what to upgrade or build to play games

[ant7191]

what if anything should i upgrade or build a new system? i want to use it for gaming



OS Name Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
Version 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 Build 7601
Other OS Description Not Available
OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation
System Name HACKER89-PC
System Manufacturer System manufacturer
System Model System Product Name
System Type x64-based PC
Processor AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 945 Processor, 3000 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)
BIOS Version/Date American Megatrends Inc. 2801, 8/23/2010
SMBIOS Version 2.5
Windows Directory C:\Windows
System Directory C:\Windows\system32
Boot Device \Device\HarddiskVolume2
Locale United States
Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "6.1.7601.17514"
User Name Hacker89-PC\Hacker89
Time Zone Eastern Standard Time
Installed Physical Memory (RAM) 6.00 GB
Total Physical Memory 6.00 GB
Available Physical Memory 3.54 GB
Total Virtual Memory 12.0 GB
Available Virtual Memory 9.34 GB
Page File Space 6.00 GB
Page File C:\pagefile.sys

 

[firo40]

That doesnt state what your graphics card is or motherboard model we need more detailed hardware information

 

[ant7191]

gtx 660 graphics card and the asus m3a78-cm motherboard

 

[ant7191]

That doesnt state what your graphics card is or motherboard model we need more detailed hardware information

gtx 660 graphics card and the asus m3a78-cm motherboard

 

[Justkeeplookin]

A Core 2 Quad 9590 will crush that AMD phenom

 

[Justkeeplookin]

I mean Core 2 Quad 9650

 

[ant7191]

A Core 2 Quad 9590 will crush that AMD phenom

im sure alot would be able to crush it. would that be the best option for games? i was leaning towards i5

 

[Wisecracker]

Download and install CPUz -- check out the stepping of your processor.

A 'C2' is the 125w variety ... a 'C3' is a 95w. The C3s will take a nice OC at lower volts beyond that of the C2s.

You need to post your model and wattage of your power supply. A decent model with 2 x 6+2-pin power for your video card will allow for a decent GPU upgrade.

 

[Justkeeplookin]

It will crush that from personal experience and this comparison from CPU boss

http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Core2-Quad-Q9650-vs-AMD-Phenom-II-X4-945-95W.






It was a cheaper suggestion if you could've given me your preferred CPU's i still would help,

 

[Wisecracker]

Dude ...
Why (and how?) would the OP upgrade to a Core 2 Quad 9650 ?

Here is the XFX DD Radeon R9 280X 3GB for $230 after rebate.

It will play most titles at 1080p just dandy -- 40-50% higher frames than your GTX 660.

 

[ant7191]

Download and install CPUz -- check out the stepping of your processor.

A 'C2' is the 125w variety ... a 'C3' is a 95w. The C3s will take a nice OC at lower volts beyond that of the C2s.

You need to post your model and wattage of your power supply. A decent model with 2 x 6+2-pin power for your video card will allow for a decent GPU upgrade.

corsair gs700 700 watt

 

[ant7191]

just tried playing dying light with fraps on and most i had was 30 fps but was running fine on medium settings.

 

[Wisecracker]

56A on a single 12-volt rail with the 2 x 6+2-pin should handle most any video card you wish to purchase. Your budget becomes your effective limit.

After you install your new video card, if you feel like your CPU is holding your back, if it is a C3 stepping, it should have no issue cranking to 3.5GHz with decent air for a nice boost.

If that does not float yer boat, your PSU and new video card may move forward.

 

[ant7191]

ok thank you all for the answers and support. now if i decided to buy a new system completely or build a new one what processors would you recommend? personally i lean towards intel but looking for input on intel or amd and what would be better for running games along with a video card suggestion

 

[Wisecracker]

The over-whelming majority of titles are GPU-driven.

Intel makes great CPUs but if the cost of a prospective build takes away funds better spent on your graphics card (or, things like an SSD), AMD will work just dandy, too.

edit: If you are leaning heavily toward a total new build, I'd still test drive a new video card on your current rig.

Essentially because **It's your video card** 😀

If gaming at 1080p and the 280X is not your thang, take a look at the GTX 970 for around $100 more -- if you are lusting for gaming above 1080p, the R9 290 around $270-$280 would be the choice ...

Or, the new Fiji XTs will likely be here in the next 6-8 weeks ...

 

[ant7191]

The over-whelming majority of titles are GPU-driven.

Intel makes great CPUs but if the cost of a prospective build takes away funds better spent on your graphics card (or, things like an SSD), AMD will work just dandy, too.

edit: If you are leaning heavily toward a total new build, I'd still test drive a new video card on your current rig.

Essentially because **It's your video card** 😀

If gaming at 1080p and the 280X is not your thang, take a look at the GTX 970 for around $100 more -- if you are lusting for gaming above 1080p, the R9 290 around $270-$280 would be the choice ...

Or, the new Fiji XTs will likely be here in the next 6-8 weeks ...

so would you recommend just spending money on a graphics card instead of a new build altogether?

 

[Wisecracker]

Yes.

The new video card will immediately boost your performance in the over-whelming majority of games, and move forward to a new build in the future.

In the 2H of 2015, Intel will be releasing new processors. AMD's new stuff comes out in 2016. Essentially, over the next year or so, DDR4 will enter 'main-stream desktop' and you will skip DDR3.

Sound like a plan?

 

[ant7191]

Yes.

The new video card will immediately boost your performance in the over-whelming majority of games, and move forward to a new build in the future.

In the 2H of 2015, Intel will be releasing new processors. AMD's new stuff comes out in 2016. Essentially, over the next year or so, DDR4 will enter 'main-stream desktop' and you will skip DDR3.

Sound like a plan?

Definitely sounds like a plan thanks for the info. I'll upgrade my graphics card with what you suggested plus bigger hard drive for now had a 1tb that died and I only have one with 580gb right now and ram memory is causing blue screen so after that should be good for now. How much power does that graphics card require?

 

[Wisecracker]

With your PhII (either C3 or C2) total system power should not exceed 450w or so -- allowing for a little OC-action on the CPU and GPU ...

http://www.anandtech.com/show/7400/the-radeon-r9-280x-review-feat-asus-xfx/20

 

[ant7191]

With your PhII (either C3 or C2) total system power should not exceed 450w or so -- allowing for a little OC-action on the CPU and GPU ...

http://www.anandtech.com/show/7400/the-radeon-r9-280x-review-feat-asus-xfx/20

Ok Thankyou I just wanted to make sure my 700 watt power supply would be able to run it. I appreciate all your help