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8 year old ''beast'' gaming pc, advice needed after a long hiatus

P

PullTheTricker

Junior Member
Hello all! Long time since last I've visited Anandtech.

I don't know how, but my pc is still going strong, with a few replaced things here and there. Then tonight, my pc met a game called CoD: Advanced Warfare. Woaaah, my heart sank when I realized I literally cannot run this game on lowest settings, its a slideshow. Feels weird after playing games like Witcher 2, Mass Effect 3, Elder Scrolls Skyrim on highest settings.
I guess this is it! A new generation, wich I had been waiting for a looooong time. Looks like it has finally arrived.

Here my specs:

Intel Core Q6600 2,4ghz (default clock)
4GB DDR 800mhz, (cant remember wich DDR)
ATI 6870 (upgraded from 8800GTS 512mb)

Also includes a case and sound card of like 12+ years old, wich I plan to all replace.

So my budget will be around 1250 euro's give or take, but definitely not higher then 1500 euro's MAX.
Before you recommend a system, please don't. I much prefer for some qeustions to be answered. I had alot of catching up to do information wise, and reading up the net, I still feel a bit confused and don't really understand the direction next-generation hardware will take.

I know theres atm the generation of i7 core intel processors. And from the news, I see 3 names popping up. Haswell, Broadwell and Skylake. Despite my attempt at understanding these code named hardware, I dont know what they actually mean.

I remember when I first bought my system with a Q6600, and tbh It has served me so long, it was money well spent. I'm looking to make same decisive upgrade again.

How long are i7 on the market now? And what do the names Haswell, Broadwell or Skylake mean for next-generation hardware? Is there a specific date when Intel or AMD launches a new era of hardware?

Thanks peepz, hopefully you can help a fella out here. 🙂
 
Nehalem: first "Core i" branded CPUs (Core iX-XXX), LGA1156 (followed by other code names for some specific chips)
Sandy Bridge: 2 gens ago (Core iX-2XXX), LGA1155
Ivy Bridge: last ones (Core iX-3XXX), LGA1155
Haswell: current Intel desktop/notebook CPUs (Core iX-4XXX), LGA1150
Devil's Canyon: Haswell CPUs with better thermals, due to better TIM, and some new refreshed models.
Broadwell: the next ones.
Skylake: the ones after Broadwell, and the next significant CPU design change.

On the desktop, with a video card, there's not much interesting on the horizon. All the cool stuff is helping notebooks, tablets, and IGP.

Intel keeps getting delayed, DDR4 is still costly, and won't help with a video card, and AMD is a big question mark, but they'll supposedly have some new stuff by 2015...ish.
 
Hi Cerb. I have not been able to find any benchmarks on Broadwell processors, so I'm not sure how it performs in relation to Haswell current i7 core technology.
I've read some rumorus about Intel 18-core processor that supports DDR4 RAM. I'm just wondering what kind of power we can expect from Broadwell. Like how large will be the leap be from its previous brand.

From what I've been able to gather, Skylake is wireless computing, what does this mean, mobile/laptop? I'm interested only in Dekstops and high perfomance for the entirety of this new gaming generation that has been mostly pumped up by the new consoles.

If there is nothing on the horizon, I could basicly get a system with a 970GTX with top i7 processor system, but wouldn't it be contradictory, I'd have to ugpgrade again mid generation. I cannot really estimate how demanding these next-generation video games are going to become. But I know for sure, the consoles are only getting warmed up, as has usually been the case at the start of a technological gaming era.
 
Pointless abuse redacted.

mfenn
General Hardware Moderator
 
Last edited by a moderator:
PullTheTricker said:
From what I've been able to gather, Skylake is wireless computing, what does this mean, mobile/laptop?
Click to expand...
Oh my redacted god, I didn't read the second post. Ive read it and saw this.

Honestly, go to wherever you built/bought your "8 year old "beast" gaming pc and ask them for a new one with your money. It will be the easiest thing for you at this point.

Just because someone hasn't kept up with the current Intel codename soup does not mean that they aren't able to build a computer. The OP did the correct thing in asking for clarification, and you can see Cerb's first response for an example of what a good reply looks like. Your reply contains no useful information and should not have been posted.

mfenn
General Hardware Moderator
 
Last edited by a moderator:
No need to be so condescending. My technical knowledge is lacking, but things have changed. I've been busy and I'm married now, have a baby daughter. Just lack of time. Yes I've been thinking of buying a premade build desktop, but I prefer to squeeze more from my budget.
 
