Gaming CPU/PC

[Monkeyfntstc]

Hello AnandTech!,

I'm in a dilemma right now, iam currently owning a phenom x4 955 black edition and i was wondering if a i5 2500K wil cause a tremendous difference in gaming?

My current rig holds a 650 antec PSU and a crossfire HD 4850 (1gb),I need a upgrade for sure with bf3 and skyrim ahead.

So my questions:
Should i build a complete new rig or is a GPU+ PSU updgrade enough because the x4 955 will do fine.

I am playin on 1920x1080 and i want maximum performance in Bf3 and Skyrim.


Thanks in advance!

 

[Bill Brasky]

I was wondering if a i5 2500K wil cause a tremendous difference in gaming?

In my opinion, no, it will not make a tremendous difference. You're money would be much better spent on graphics cards, since gaming is your primary concern.

 

[classy]

Not at that resolution. Upgrade the video card.

 

[RussianSensation]

Welcome to AnandTech!

You would be better off upgrading the videocard setup and simply overclocking the processor. Wait until the game is released to see what kind of a GPU sub-system you'd need for smooth settings at your resolution.

 

[Bill Brasky]

Welcome to AnandTech!

You would be better off upgrading the videocard setup and simply overclocking the processor.

This is good advice. Is your x4 955 currently at stock speeds? Are you using the stock heatsink and fan?

 

[Monkeyfntstc]

I overclocked the processor to 3.4.
Nothing fancy. Should I overclock it some more?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Veriitas]

How much more performance would he get if he buys an i5 2500k? For gaming that is.

 

[lehtv]

With a 650W antec you won't need to upgrade the PSU.

AMD's new lineup will probably arrive later this year - possibly not too far from Skyrim's release date. You should either upgrade now to a 6950 2GB, or wait until 7870/7950. 2GB for future proofing - even now, some games use easily more than 1GB in 1080p.

As for 2500k gaming performance: http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cpus/2011/01/03/intel-sandy-bridge-review/10

You'd benefit tremendously, coming from a 955. In Crysis Warhead @ 1680x1050, 2500K at stock speeds is almost 50% faster than X6 1100T which is slightly faster than 955BE. Your HD4850 would likely limit such an increase in performance though, so a GPU upgrade would be in order as well.