Seeking Advice... keep using Xeon Workstation or dump system and start new.

[baker_jeff]

Hello everyone!

I am using a 2014 Dell Precision T3610 workstation as my gaming rig. Weird, I know, but I traded something for it and it basically cost me nothing.

It has a Xeon E5 2690 v2 processor which seems to be pretty high end (correct me if I'm wrong).

The board supports dual GPUs, so I recently picked up a matching GTX 970 SSC to SLI... but SLI is not supported by the board I can't seem to make it work using DifferentSLI.

So my dilemma is this!

Do I search for and buy a compatible X79 motherboard (gaming boards seem to still go for $250-$350 CAD) and swap everything over? (I think this is lowest cost which is important)

OR

Sell the workstation and buy a new mobo/processor/ram. I already have a spare case, PSU.

My Purpose: I only use this system to game.

Thanks all! Looking forward to hearing your opinions.

 

[EarthDog]

Unless you can actually use all those cores in that processor, I would scrap it and get a new system.

 

[P4-630]

I would scrap it and get a new system.

What he said ^

 

[silentbogo]

I'd say, sell those 970's and get a single 1070 instead. You'll lose some performance in SLI-optimised games, but it will pay off in stability, power consumption and noise levels. Plus, if you sell it right, this upgrade will cost you nothing.

If you already plan to spend more cash, then you can add some $$$ to purchase a GTX1080 - it will be a win-win all the way around.

E5 2690 is a very capable CPU, so I wouldn't be in a hurry to get rid of it. At least not yet.

 

[thebluebumblebee]

I only use this system to game.

Spoiler: What you need

It has a Xeon E5 2690 v2

Spoiler: What you have

I will give a +1 to @silentbogo 's response first and then a +1 to @EarthDog 's. Notice that none of us, so far, have suggested the new (old) X79 motherboard route.

 

[r9]

I'd say, sell those 970's and get a single 1070 instead. You'll lose some performance in SLI-optimised games, but it will pay off in stability, power consumption and noise levels. Plus, if you sell it right, this upgrade will cost you nothing.

If you already plan to spend more cash, then you can add some $$$ to purchase a GTX1080 - it will be a win-win all the way around.

E5 2690 is a very capable CPU, so I wouldn't be in a hurry to get rid of it. At least not yet.

+1

Sell the 970s get 1070. The upgrade will cost you like $50.