PullTheTricker said:
No need to be so condescending. My technical knowledge is lacking, but things have changed. I've been busy and I'm married now, have a baby daughter. Just lack of time. Yes I've been thinking of buying a premade build desktop, but I prefer to squeeze more from my budget.
Click to expand...


Pointless abuse redacted.

mfenn
General Hardware Moderator
 
Last edited by a moderator:
riahc3 said:
Its not about technical knowledge, or your marriage, or your daughter; Its about not going to google, putting at least "Skylake wiki" and getting your answer in less than 10 seconds.

Sorry but if you cant be bothered to even look up what Skylake is, you really shouldn't build a computer. There is a high chance you will damage something and end up spending more money getting it fixed/replace.
Click to expand...

Dang, dude... lay off. Reading a bunch of crap on Wiki isn't the same as asking a specific question and getting some practical answers. Yes, there is some basic research the OP can do, but you can't fault the guy for asking a basic question.
 
I have read wiki, I have read countless of articles on the internet also. But many forms of technical media are pushing mostly rumours to make a story. How does that benefit me, as a ex-casual tech person.

I am still knowledgable enough to build my own pc from past experience, why would I pay up extra for overpriced premade builds. Especially in my country, it seems very expensive in Euro's. I think there some serious hefty tax applied to hardware it seems.
 
Pointless abuse redacted.

mfenn
General Hardware Moderator
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I gained most of my technical knowledge, wheter overclocking, building etc, all trough social means. By social I mean, friends, forums etc...
But sorry, might as well just close the thread. I'm just going to a Dutch forum. Never have seen such elitist, condescending and disrespectfull attitude before. 😵
 
PullTheTricker said:
I gained most of my technical knowledge, wheter overclocking, building etc, all trough social means. By social I mean, friends, forums etc...
But sorry, might as well just close the thread. I'm just going to a Dutch forum. Never have seen such elitist, condescending and disrespectfull attitude before. 😵
Click to expand...

Pointless abuse redacted.

mfenn
General Hardware Moderator
 
Last edited by a moderator:
riahc3 said:
There is so much wrong with your posts but this stood out:

If you don't know what Haswell, Broadwell or Skylake means, you should not build a computer. Order from Dell or go to a PC store, give them your money and they will build one for you.

Sorry, kid. Its just the truth.
Click to expand...

Rule number 1: Be nice to our fellow forum members.

The OP is simply asking questions. Yes, (s)he doesn't know the industry codenames. Big friggin' deal. I don't keep up with them either. Like, the OP should absolutely know their Q6600's architecture is referred to as Kentsfield? I posted something two weeks ago about an i5-760 - should I give up building and fixing computers just because I don't know by heart that the i5-760 is Lynnfield?

Get off your high horse, kid. Being so harsh to someone who admits to their own ignorance is uncalled for, and it makes you look like a jackass. It's just the truth.

Many of us don't care about these details, but we're still quite apt at putting together machines. Guess what - we don't need to throw around names like Bulldozer, Piledriver and Nehalem, in order to futz with chipsets and sockets, calculate PSU wattages, attach heatsinks and liquid coolers, or arrange videocards in SLI/Crossfire. Does anyone really care about the codename Tahiti? Pitcairn Islands? How about Cape Verde?

PullTheTricker, to address your questions... Unfortunately, you're smack in the middle of a calm period, with nothing much happening. The latest CPUs from Intel and AMD are not quantum leaps over the previous generations (like Core2 was over P4).

With a Q6600, you're probably running DDR2, not DDR3 (which is currently the norm), and your Radeon HD6870 is getting long in the tooth.

The good news is that your budget should allow you to get something really nice, which should hopefully last another 5 years (though another 8 years *might* be a stretch!)

Considering the bang-for-buck ratio, you should probably go with a Core iX-4xxx/LGA1150
combo. Make no mistake, the AMD FX-9xxx chips are not bad, but I couldn't in all honesty, recommend a CPU with a 220W consumption. If you want to go the AMD way, the safest bet is still the FX-8xxx series.

