How to improve a PC so it can handle games?

[zir_blazer]

Here in Argentina we've got a 50% import tax. So whatever you see in a eRetailer like Newegg, you should add 50% plus shipping (Which should be quite a lot, too, in the order of 80 U$D for a Motherboard-sized box if using USPS Express Mail). Brazil should be similar in cost.


How much budget you have to play with? Any U$D spend on such a old machine, is pretty much totally wasted. You need a full platform overhaul. Second hand parts market in some countries is ridiculous expensive, as parts here don't seem to lose value as fast as they should. Actually, some replacement parts like Motherboards are quite expensive simply because it could save the guy that is going to purchase it the need to buy a entire new computer, through that ends up being the best price/performance option and by a very big margin. Plus, don't forget that dated Hardware could be more prone to fail due to use and wear.

My suggestion is that you try to get an APU. It will probabily cost more, but assuming you can save to pay the difference, it will be a better option in the long run.

 

[2is]

Did you even read the thread?

Aigomorla posted his board... 3 VRMs, no way it will handle quad core TDPs unless he gets a low end one or an S one

I counted 6 VRMs

 

[Pinecallado]

get a PS4... no joke...

your hardware is so old, that it would cost you more to get near ps4 hardware then just a PS4 if all u want is gaming.

I think he would also be better off getting a rasberry pi or even one of those Android "mini pc" hdmi sticks at this point.

 

[crashtech]

This talk about number of VRMs ignores two things, first that the Core2 Quads are on the supported CPU list for that motherboard, and second, number of VRMs alone does not determine current carrying capacity, since not all VRMs are rated alike. The board would likely not be a good overclocker, but it should be able to use any CPU on the list.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I counted 6 VRMs

each phase generally has two mosfets and a choke. It's a three-phase VRM design.

 

[AtenRa]

The motherboard can take up to Core 2 QuadQ9650(E0), that means he can OC any Core 2 Quad to at least 3.2GHz without having any probs with the VRM.

So, my recommendation is to get a used Core 2 dual or Quad and find a used Graphics Card like HD4870/90 or GTX275 and later. You will be able to play all games at 720p.

 

[Xpage]

I think an APU would be fine as well, such as an A8-5550M. Then later if needed you can upgrade the GPU to something more powerful.

Would kibini be more powerful than this, a GX-420CA if it could be found wouldn't be so bad with a dgpu, as i think 128 shaders would be too low.



Edit i also think the phase stuff is overhyped. back int he day 3 phase configs used to be the ubermech of designs. now it is getting crazy, unless you need to overvolt with .0001v

 

[crazzy.heartz]

Did you even read the thread?

Aigomorla posted his board... 3 VRMs, no way it will handle quad core TDPs unless he gets a low end one or an S one

"those black square things" that Aigomorla is referring to are called Chokes [looks like Ferrite ones(better)]. The smaller black squares are mosfets and round one's are capacitors [solid(better)].

This kind of VRM Design was used to feed 125W TDP AMD Quad Cores.. Intel Quads use only 90-95Watts.

Since these are all a one time investments for OP, there is no point in recommending a dual core at this point when most of the games have started to leverage quad cores.

 

[sm625]

Many posters here do not understand what it means to be budget limited. The most important thing you need to do is upgrade the video card. You may have an aversion to ebay but it is the best way to find a decent upgrade at a decent price. Look for a radeon HD4870 for around $40. After that buy a cpu. For the cpu you want an E8600, which is also $40.

 

[USER8000]

The problem is if new computer parts cost so much in Brazil so will secondhand ones too.

How much does the XBox 360 or PS3 cost in Brazil??

 

[BUnit1701]

I agree with those calling for Core2Quad, for budget purposes look for the Q8xxx series, they feature less L2 cache, so should be cheaper. However, if you can at all afford it, definitely look for a Q9x50 part. You will also need a new video card, again depends what is available. Recomendations for an ATI HD4870 are good, but if that level of performance is too expensive, 8800GT/9800GT or 8800GTS 512MB/9800GTX/GTS250 cards might be an affordable alternative.

 

[aigomorla]

I counted 6 VRMs

NO 2 of them are for the DDR

each phase generally has two mosfets and a choke. It's a three-phase VRM design.

YES its a 3 phase design.... it sucks horribly... Intel d45 chipset they made afterwards which uses a 3 phase design was CAP'd by intel bios side due to massive failures on the board.

http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/highlights/dsktpboards/dg45fc
http://processormatch.intel.com/CompDB/SearchResult.aspx?Boardname=dg45fc

Tell me do u see ANY normal Quad on that list?
Look at its MAX raited processor with the same said 3 phase design.

