Official "Upgrade Help" Thread

[Wesley]

Thanks but the problem with the AM3 is that I will have to get a new motherboard, that will cost more. Well between a 4890 and a 260 216 core, which would be better?

Edit: Will I see a big performance increase if I buy that CPU? Why not just overclock my CPU a bit?

Do you really think I would recommend an AM3 chip to you if you needed a new motherboard to boot? Would AMD even think of releasing the AM3 chip if it didn't work in every AMD motherboard made since the release of Socket 939? Dude, the new PhenomII AM3 chips will work in our motherboard, no problem, all that's needed to make it work is a BIOS update.

The X3 720 is such good value for money, it blows most of the Core2 Duo lineup to smithereens. Can anyone think of a better buy than a 2,8Ghz Tri-core for R1700 that comes with the possibility of unlocking an extra core? I sure can't ^_^

As for performance, it won't go up by a huge amount, but you can expect a minimum increase of 15fps, and up to 25fps in some games at the same settings you normally play on (that's the processor alone). Combined with the GTX260 or the HD4890, you'll see at least a 25fps+ increase in all games, and you'll be able to play at much higher settings.

With regard to graphics cards, I'd say get the HD4890 if there's still stock. Otherwise, take the GTX260 - there's not a massive difference between them performance-wise, but the HD4890 is the faster of the two. Actually, the HD4890 is supposed to fight against the GTX275, so getting one for <R3k is a ****ing bargain.

Saw in the buy/sell/swap an Asus 8800GTS 320MB going for R800. Ive already got one, have a SLi capable mobo, and was wondering if I should give mine a buddy?

Worth it?

PS: I think I may need a new PSU, got a 500W one.

Go for it dude, you'll see a minimum of 50% increase in your frames in-game ^_^ I don't think you'll need a new PSU, so long as your one has 15amps on the 12v rails you should be fine.

But what if I overclock my cpu to about 2.8 or even 3ghz? Because my cpu is still fast, i think. And the gainward golden edition is out of stock, apparently it was a limited edition. I actualy want to go for nvidia this time because of the physX thing. Will it be worth it?

I very much doubt your CPU will be able to get to 3Ghz. Probably you'll reach 2,8Ghz, but that'll require quite a bit of juice, and you won't see many returns. The older Phenoms don't overclock very well.

Physx is great in games. Chevron mentioned DX10.1, but I don't think its enough of a tangible benefit to qualify buying the HD4890 over the GTX260. It might give you more frames, but its only supported in 3 games, whereas Physx makes an appearance in most of today's AAA titles like Mirror's Edge, and UT3.

Fair enough. I read the article and there are only 3 game that do support it (as far as the article goes). I know that it will be a long time before we see a DX11 game and when DX11 cards does come out, it will cost and arm and leg.

So instead of going for the 260 216 core or 285, I should rather go for the 4890? Besides DX 10.1, are there any other reasons?

And as far as the CPU thing goes, is it worth upgrading my CPU or should I just overclock it a bit? I do have a decent CPU cooler.

DX11 cards are actually going to make an appearance later this year, probably we'll begin to see details surface in September/October, with the actual cards on retail shelves in late December/early January. The GTX260 is good value for money, but the HD4890 at PCInt is a bargain considering the performance you get.

As for your CPU, I's say get the X3 720 if possible. Otherwise, if you're happy with your current Phenom quad, then you can stick with it.

[McDangerous]

Are the athlonx2 6000+ cpu's still fine, paired with 533 ddr2 ram, or do i need an upgrade? because i have noticed that my brother in law has an E8600 3GHz, and 667 ddr2 memory, and while in normal windows (he has xp, i have vista, just btw) his pc feels much more responsive and quick. i feel there's something limiting my setup, but can't figure out what. in games mine still whups his ass, but he's got an 8600 gt, and i've got a 4670, so i can see how that's possible. can it be my mobo? as i know i've got a winfast, but don't for the life of me know which model.... It's orange?!?!?!

and if it just so happens that a new cpu whould be a worthwhile upgrade, will how much of a diference will it make in actual game performance? 1680 x 1050 native res just in case it makes a difference.

comment and/or suggestions appreciated as always :)

[Ch@pS]

E8600 runs at 3.33GHZ. Why is he running such slow RAM? Why are you? DDR2 800MHZ is so cheap right now its scary...

Your RAM is the bottle neck, plain and simple.

