Upgrade to CPU, Mobo, RAM

[rjkucia]

I need to upgrade my CPU, mobo, and RAM due to a stuttering problem I've been having. Primary use is gaming at 1680x1050, but will probably upgrade in the future to 1080p or 1920x1200. GPU is Radeon 5850, running Win7, 600W PSU, CM Hyper 212+ cooler. I'm trying to decide between a cheap Phenom setup and overclocking the crap out of it until I get Bulldozer, or a 2500k setup that will probably last me longer. I wouldn't consider the Phenom except that Microcenter has great deals when you bundle them with mobos.

Phenom/mobo bundles - http://bit.ly/ptgUUL (EDIT: link fixed)
Core i5 2500k - http://bit.ly/oSn5Jo
P8Z68 (mobo I would probably get with i5) - http://bit.ly/rqfmxG

If you have any suggestions, especially about what motherboard to get and whether I should get the Phenom or i5, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Outlander_04]

a 5850 and a 1680 x 1050 monitor?

your stuttering problem is not hardware related unless you have a fairly bottom end dual core
Check which programs are accessing resources while you game .

 

[rjkucia]

It's definitely hardware related, see this thread for my troubleshooting adventures http://bit.ly/n1oUb0
My current CPU is a Core 2 Duo E8400 overclocked to 4GHz. Yes, I know I shouldn't be having a problem lol

 

[Outlander_04]

open taskmanager , open a game in a window

run it . Have a look at what other processing are hitting the cpu and RAM .

Usually its firewall or AV , but it could be anything .
A quadcore does ease the problem , but computer set up is going to make a big difference too

 

[rjkucia]

I don't think that will help, since the problem still occurs on a clean Win7 installation

 

[Outlander_04]

I don't think that will help, since the problem still occurs on a clean Win7 installation

and do you do a clean install of your software too?

if so you might just be reinstalling the problem each time

Your link to your phenom bundle doesnt work BTW
If you are going with phenom then make sure you get a motherboard with the newer 9XX motherboard chipset , and that the RAM you get is 1.5 volt

 

[rjkucia]

and do you do a clean install of your software too?

if so you might just be reinstalling the problem each time

Your link to your phenom bundle doesnt work BTW
If you are going with phenom then make sure you get a motherboard with the newer 9XX motherboard chipset , and that the RAM you get is 1.5 volt

I only install the OS and a game to test the problem.

 

[rjkucia]

fixed the link