Why do you think Intel would CAP its own board and allow vendors not to for no reason back when Nvidia was dominating the chipset world?

The motherboard can take up to Core 2 QuadQ9650(E0), that means he can OC any Core 2 Quad to at least 3.2GHz without having any probs with the VRM.

NO... the "q" series at stock is a 95W processor in which you will TAP out all the phases on stock... Also vendors back then didnt care about durability.
Add overclocking to a modest 3.2ghz, that number can double... tap to 3.6ghz that number climbs to about 220W!!!

This is a phase back when the Nvidia Chipset trump'd intel until the VERY LAST generation where the P45 Chipset dominated.

Yesterday Intel boards are NOTHING like today's intel boards.... Infact u guys are VERY SPOILED by today's technology compared to older technology.

 

[BUnit1701]

He may not be able to overclock, but ASRock says the motherboard will handle a stock Q9650, I have no reason to doubt them.

 

[Puppies04]

The problem is if new computer parts cost so much in Brazil so will secondhand ones too.

How much does the XBox 360 or PS3 cost in Brazil??

Already answered in this very thread.

 

[AtenRa]

NO... the "q" series at stock is a 95W processor in which you will TAP out all the phases on stock... Also vendors back then didnt care about durability.
Add overclocking to a modest 3.2ghz, that number can double... tap to 3.6ghz that number climbs to about 220W!!!

This is a phase back when the Nvidia Chipset trump'd intel until the VERY LAST generation where the P45 Chipset dominated.

Yesterday Intel boards are NOTHING like today's intel boards.... Infact u guys are VERY SPOILED by today's technology compared to older technology.

I still have my Q9450 at 3.2GHz with default Voltage so i know very well about those CPUs. The Motherboard supports the Intel Q9650 which is a 3.0GHz at 95W. Clocking a 45nm Quad to 3.2GHz will not blow up the VRM, I woulln't recommend above that but until the 3.2GHz it is 100% safe

 

[aigomorla]

I still have my Q9450 at 3.2GHz with default Voltage so i know very well about those CPUs. The Motherboard supports the Intel Q9650 which is a 3.0GHz at 95W. Clocking a 45nm Quad to 3.2GHz will not blow up the VRM, I woulln't recommend above that but until the 3.2GHz it is 100% safe

AtenRa how long have you been on the forum to not play YMMV! :biggrin:

Im sure you have a decient sink attached, your wire job is impecable, and build quality on the level of an experienced.
Your also using a solid PSU...

If the OP is running such old hardware, im fairly confident to say he is not on the same level of prep on building a system you or someone experienced would be at.

Assuming the new person's build quality, with the added fact his gear my already be degrading, is not the remote role as you or a system built by you.


If the OP has experience building a system like or near your calibur im fairly confident he wouldnt come in and ask this question.
So we have to assume the OP has very little to no experience in building a PC.

OP at your stand point its still FASTER and probably better to try and pick up a used 2500K system and upgrade platform / memory / board.

Im still very FIRM in asking you not to drop a quadcore inside your system, or try to upgrade it beyond what it is because, you wont gain much out of it.
And you wont be able to recover any value in it, when it does die.

 

[crashtech]

A big part of the problem in helping the OP decide what will give him the best price/performance ratio is that very few of us have any idea what the PC hardware market is like in Brasil.

I still lean towards a fast Core2 Duo, like an E8400 or better as a stopgap measure, if one can be found reasonably. But this presupposes that used parts are as good a value there as they are in the US market, for example, where a CPU like that can be had for about 1/4 the price of a new dual core.

 

[Blue_Max]

You know... start by grabbing ANY core2duo processor you can get for almost nothing!

 

[cbn]

A big part of the problem in helping the OP decide what will give him the best price/performance ratio is that very few of us have any idea what the PC hardware market is like in Brasil.

I still lean towards a fast Core2 Duo, like an E8400 or better as a stopgap measure, if one can be found reasonably. But this presupposes that used parts are as good a value there as they are in the US market, for example, where a CPU like that can be had for about 1/4 the price of a new dual core.

You know... start by grabbing ANY core2duo processor you can get for almost nothing!

Totally agree.

Earlier, in the thread the OP mentioned Bioshock Infinite as the most demanding game he wanted to play. E8400 easily handles that from a cpu standpoint.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

E8400/E8600 won't stress his system and is very cheap. Add a 5750, 5770, or even a GTX 460 to make this a low budget and capable rig.