[Chevron]

Are the athlonx2 6000+ cpu's still fine, paired with 533 ddr2 ram, or do i need an upgrade? because i have noticed that my brother in law has an E8600 3GHz, and 667 ddr2 memory, and while in normal windows (he has xp, i have vista, just btw) his pc feels much more responsive and quick. i feel there's something limiting my setup, but can't figure out what. in games mine still whups his ass, but he's got an 8600 gt, and i've got a 4670, so i can see how that's possible. can it be my mobo? as i know i've got a winfast, but don't for the life of me know which model.... It's orange?!?!?!

and if it just so happens that a new cpu whould be a worthwhile upgrade, will how much of a diference will it make in actual game performance? 1680 x 1050 native res just in case it makes a difference.

comment and/or suggestions appreciated as always :)

How MUCH ram you have is actually more important. You left that out.

[-Bouncer-]

Ok so the cpu will be faster than my current one. I can get a msi 260Gtx for around R2500. Or I could go for the 285Gtx but that will cost me around R4200. If I do go for the 260 then I could get the cpu as well. If I go for the 285 then no new cpu. But the graphics card is much better. Or there is the 4890 option. But physx would be better. Performance wise, which would be better value for cash? And which card has better cooling?

[Chevron]

Ok so the cpu will be faster than my current one. I can get a msi 260Gtx for around R2500. Or I could go for the 285Gtx but that will cost me around R4200. If I do go for the 260 then I could get the cpu as well. If I go for the 285 then no new cpu. But the graphics card is much better. Or there is the 4890 option. But physx would be better. Performance wise, which would be better value for cash? And which card has better cooling?

To be honest. I don't think you need a new cpu. Get the 285 if your psu can support it.

By the way, you'll get more performance if you switch off cool'n quiet in your bios.

[-Bouncer-]

I have a 720w PSU and it's already switched off. :) Ok, so no CPU. Now, I can save that money for future upgrades and buy the 260GTX or just use that money now and get the 285GTX? Btw is Mushkin a decent brand? Because I will probly go for that one.

[McDangerous]

By the way, you'll get more performance if you switch off cool'n quiet in your bios.

really? coz my cool 'n quiet is turned on... but not for ling! teehee!

we both have 2 gigs of ram, my bad chev, and i bought my pc as a complete package deal thing that was only on for the opening day for the new incredible corruption near my house. and it was a good deal, but i got screwed with the psu and ram... and no case fans!

[-Bouncer-]

By the way, is this any good?

http://www.take2.co.za/electronics-o...b-3431912.html

[Chevron]

By the way, is this any good?

http://www.take2.co.za/electronics-o...b-3431912.html

For the price yeah.

[Takiro]

Hey guys, quick Q from my side:

8800GTS 512mb VS GTS 250 512mb

?

Thanks.

[Ch@pS]

Exact same card, different clock speeds, get the cheaper one.

[Takiro]

Ok, thank you.

What about the GTX 260?

[FEN1X]

Can my mobo: Biostar 590 SLi Deluxe: support AM2+ cpus?
Ive heard mixed views and need closure.

[Machine]

Ok, thank you.

What about the GTX 260?

That's a whole different ballpark, buddy.

If you have the extra cash try to find a GTX260 for R2600+- that's a good price. The GTX260 is quite a bit more powerful than the GTS250 especially if it's the newer version with 216 Stream Processors instead of the usual 192.

BTW both the GTS250 and 8800GTS 512MB have 128 Stream Processors, but different clock speed. Ch@pS was indeed very correct, they are both based on the G92 chipset.


My advice is check out benchmarks which reviews all 3 cards and check what are the best prices you can get them at, then calculate the value. It's also all dependent on how much you're willing to spend.

Good luck ;)

[Takiro]

I have the 8800GTS so I'm just looking at possible upgrades :)

I'm trying to raise funds but R2600 seems reasonable.

And here's a huge Q.

If I had to put it all down and go for a 295 ...
How long would that last, would it go DX11 when Windows 7 arrives? When would I need another upgrade?

[Ch@pS]

If you organise R2734 you can get a 4890, nuff said.

[-Bouncer-]

Gainward Nvidia GTX 275 - 896MB - PCI-E any good?

http://www.take2.co.za/electronics-g...--4369411.html

[Miz3r]

ok im stuck on somewhat the same problem, ati 4870 1gig toxic, ati 4890 1 gig or xfx260gtx black edition 1gig?
ive had a nvidia card all the time so dnt know how ati cards work? any help would be great thank u

[maxdamage]

Does anyone know where I can find these headphones the Genius HS-05A Headphones in a shop near me?I live in the Krugersdorp North area.Is there something better?