2005 Pc fast forward to 08-09

[cantbprince]

Hey guys... it's a been a while since i have been on here. When i was purchasing my current pc back in 2005 this forum was beyond anything out on the net in terms of help.

My current system is aging (GTA4 @10fps just isn't fun)

I've got a 7950gx2 in my machine but my CPU is a AMD64 3200+ 939 cpu.

Would i see any big performance jumps if I invested in a 9800 or 260 card?

(i know my cpu isn't helping)

 

[stipalgl]

It's unfortunate that you're running S939 and not an AM2 otherwise you could've just waited for Deneb to launch and plugged a new CPU to go along with a new GPU.

Personally, I would upgrade everything at once with what you've got but waiting till early January is not a bad idea, what with AMD releasing new processors and Nvidia refreshing their current line.

 

[cantbprince]

Yeah... I know my 939 is the killer in all this. I'm not even sure where to start in this whole upgrade process. All i know is that I will need to replace at least my mobo, cpu, ram and video card. but i need a combination that will work well for gaming.

 

[crisium]

Single Core is your problem, and it's too expensive to upgrade to dual-core on socket 939. You could upgrade your GPU now, and you would see improvements. But most games are dual-threaded, so you would be heavily CPU bottle-necked. I'd second upgrading all at once in January. Build a Phenom II system, or even if you go Intel they might drop prices a bit once Phenom II comes out. Then throw in a GTX 260 or Radeon 4870 for some good gaming times.

 

[SSChevy2001]

GTA4 is very CPU limited, quad core is a must for that game. Best to wait and see what the benchmarks are like after GTA4 gets patched. If it still requires a good amout of cpu power than it's your call.

http://www.pcgameshardware.com..._13_processors/?page=2

 

[phexac]

I'm with everyone that says you really need to upgrade your entire setup here. S939 really has nowhere to go in terms of CPU power.

 

[cantbprince]

For sure i agree with you all. this is the painful part (for my wallet) and fun part (for me). Any recommendations in terms of best bang for my buck? (i don't want to hemorrhage cash for best of the best).

 

[cantbprince]

Originally posted by: SSChevy2001
GTA4 is very CPU limited, quad core is a must for that game. Best to wait and see what the benchmarks are like after GTA4 gets patched. If it still requires a good amout of cpu power than it's your call.

http://www.pcgameshardware.com..._13_processors/?page=2

Awesome link! really puts things into perspective!

 

[AVP]

Not all games are going to be that cpu dependent and if you upgrade to a 4870 or 260 (216) I cannot imagine not seeing at least some returns on it until you fill out the rest of your system. I mean unless you have the money on hand now or at least plan to purchase the system in the near future it may not be a bad idea to do a video card upgrade now. You cannot predict the future of price drops but the cards run pretty cheap right now.

Otherwise you might want to try overclocking that a little, for giggles.

 

[cantbprince]

worth a shot... It's been a while since i've oc'd my machine.. i think i can get up to 2.5ghz from 2.0.... video card oc was pretty weak from what i remember.