• To Upgrade, or Not to Upgrade (Processor and others)
    36 replies, posted
I don't take upgrades lightly. While I CAN work with computer hardware effectively, I don't LIKE doing it. If there's one thing I always hated about computer hardware, it's how delicate everything is and just how much force is often required to install or remove any components. But I DO love a powerhouse computer. So here's the thing; Last year I sought to upgrade to a self-built PC from my HP-built PC from before. The old machine had an Athlon 64 x 2 3800, 2 gigs of DDR1 RAM, and my faithful old 8800gt. I upgraded to an Intel Core 2 duo e8400 with 8 gigs of DDR2, and while I kept the 8800GT as long as I could, it started overheating and I upgraded to my 1gb GTX460. This PC has been serving me quite well. Double the processing power, quadrupled RAM, and capable of seemingly unlimited realtime-rendering. But I do wonder if the processor is holding things back. If maybe I didn't future-proof well enough. I have tons of RAM and never a slow-down due to it, but anything that needs doing seems to be held back by the processor. Of course, I'm even more reluctant given a better processor I might have in mind would almost require going through the same motions as last year. To have a newer processor, it'll need a different socket, and therefore a new motherboard. To get a new motherboard is likely to necessitate new RAM. Well, I did some picking and crunched the numbers; This upgrade, as of current, would use these new items and cost $894. [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115211[/url] [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131666[/url] [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231322[/url] ~~ Now, that's just me checking which items were relatively powerful and best rated on Newegg. Not a lot of in-depth research. So here's my question: Would the upgrade I'm proposing be worth my time and money? Are these parts working well together, or did I miss something? Can any of the above items be supplemented by something better utilizing price vs performance, therefore reducing my bill?
How many watts is your PSU and what brand is it?
we need full current specs, what are you going to use it for
[QUOTE=J-Dude;26462672] I upgraded to an Intel Core 2 duo e8400 with 8 gigs of DDR2, and while I kept the 8800GT as long as I could, it started overheating and I upgraded to my 1gb GTX460.[/QUOTE] Christ that's so unbalanced.
Get the Scythe Mugen 2: [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185142[/url] Overclock your E8400 to 4 GHz, it's done all the time.
[QUOTE=anikilol;26463443]Get the Scythe Mugen 2: [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185142[/url] Overclock your E8400 to 4 GHz, it's done all the time.[/QUOTE] "piece of shit cheap chinese cooler" fits its description more than anything get a true 120 like a real fucking man would
[QUOTE=neil_purt;26467684]"piece of shit cheap chinese cooler" fits its description more than anything get a true 120 like a real fucking man would[/QUOTE] That cooler is not shit, it's pretty good from what I've heard.
[quote]How many watts is your PSU and what brand is it?[/quote] Oh, no worries there. I've got this baby. Was MORE than enough for what I've got, and in fact, under-utilized for what it can handle. [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006&Tpk=CORSAIR%20CMPSU-750TX%20750W[/url] [quote]we need full current specs, what are you going to use it for[/quote] Full specs, like what? I'm using this for gaming and 3D Animation with 3DSMax and Maya. I run some intensive stuff since I'm working on a fan-film and need the effects to be good for live-action compositing. [quote]Christ that's so unbalanced[/quote] What's unbalanced? And when I say "upgraded", I mean I basically built a new machine. New PSU, new case, new hard drive. The old machine is currently still running with a lesser GPU and is in the possession of my younger brother. [quote]Overclock your E8400 to 4 GHz, it's done all the time.[/quote] Yeah, I guess that IS an option. I've just never been much for overclocking. Never done it, always considered it an unnecessary risk. And while that cooler looks bitchin', installing the heatsink currently mounted onto my CPU was a pain. Got it wrong the first time and had it in lopsided. Plus, that would involve taking out the entire motherboard just to take off the current heatsink. Bad memories.
[QUOTE=J-Dude;26468404] What's unbalanced? And when I say "upgraded", I mean I basically built a new machine. New PSU, new case, new hard drive. The old machine is currently still running with a lesser GPU and is in the possession of my younger brother. [/QUOTE] You have 8GB of ram for a dual core? You only really need 4 GB.
[QUOTE=poopsicle;26471213]You have 8GB of ram for a dual core? You only really need 4 GB.[/QUOTE] You'd be surprised. See, in 3D I work plenty with fluid dynamics, which is HEAVILY memory intensive. If those simulations run out of RAM, the entire program crashes instantly. And the better the simulations, the more RAM they need. So having an excessive amount of RAM ensures I basically have next to no ceiling on my sims. Believe you me, sometimes I'm not even convinced 8 is enough. Either way it makes the sky the limit.
So, I'm pretty sure the motherboard is solid, but any word on the CPU? How about the RAM? The MB is capable of up to 2200mh, but I'm almost sure something lower than that will be more cost-effective, and that at one point the difference is impossible to tell.
[QUOTE=neil_purt;26467684]"piece of shit cheap chinese cooler" fits its description more than anything get a true 120 like a real fucking man would[/QUOTE] Thats a piece of shit post.
Alright, I did a bit more checking. After changing the socket from 1366 to 1156, costs went down significantly. How are these components? Better? [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115213[/url] [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130263[/url] [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145261[/url] More precisely, do these work well together? Costs damn near 400 bucks less; almost worth the trouble.
[QUOTE=neil_purt;26467684]"piece of shit cheap chinese cooler" fits its description more than anything get a true 120 like a real fucking man would[/QUOTE] Do you actually think before you post?
