Need some expect advice

[mikehockey27]

So I built my computer a few years back and I am trying to upgrade the gpu so I can run custom games on SC II without any issues.
My build is as follows:

Phenom 9600 2.3 ghz (quad core) (95w)
4gb DDr2 corsair gaming ram
500w rosewill PS
sapphire ATI 4800 series GPU (cant remember the exact number)

basically, I think that my GPU is my problem. So, I have looked into graphics cards and decided to get this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=14-102-941&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Keywords=%28keywords%29&Page=1#scrollFullInfo

I am hoping this will solve my problems, but I just wanted to make sure everything is compatible before I make the purchase. I have read that the PCIe2.1 is backwards compatible with the PCIe 2.0 slot, but I just wanted to make sure everything else will be fine. Also, I want to be sure that my 500w ps will be able to power everything.

I am looking to spend in the low $100's for a graphics card, so if anyone objects with my decision or has a different suggestion in the same price range then please post it!

Thanks!
-Mike

 

[purple stain]

It's your CPU that is the problem.

The 6770 and 4850 are almost equal in performance so it wouldn't be much of an upgrade.You would have to get something like a 6870 or GTX560ti to make it much of an upgrade.But your problem is your CPU.If you got a faster one you can still use the 4850.

What is the make/model of your motherboard?

 

[beenthere]

It looks like the Rosewill 500w PSU will just make it with the AMD 6770 card. The GPU draw ~13 amps under full load. The PSU has two 12v rails with up to 15A on one and 16A on the other. Make sure the GPU is on a different 12v rail from the PCU and other 12v power consumers.

http://www.pureoverclock.com/review.php?id=1327&page=15

 

[mikehockey27]

@purple stank

Unfortunately my Biostar 790GX has a AM2+ socket...I wanted to upgrade my whole PC...but I dont want to throw down 300 for a new mobo and cpu.. thats why I was hoping that upgrading the graphics would fix my problem.

I was hoping my 2.3 ghz phenom would last me a bit longer... I ran the "canyourunit" app on their site for SC2 and the only things that didnt let me get the "recommended" rating were my shaders and something else with my gpu...

apparently my cpu is rated to 4.6ghz...but I dont know how true that is in reality..

what do you guys suggest I do? I know I need to upgrade my entire PC eventually, but for now I want to know what I can do so my comp can handle SC2 customs and late game melee..
With lots of units on the field and lots of abilities being used, my comp starts to lag and becomes almost unplayable...However, in a 1v1 or in the campaign I can run on high graphics settings without any problem..

thanks again for any help!

 

[4745454b]

You need a new CPU. Might be a quad, but 2.3GHz with that Arch won't keep a GPU fed. I'd even take one of the newer X3s over what you have. Should be less then $100 easy. (probably closer to $60.)

 

[purple stain]

What's the exact model number? Their could be a BIOS update that would allow you to use a AM3 CPU.

4.6ghz? You must mean 2.6ghz.

Find out which version you have and look it up here to see if their's a AM3 BIOS update for it.

http://www.biostar-usa.com/app/en-us/search/search.php?search=790GX

 

[cuecuemore]

To follow up what has been said, what you need is a 2-, 3-, or 4-core processor with the best single core strength you can get.

 

[bmd911]

cpu is the bottleneck, 2cores up to 3g more than 2g of 4cores for scII.
maybe your mobe could use 45nm x955.My am2+(nvida mcp78?) just has upgraded x240 and overclock 3.5g haha,but no l3 aslo too slow to run it.

 

[mikehockey27]

I have the TA790GX3 AM2+ vers. 5.1
Is there a way to make my mobo compatible with am3?
You guys have been really helpful!
my temporary attempt to increase my speed has become overclocking my cpu and gpu...only I dont know the best way to do this. I used to have my CPU overclocked to 2.4ghz from the bios...but I did that a while ago and have whipped my computer since then.

Will overclocking these components help at all? If so, what is the best way to overclock?

However, if this wont really help, am I going to need a new mobo and cpu (if my mobo wont run work with AM3 socket type)

Thanks again!

 

[mikehockey27]

 

[purple stain]

Looks like your in luck.Their is a BIOS update that will allow you to upgrade to a AM3 CPU.

