't miss it.

But don't you agree that they are still capable CPUs?

I was just referring to that, that they will remain good gaming chips for 2 few more years.


Core 2 Quad

 

[Kreij]

Yes, I agree with you there.
But this is TPU ... capable does not cut it. MOAH POWER !!!
(unfortunately I can't afford to upgrade at the moment)

 

[Completely Bonkers]

But don't you agree that they are still capable CPUs?

I was just referring to that, that they will remain good gaming chips for 2 few more years.

When you are a bit older, 40 or so, and your wife is still capable, you'll be dreaming of those halcyon days when you could upgrade for new models whenever you desired.

 

[xbonez]

While 19" is a wee bit small, its a matter of personal preference. I game on a 28" monitor, but that often is the cause of my tunnel vision. Sitting a foot away from a 28" monitor makes it impossible to have the entire screen in your immediate viewing area which can hinder your gaming, particularly in multiplayers.