As far as the graphics card goes, take a look here: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-5.html

You should be fine with a graphics card like the GTX 970, unless you do something crazy with it. You can also get two R9 290 cards in Crossfire for 150 euros more 😀

A few years ago, it was fashionable to ask about any high-end computer: "But can it run Crysis?" Snark aside, it's probably a good idea to take a new, high-demanding game, and see if your projected build can play it without breaking a sweat. If it does, you're good to go, and relatively future-proof. These days, the latest craze is Assasin's Creed: Unity - http://www.theverge.com/tldr/2014/10/29/7091063/assassins-creed-unity-pc-nvidia-video

*edit* Take a look at the recommendations made when someone asks a similar question, even though their rig is newer than yours: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2406756

The last things to remember are as follows:

1) Nobody knows when multi-core optimizations in games will become the norm (which would finally justify an AMD octo-core over an Intel quad)
2) The two high-end trends in gaming are shifts towards 4k resolutions OR multi-monitor setups. Both of these have slightly different hardware and software requirements, and pose their unique sets of challenges. In any case, the current 1080p standard is unlikely to last beyond 24-30 months.
3) Use a SSD for your OS drive! 😀

Good luck, and have fun!
 
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By the time I posted my (admittedly long reply), I see that riahc3 has continued his aggressive posts.

As a long-time AT user, I am ashamed to see this kind of uncalled-for attitude. It does not represent me, or the vast majority of the users in this forum. I will notify the mods, and leave it up to them to intervene.

PullTheTricker, you have my apologies for the way in which this person talks to you. I see you've been here for quite some time, even if you don't post a lot. Hang in there, don't let a rotten apple spoil the whole basket for you.
 
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AnitaPeterson said:
PullTheTricker, you have my apologies for the way in which this person talks to you. I see you've been here for quite some time, even if you don't post a lot. Hang in there, don't let a rotten apple spoil the whole basket for you.
Click to expand...

^^^^ That. This is, IMHO, the best tech site on the internet... don't let one foulmouthed intolerant poster scare you off.
 
Thank you for the supportive responce.
I usually pay extra for a high end cpu, and upgrading graphics card trough mid-generation 1x if necessary. SSD is definitely on my books for purchase, seems optimal for commonly used applciations/videogames.
My knowledge is limited about super high res (4k?) modern monitors. This may seem silly perspective, but 1680x1050 or 1920x1080 seems srsly sufficient high enough to me, but that may just me not being familiar with that kind of resolution.
I usually buy custom zalman cooler for the cpu, for better silence and possible overclocking if my heart so desires. Power supply, my old Corsair 520 watt still doing duty, I'm not sure how much wattage these days hardware uses or if it has become more energy conserving.
I do not plan on going SLI or the ATI equilivent of SLI.

Yes I have noticed the calm period. I somehow expected something new to appear during 2014, but I guess I will have to anticipate the best moment in 2015 now. Either that, or make hardware purchases soon if there are christmas sales going.

Quick qeustion, what are trustworthy benchmarking sites? Because they are not always all equal are they? I remember in the past always going to Guru3D, its international but owned by a Dutch guy. ^_^
 
Charlie98 said:
^^^^ That. This is, IMHO, the best tech site on the internet... don't let one foulmouthed intolerant poster scare you off.
Click to expand...
Its fine, honestly. Even if he has a point, I respond better to humility and kindness.

Flapdrol1337 said:
Well, that's a fairly high budget, shouldn't be a problem at all.

Anyway, since you're dutch I guess your best bet is tweakers.net
Click to expand...
Thnx, long time since i've visited tweakers 🙂
 
Sounds like you've made your plan:
- Get the best CPU/mobo now.
- Get ONE good (but not over-the-top) gaming card now, upgrade later.
- Stay with 1080p this round.

I think your budget can really go a long way under these circumstances. You might want to upgrade your PSU, only for the peace of mind of knowing you won't have to deal with age-related component degradation. Take a look at water coolers like the Corsair H90 series - they're much better today than three years ago, and offer lower noise and superior cooling to most fan/heatsink solutions. See this: http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/heres-why-you-should-liquid-cool-your-cpu/

Off the top of my head, xbitlabs, Extremetech, Anandtech and Tomshardware are still reliable sites for overall information. For processor benchmarking, the most comprehensive site is http://www.cpubenchmark.net/

These being said, I'd like to draw your attention to several comparison sites: www.gpureview.com, www.cpuboss.com and www.gpuboss.com. These will compare two processors or video cards, using several benchmarks, and provide a detailed recommendation. Very useful, particularly since the comparison takes into consideration historical data as well.
 
AnitaPeterson said:
Rule number 1: Be nice to our fellow forum members.

The OP is simply asking questions. Yes, (s)he doesn't know the industry codenames. Big friggin' deal. I don't keep up with them either. Like, the OP should absolutely know their Q6600's architecture is referred to as Kentsfield? I posted something two weeks ago about an i5-760 - should I give up building and fixing computers just because I don't know by heart that the i5-760 is Lynnfield?