Double check to make sure that's your exact mobo.Don't want to mess up when flashing the BIOS.

http://www.biostar-usa.com/app/en-us/mb/bios.php?S_ID=376

If you upgrade to this CPU you will have A LOT better performance and your 4850 should do a lot better.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808

 

[mikehockey27]

You are awesome!
you just saved me a whole bunch of time and money. I had no idea that had a bios update to allow for am3 socket...

my next question is, if I have the some extra money and I want it to last me for as long as possible, which of the following should I get?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808

also, what is the difference between the first 3.2ghz quad core and the following?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103921

Thanks again!

 

[purple stain]

Don't bother with the 965.You can reach those clocks and even higher when you O.C.
In fact with a good cooler i'm sure you can hit 4ghz.

The 840 is more of a conservitive processor.It only has a 95 watt TDP and no L3 cache.It also doesn't have an unlocked multiplier.The 955 is much much better and the extra $20 is worth it.You should wait because newegg usually has the 955 on sale for $100.But that's only if you want.

Here's a great guide to O.C.ing with a BE.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/258573-29-black-edition-overclock-guide-raising-multiplier

This is a a great heatsink for O.C.ing

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

 

[purple stain]

I forgot to ask.Which card from the 4800 series do you have? I just assumed it was a 4850.

Also I would suggest you upgrade your PSU when you have the money.Rosewill doesn't make good PSU's and I'm sure the one your using is underrated.

 

[mikehockey27]

This is my graphics card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102770

what power supply brand would you suggest? I thought rosewill was good, but I am/was still learning when I built it.

Is my graphics card any good in respect to todays market(I know its not awesome, but will it handle gaming)?

and would you suggest overclocking the gpu? I used the catalyst center the other day and pushed it a bit with the ati overdrive, but since then I have been experiencing some weird pixelation under high loads on scII. It was nothing too crazy, but enough for my to notice quick spurts and concern me..

 

[purple stain]

A 4870 is comparable to a 5770/6770.So a 4850 is lesser but in the same general area,a little more powerful than a 5670.Those are all modest GPU's.But it's not no record breaker so you will have to turn down settings often.Upgrade it whenever you have the money.

If you don't have any extra cash then I would suggest not O.C.ing.Your PSU might not be able to handle it and it's already quite an aged card.Best to not put more stress on it.Set it back to the factory defualts if your experincing problems like that.

It depends what your budget is.Antec is good for budget builders.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371035

 

[mikehockey27]

out of curiosity, what changed with the first number? I know that the newer models have a larger number, but what actual changes are typically made when a higher number is released?

 

[purple stain]

What are you referring to?
Are you talking about going from a 955 to 965,etc.?
It's usually just a difference in frequency.Higher model numbers usually means high frequencies.

This is their highest/fastest processor.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103934

So basicly you buy a 955 and are able to O.C. to 3.7ghz with just a tiny voltage increase.And thus you've saved yourself $50 and it's the exact same processor of the 980(performance wise).

 

[mikehockey27]

Oh, I was referring to the gpu. Like you were saying the 4870, 5770 and 6770 were comparable

 

[purple stain]

The 4870 was a powerful card back when it first released but by today's standards it compares in performance to a 5770/6770.The 5770/6770 is basicly the entry level GPU to high performance graphics.

It's got nothing to do with the model numbers I was just comparing it to a more modern card of today.

 

[mikehockey27]

alright, well thanks for all your help! i will be purchasing the new cpu pretty soon, hopefully everything will work out!

 

[purple stain]

Your welcome.I'm sure you won't be disapointed.

Goodluck.

 

[4745454b]

The first number is the generation. (back in the day the first number was supposed to be the DX level it supported, so the 7000 and 7200 supported DX7, while the 8500 supported DX8. The 9700 and 9500 continued this trend until the 9200 came out and supported only DX8.) So in this case the 4 means 4th gen, and 5/6 mean latter generations. You use the next 3 numbers to get your product placement. An 870 would be faster then an 850, which is faster then a 670, etc.

Each gen SHOULD give you more features, better manufacturering node, etc. This is not always the case as the 6770 is identical to the 5770. TSMC had an issue with the next node and AMD/Nvidia had to reuse 40nm. AMD made what tweaks it could and shipped out the 6770. The typical node change and/or generation change should give you better clocks, lower power use, more features, etc.

 

[mikehockey27]

So....I updated my bios, and I bought the processor and instal it a few minutes ago. However, my processor core speed it 800mhz...I have no idea what is wrong...
Any thoughts?

 

[4745454b]

Cool and quiet?