CPU upgrade for Acer x3400

[andrew2034]

Hi, I have recently started streaming on Twitch.TV but my computer can not handle streaming at high qualities. I am a complete newbie to upgrading CPU's (I dont have a clue TBH). I am wondering what would be the best possible CPU upgrade to improve my streaming capabilities.

Note: I do not want to spend much more than £80 or $120.

 

[Ubrales]

Try overclocking the existing CPU for better results.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/athlon-ii-x3,2452-4.html

Based on performance after overclocking, you may want to stay where you are, or consider CPU upgrades. Besides, OC is a nice learning experience and must be done cautiously.

 

[andrew2034]

Ok, but as far as streaming is concerned, I have heard that a quad core processor helps greatly. So how would this compare to overclocking my current cpu.

 

[Ubrales]

Ok, but as far as streaming is concerned, I have heard that a quad core processor helps greatly. So how would this compare to overclocking my current cpu.

Yes a quad will be better. By overclocking one can expect a 15% to 30% better performance depending on the application, cooling, etc. - and overclocking does not require you to spend any money; time yes. Woth looking into.

 

[bkoop]

This seems like a good CPU and should be fine for watching TV.

However I have my concerns about Nvidia GeForce 9200M GS with 256 MB of vram.

Is there a PCI-Express x16 in this computer?

 

[bkoop]

What is your internet speed? You can test it using this:

http://reviews.cnet.com/internet-speed-test/

 

[andrew2034]

What is your internet speed? You can test it using this:

http://reviews.cnet.com/internet-speed-test/

I used the test and it came up with a line speed of 5767 kbps
I have already checked my down and upload speeds on speedtest.net the results were 30 down 3.5 up

 

[das_stig]

Acers don't allow for overclocking as they use lockdown OEM motherboards.

http://support.acer.com/product/default.aspx?modelId=2219

According to them your motherboard supports ..

AMD Phenom™ II X4 quad-core processor (up to 3.40 GHz, 6 MB L3 cache, 2 MB L@ cache, 512 KB L1 cache)
AMD Phenom™ II X3 triple-core processor (up to 3 GHz, 6 MB L3 cache, 1.5 MB L2 cache, 384 KB L1 cache)
AMD Athlon™ II X4 quad-core processor (up to 3 GHz, 2 MB L2 cache, 512 KB L1 cache)
AMD Athlon™ II X3 triple-core processor (up to 3.1 GHz, 1.5 MB L2 cache, 384 KB L1 cache)
AMD Athlon™ II X2 dual-core processor (up to 3.2 GHz, 2 MB L2 cache, 256 KB L1 cache)

Although the latest BIOS P01.B3 now supports X6 CPU's.

While the recommended GPU probably based on what the factory fitted PSU can handle ..

NVIDIA® GeForce® 9200 Graphics
NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 320 with 1024 MB of dedicated DDR3 VRAM, supporting NVIDIA® CUDA™, PhysX™, PureVideo® HD technology, OpenEXR High Dynamic-Range (HDR) technology, Shader Model 4.1, Microsoft® DirectX® 10.1, OpenGL® 2.1, OpenCL™ 1.0
NVIDIA® GeForce® 315 with 512 MB of dedicated DDR3 VRAM, supporting NVIDIA® CUDA™, PhysX™, PureVideo® HD technology, OpenEXR High Dynamic-Range (HDR) technology, Shader Model 4.1, Microsoft® DirectX® 10.1, OpenGL® 2.1, OpenCL™ 1.0
NVIDIA® GeForce® 310 with 512 MB of dedicated DDR2 VRAM, supporting NVIDIA® CUDA™, PhysX™, PureVideo® HD technology, OpenEXR High Dynamic-Range (HDR) technology, Shader Model 4.1, Microsoft® DirectX® 10.1, OpenGL® 3.1 OpenCL™ 1.0
ATI Radeon™ HD 5570 with 1024 MB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM, supporting Unified Video Decoder (UVD), OpenEXR High Dynamic-Range (HDR) technology, Shader Model 5.0, Microsoft® DirectX® 11, OpenGL® 3.2, OpenCL™ 1.0
ATI Radeon™ HD 5450 with 512 MB of dedicated DDR3 VRAM, supporting Unified Video Decoder (UVD), OpenEXR High Dynamic-Range (HDR) technology, Shader Model 5.0, Microsoft® DirectX® 11, OpenGL® 3.2, OpenCL™ 1.0

 

[bkoop]

I used the test and it came up with a line speed of 5767 kbps
I have already checked my down and upload speeds on speedtest.net the results were 30 down 3.5 up

Your probably paying for 30 down and 3.5 up, but you are probably getting something less. Of course, one test on Cnet is only a snapshot in time, but clearly you are not getting 30 down.

 

[andrew2034]

Acers don't allow for overclocking as they use lockdown OEM motherboards.

http://support.acer.com/product/default.aspx?modelId=2219

According to them your motherboard supports ..