Get off your high horse, kid. Being so harsh to someone who admits to their own ignorance is uncalled for, and it makes you look like a jackass. It's just the truth.

Many of us don't care about these details, but we're still quite apt at putting together machines. Guess what - we don't need to throw around names like Bulldozer, Piledriver and Nehalem, in order to futz with chipsets and sockets, calculate PSU wattages, attach heatsinks and liquid coolers, or arrange videocards in SLI/Crossfire. Does anyone really care about the codename Tahiti? Pitcairn Islands? How about Cape Verde?
Click to expand...
Obviously you didnt read my post or his.

I dont know the codename of anything. But I think I can Google any of those codenames and pretty much tell you what it means.

Im gonna try it out. I have never seen ANY of those codenames:

Tahiti = Seems to be the Radeon HD 7900. 28nm and its shader units seem to be 32. It seems that this powers a graphics card and is used to output video.
Pitcairn Islands = I cannot find anything about Pitcairn Islands but reading inbetween the lines from your statement it seems it too is a graphics card the HD 7800. And I looked it up and it is.
Cape Verde = I imagine that this is a graphics card too because the other names you stated are graphics card as well. And I am correct. It is the HD 7700.

It took me at most 10 minutes to look it up. I looked it up, understand what it is, and how I can upgrade my system with it.

I dont say "I dont know what Tahiti is but it seems to be like a island" when I know we are talking about PC hardware.

You guys wanna spoonfeed him thats fine. But my posts are intented to protect his investment from getting damaged and/or to invite him to research some more simple things.

It wasnt my intention to insult you, sorry. Just help you learn.
 
PullTheTricker said:
Hi Cerb. I have not been able to find any benchmarks on Broadwell processors, so I'm not sure how it performs in relation to Haswell current i7 core technology.
Click to expand...
Intel presentation slides and leaked info are all that exist, for us, and they aren't all that impressive. It won't be a big jump, outside of high-end mobile devices, and even then, it will be minor for larger form factors.
 
The next generation chips are probably 8 months to a year off at this point, and won't be game-changers in the desktop space. You're probably not going to get more than 5-15% by waiting. My vote is to buy now.

You have two choice:

i7 4790K - the fastest LGA1150 (mainstream socket) CPU - quad core with hyperthreading
i7 5820K - lowest-cost 6 core (with HT) on Intel's more expensive LGA2011 socket

The 5820K needs to be paired with the much more expensive and less mature DDR4, but it may be worth it if you plan to hold onto your PC for years. The 4790K is both incredibly fast and a good value though.

My vote on monitors would be to go with a 2560x1440 27" LCD, or if that's too big, a 1920x1080/1200 ~24".

For a video card, the Radeon 290 has better price😛erformance but NV's 970 is a newer and more efficient chip and may allow you to get a cheaper power supply while still leaving room for dropping in a second card down the road. My vote is the 970.
 
I'm on these forums every day, reading and learning as much as I can. While my knowledge is vast, there's always new tech coming out, and new things to learn.

While I know what Haswell, Broadwell, and Skylake are, because I've read about them here, I, for example, would have a hard time telling you the difference between Mooresfield and Merrifield. (Other than, I think, they are some sort of Mobile SoC, some sort of Atom derivative for phones or tablets.)

If I really cared enough to know the difference, that's just a websearch away. I think that was riahc3's point. If you ignore the aggressive nature of his posts, he's simply saying that someone that can't be bothered to spend time researching technology terms for themselves, may lack the wherewithall to built their own PCs, especially if they run into something that they don't know or understand.

And with that said, I do agree with that. You need to be self-motivated, and ever-learning in this field. If you're not like that, you just want to be spoon-fed, and not have to think and learn for yourself, then ... pay someone else, that knows more than you for their services.
 
1) It's obvious the OP's first language is not English - we don't know how easy it is for him to read and understand things some of us take for granted.

2) riahc3's replies were not only brutal to the OP; he used unnecessary harsh language in replies directed at other members.

3) Any salient point can be made without having to resort to profanities and aggressive behavior.

4) No matter what the OP's intentions - whether he wanted to be spoonfed or was merely asking questions about stuff he's missed in the past years - the purpose of this forums is to exchange information.

5) There's no need to assume we all have the same amount of time to dedicate to computers. There's more to life than IT. Imagine someone (who's otherwise quite good at computers) asking a very simple question about photography in the dedicated AT subforum, and being treated like garbage for not knowing what a "prime lens" is. Acting like jerks will make people stop coming here, and the quality of the place will deteriorate.
 
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