Does it make sense for me to upgrade at this point? Old PC + New CPU?

[Aspyred]

Hey everyone,

I have a few (hopefully) quick questions re: upgrading my PC. My desktop rig is 4+ years old, and wondering if it makes any sense to upgrade at this point. My rig is currently:

- AMD X2 4400+ (dual-core, 2.2 Ghz)
- 2 GB DDR RAM (I have to find the speed of this again)
- 535W Enermax All-In-One PSU (http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews/enermax535/index.htm)
- Geforce 260 GTX SSC Edition (896 MB VRAM)

I want a CPU+MB combo that updates this to somewhat-current that can run things like Black Ops quick (I mean like full resolution, all details, AF/AA maxed) and is somewhat future-proofed for games like Guild Wars 2. I pretty well want to keep this thing on life-support, spending the least amount of money for the most amount of benefit. High cost-to-benefit ratio = good!

I literally know nothing about computers anymore (my theory is you become a lot more knowledgeable when you care, ie. when buying new parts, and when you're not, you stop caring). So questions!

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1) This looks OK for the cost (I am Canadian), but really, I just slapped a CPU+MB combo that seemed to fit and is cheap.

MB: Asus M4A78L-M w/ DualDDR2 1066, 7.1 Audio, Radeon HD 3000, Gigabit Lan, Hybrid CrossFireX // http://www.memoryexpress.com/Product...28517(ME).aspx

CPU: AMD Phenom™ II X4 955 Black Edition 3.2GHz w/ 8MB Cache (Retail Box, Socket AM3) // http://www.memoryexpress.com/Product...26993(ME).aspx

Does this work/make sense? The MB says it is AM3 compatible. That's good, right?

 

[LoneNinja]

Anything new is going to require new RAM as well, your old DDR memory isn't supported with newer boards/processors. AM2+ boards will be using DDR2, and most work with the newer AM3 processors(It's a matter of BIOS support). AM3 boards will require DDR3 memory, and require an AM3 processor as they're the only ones with a DDR3 memory controller.

I don't have time to look at the cpu compatibility list for that board you linked, but at first glance that board/cpu will work together just fine. You'll just need to pick up some DDR2 memory. Personally I would recommend getting a cheap AM3 board with DDR3 memory instead, it'll still work with that processor.

 

[Aspyred]

For my situation, would is the Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition 3.2GHz a good choice? Or should I go w/ Intel?

And that should pair up nicely w/ my GTX 260 yes? Wouldn't bottleneck it so much?

 

[mb103051]

go intel 1366 tripple channel ram..shop around and you can build one much cheaper now than when they first released them...im an avid amd guy and this 1366 rig is my first intel rig I built for myself..my lord what a system..its so fast its blinding..im so impressed with intel but im always looking at amd..there getting close but this 1366 rig is by far the fastest computer ive ever been on....its such a pleasure to use..im excited every time i boot it up....

 

[Aspyred]

go intel 1366 tripple channel ram..shop around and you can build one much cheaper now than when they first released them...im an avid amd guy and this 1366 rig is my first intel rig I built for myself..my lord what a system..its so fast its blinding..im so impressed with intel but im always looking at amd..there getting close but this 1366 rig is by far the fastest computer ive ever been on....its such a pleasure to use..im excited every time i boot it up....

I checked out the prices (http://www.memoryexpress.com/Product...)/Default.aspx) and it seems pretty beyond my price point right now. I just want an upgrade that gives me the most benefit without getting a new PC altogether.

Thanks for the suggestion though!

 

[iGas]

You can pick up a AM2+/AM3 motherboard for $45~$55, then add a $25 cooler, ++ $90 for the Phenom 940BE that will take it to 3.8GHz.

Both HD 6870 & GTX 460 are good cards at decent price. (my MSI Hawk Talon Attack GTX460 with factory OC cost me $214.99. I haven't have a chance OCing it, but I imagine it should make it to 900~950MHz core clock).

PS. These are Newegg.ca prices, and I'm pretty happy with my purchases this past week (CPU/Graphics/Cooler).