AMD Phenom™ II X4 quad-core processor (up to 3.40 GHz, 6 MB L3 cache, 2 MB L@ cache, 512 KB L1 cache)
AMD Phenom™ II X3 triple-core processor (up to 3 GHz, 6 MB L3 cache, 1.5 MB L2 cache, 384 KB L1 cache)
AMD Athlon™ II X4 quad-core processor (up to 3 GHz, 2 MB L2 cache, 512 KB L1 cache)
AMD Athlon™ II X3 triple-core processor (up to 3.1 GHz, 1.5 MB L2 cache, 384 KB L1 cache)
AMD Athlon™ II X2 dual-core processor (up to 3.2 GHz, 2 MB L2 cache, 256 KB L1 cache)

Although the latest BIOS P01.B3 now supports X6 CPU's.

While the recommended GPU probably based on what the factory fitted PSU can handle ..

NVIDIA® GeForce® 9200 Graphics
NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 320 with 1024 MB of dedicated DDR3 VRAM, supporting NVIDIA® CUDA™, PhysX™, PureVideo® HD technology, OpenEXR High Dynamic-Range (HDR) technology, Shader Model 4.1, Microsoft® DirectX® 10.1, OpenGL® 2.1, OpenCL™ 1.0
NVIDIA® GeForce® 315 with 512 MB of dedicated DDR3 VRAM, supporting NVIDIA® CUDA™, PhysX™, PureVideo® HD technology, OpenEXR High Dynamic-Range (HDR) technology, Shader Model 4.1, Microsoft® DirectX® 10.1, OpenGL® 2.1, OpenCL™ 1.0
NVIDIA® GeForce® 310 with 512 MB of dedicated DDR2 VRAM, supporting NVIDIA® CUDA™, PhysX™, PureVideo® HD technology, OpenEXR High Dynamic-Range (HDR) technology, Shader Model 4.1, Microsoft® DirectX® 10.1, OpenGL® 3.1 OpenCL™ 1.0
ATI Radeon™ HD 5570 with 1024 MB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM, supporting Unified Video Decoder (UVD), OpenEXR High Dynamic-Range (HDR) technology, Shader Model 5.0, Microsoft® DirectX® 11, OpenGL® 3.2, OpenCL™ 1.0
ATI Radeon™ HD 5450 with 512 MB of dedicated DDR3 VRAM, supporting Unified Video Decoder (UVD), OpenEXR High Dynamic-Range (HDR) technology, Shader Model 5.0, Microsoft® DirectX® 11, OpenGL® 3.2, OpenCL™ 1.0

So would you say this is a good upgrade ?:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002SRQ214/ref=asc_df_B002SRQ2147648387?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&tag=googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22206&creativeASIN=B002SRQ214

 

[bkoop]

You do not need a new CPU, you might need a new video card

Call the internet provider and have them check your connection, but I still think it is your video card

 

[bkoop]

You can bring up Windows Task Manager and check the CPU useage under the Performance tab while watching TV. Then you will know for sure.

 

[MasterCox]

However I have my concerns about Nvidia GeForce 9200M GS with 256 MB of vram.

 

[andrew2034]

Sorry I do not know if I have been unclear but, I wanted to improve ME streaming using x-split and arcsoft total media exstreme. As far as I am aware upgrading my graphics card will have little to no effect on my streaming capabilities. I have already upgraded my GPU previously to a radeon HD 5450 which is handling fine. I am however limited to very low streaming quality options and I have to drop my resolution down considerably. This results in a very poor stream. I have already checked my ACTUAL internet connection/bandwitch for the stream settings I want and it works perfectly so I have already eliminated that. I think the reason why my bandwidth was so low on the cnet test was because my home internet was fairly congested (I have just checked again and got more than double).

 

[bkoop]

Are you watching TV on Twitch.TV or playing games?

I think both require a better video card

 

[andrew2034]

Are you watching TV on Twitch.TV or playing games?

I think both require a better video card

I am streaming me playing games. However I do not play the games on my pc I use a HD-PVR to capture my PS3 gameplay. I then stream that picture using X-split. I could be having a dumb moment but from what I have read, upgrading the graphics card does nothing.

 

[bkoop]

I am sorry, I did not know you had a HD 5450 and if you bring up Windows Task Manager and the CPU is pegged near 100%, then sure upgrade your CPU.

 

[andrew2034]

I am sorry, I did not know you had a HD 5450 and if you bring up Windows Task Manager and the CPU is pegged near 100%, then sure upgrade your CPU.

Ok thanks mate. I will do, I should've really posted the graphics before hand but oh well.

 

[realchris2011]

Although the latest BIOS P01.B3 now supports X6 CPU's.

Would you happen to know the patch notes for this latest Bios patch?
Like for example did they increase the size RAM as in is DDR3 4GB
single sticks supported in this patch or just 2 still?. Does the Update allow for more memory past 8 gigs.