[QUOTE=poopsicle;26523822]Do you actually think before you post?[/QUOTE] [QUOTE=ghostofme;26486119]Thats a piece of shit post.[/QUOTE] if you noobs think going for cheap chinese brands instead of quality ones like thermalright is the right thing to do, then i feel sorry for you and your shit builds. [highlight](User was banned for this post ("Trolling" - Benji))[/highlight]
[QUOTE=neil_purt;26524363]if you noobs think going for cheap chinese brands instead of quality ones like thermalright is the right thing to do, then i feel sorry for you and your shit builds.[/QUOTE] Expand your thinking, you're a very ignorant person.
[QUOTE=neil_purt;26524363]if you noobs think going for cheap chinese brands instead of quality ones like thermalright is the right thing to do, then i feel sorry for you and your shit builds.[/QUOTE] Shows how much you research. Way to be a dumb fuck.
In what way is Scythe a shit brand... ?
[QUOTE=neil_purt;26524363]if you noobs think going for cheap chinese brands instead of quality ones like thermalright is the right thing to do, then i feel sorry for you and your shit builds.[/QUOTE] :siren::siren:[img]http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn159/Captain802_Second/obvious_troll.jpg[/img]:siren::siren:
Um...was anyone going to help me a little...? Seriously, the Hell is this, an SNL sketch?
[QUOTE=J-Dude;26527952]Um...was anyone going to help me a little...? Seriously, the Hell is this, an SNL sketch?[/QUOTE] Core 2 Duo is an extremely cool processor, but you can upgrade to a Core 2 Quad, which is also very cool. I'd suggest overclocking your current processor if you don't want the hassle of getting a new motherboard/RAM. I know how much processing power rendering takes and I highly recommend the i7 870 you posted earlier. I use it for 3D rendering and have it overclocked to 4.1 ghz. Hyper Threading boosts rendering speed a lot. However I would suggest a full ATX motherboard as you'll want more space to work with. I [i]strongly[/i] suggest getting a decent CPU cooler(hyper 212+ is what I use) and installing it before you install the motherboard in your case, as it will save you the hassle of removing the motherboard if later you decide you want more cooling.
[QUOTE=MacTrekkie;26528203]Core 2 Duo is an extremely cool processor, but you can upgrade to a Core 2 Quad, which is also very cool. I'd suggest overclocking your current processor if you don't want the hassle of getting a new motherboard/RAM. I know how much processing power rendering takes and I highly recommend the i7 870 you posted earlier. I use it for 3D rendering and have it overclocked to 4.1 ghz. Hyper Threading boosts rendering speed a lot. However I would suggest a full ATX motherboard as you'll want more space to work with. I [i]strongly[/i] suggest getting a decent CPU cooler(hyper 212+ is what I use) and installing it before you install the motherboard in your case, as it will save you the hassle of removing the motherboard if later you decide you want more cooling.[/QUOTE] Kay...thanks for actually answering me, lol. ATX motherboard... Well, that seems to describe the one I recently posted. Not bad at 130 dollars. Does that one work? I have to say, I'm glad you endorse this processor. These parts seem especially cost-effective at under 600 dollars, and my current parts will still fetch a decent return on the market. Seems like it'd be well worth it to do, given the dramatic upgrade to a quad core, and an i7 at that.
I recommend this RAM: [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226095[/url]
[QUOTE=anikilol;26530012]I recommend this RAM: [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226095[/url][/QUOTE] Wow, too bad that's out of stock. Looks decent. Even runs at 1.5v. Hmm...Only 1333mhz though... Is that good? I was going for the 1600mhz, but I've no idea just what, if any, the difference makes.
there isn't really a noticeable difference between 1333 and 1600
[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311[/url] Another option. I heard G.Skill has a really good warranty.
[QUOTE=anikilol;26530619][url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311[/url] Another option. I heard G.Skill has a really good warranty.[/QUOTE] I personally use two sets of this RAM for a total of 8gb. It's pretty brilliant.
Well Hell yes, then! Oh...realized my old RAM was only 800mhz. Wow, almost double difference. All the better! So, that done...now I'm almost breaking an even $500. This sounds better all the time!
[QUOTE=J-Dude;26529775]Kay...thanks for actually answering me, lol. ATX motherboard... Well, that seems to describe the one I recently posted. Not bad at 130 dollars. Does that one work? I have to say, I'm glad you endorse this processor. These parts seem especially cost-effective at under 600 dollars, and my current parts will still fetch a decent return on the market. Seems like it'd be well worth it to do, given the dramatic upgrade to a quad core, and an i7 at that.[/QUOTE] Well, the board you posted is MicroATX, which is quite a bit smaller than full ATX. You probably won't notice a difference in performance, but I'm sure you can get a very similar one in full ATX form factor for around the same price. Just make sure it has 4 RAM slots and at least one PCIe x16 2.0 slot. The upgrade from a Core 2 Duo to an i7 is even more dramatic than just going from a dual to a quad, you're also throwing hyperthreading into the mix which means 8 logical cores that any multithreaded software can utilize. [editline]6th December 2010[/editline] Automerge killer.
[QUOTE=J-Dude;26530811]Well Hell yes, then! Oh...realized my old RAM was only 800mhz. Wow, almost double difference. All the better! So, that done...now I'm almost breaking an even $500. This sounds better all the time![/QUOTE] It won't run double as good just because it's twice the MHz. [editline]6th December 2010[/editline] Pretty much the difference overall: [url]http://www.tweaktown.com/articles/1782/amd_phenom_ii_ddr2_vs_ddr3_performance/index7.html[/url]
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