Rate my current build - time for new?

[Dmillernj]

Long time reader, first time poster - hoping to get some advice from those much more knowledgeable than I.


My current PC, built July 2008:

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W

Motherboard: ASUS RAMPAGE FORMULA LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX

RAM: OCZ Platinum 4GB x2 (8GB total)

Graphics card: SAPPHIRE 100243L Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16

Hard drive: System drive is a Raptor, and I've a raid 0 file drive, made from two western digital 500gb's

Case: Some massive honking bear of an Antec case, purchased back in 2006 or so.

Power supply: CORSAIR HX Series CMPSU-1000HX 1000W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91

Cooling: Thermaltake CL-P0310 120mm CPU Cooling Fan

OS: Win 7 64bit


I had planned on replacing parts as I go, and not building a fresh new rig. Performance in most games is adequate, but frame rates are low in Rift (teens and low 20's) and playing Civ 5 the rig starts laboring hard. I can tell it's getting close to wanting some upgrades, but not sure where to start.

Where would you think a bottleneck might be - is the gear just old, or do I have a weak link? Should I splurge on a shiny new graphics card, or will I merely be shifting the bottleneck around? Also note - I have not overclocked at all - planning on trying that this week. But I don't think the processor is really an issue, I think it may be the 4870...

Hope you can help,

Dan

 

[rolli59]

GPU first, then overclock that E8500 and you will be fine until next generation of CPU's. GTX560Ti or HD6950 1GB would be the upper end I would match with your setup.

 

[Dmillernj]

Thank you Rolli, appreciate the confirmation!

 

[g-unit1111]

I'd have to know what case you're using but that could be due for an upgrade. There's quite a few really good ones that you can get for not that much money. I'd recommend the Antec 300 or the Cooler Master 912. Both can be had for less than $60.

Although I'm not sure any PC can run Civ V on the large or huge maps... unless you'd rather spend as much on a PC as you would a Hyundai Accent. :lol: