Socket 939 Question

[warcrow]

I need upgrade my PCs CPU. My current PC has a Asus A8N32-SLI Deluxe with an Athlon X2 4400. I'm going to be upgrade to a direct X 10 card and need something to feed it. I have two options:

1) Stick with my current mobo and upgrade the CPU (wife likes this option, alot ) to one of the fastest 939 chips out there, like the most current FX.

2) Pick up a reasonaly priced board the supports a C2D and a new CPU--but this would cost a lot more, correct? I then need to pick up new RAM and that'll just add to the overall cost.

Also, as a side note--I have no plans on overclocking.

Thanks!

 

[SlowSpyder]

Why not buy the video card and see how it performs. You may find you're happy with your 4400+ and don't need to upgrade. If you feel it's not performing well, upgrade.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

If you don't overclock, then stay put. Wait another year for 45nm INTC chips to drop in price.

 

[warcrow]

Originally posted by: SlowSpyder
Why not buy the video card and see how it performs. You may find you're happy with your 4400+ and don't need to upgrade. If you feel it's not performing well, upgrade.

You're right--I'm assuming here. I just figured that with the 8800GTX, my bottleneck would be the CPU.

 

[fredhe12]

I agree with others, your current CPU should be sufficient. Maybe you could do a moderate overclock if you feel you need more, I think you'll be fine.

Of course, I just went from a s939 X2 4200+ system to my current CD2 rig. And you're right, it was a pricey little upgrade after cpu, mobo, and memory. Performance is better, but there was nothing my old rig couldn't handle.

 

[MarcVenice]

A gtx is barely if at all going to be bottlenecked by a x2 6000+ at 3ghz. Perhaps you might see an increase in FPS in stalker, but it's not going to matter, going from 60 to 70fps is irrelevant.

I think your x2 4400+ should fit the bill fine for a while though. Stick with it, keep the money you would spend on a x2 6000+ in your pocket, and spend it on AMD/INTEL at the end of the year. When a new CPU will actually see you a big performance boost.

 

[warcrow]

Great advice, thanks alot everyone. BTW, does anyone happen to know of a chart or review that shows the 8800GTX running on different speed CPUs in the same game?

I know it's a stretch. :-/

 

[deadseasquirrel]

Ask you you shall receive:

link

For reference, the C2D one is here.

As you can see, it depends greatly on the game and resolution/settings, but the 4400+ shouldn't hold it back much at all (unless playing at 1280x1024 or less). A faster CPU, in that case, might help.

A case could be made for selling off your old stuff and going with a cheap C2D overclockable solution for a somewhat small price. You can *kinda* flip between the 2 FS articles and see a comparison. I say "kinda" because the settings and games aren't all exact between the tests. But, let's use FEAR as a comparison at 16x12. The C2D article used 8xAF while the A64 used 16xAF. Not much difference with the GTX. The C2D over/under is 85/76. The A64 is 82/71. Not really much difference. Some games may have different results tho, so be sure to check through them all to make the best decision for you.

If it were me, I'd stick with my current CPU (*I* would overclock though ) and not spend any extra money.

 

[warcrow]

Excellent! Thank you for the links. They're blocked here at work, but I will check them out when I get home.

Also, one more question (sorry!)--does anyone have a favorite or heard good things about a 8800GTX compatible case? My current one isnt big enough.

 

[deadseasquirrel]

There was a thorough thread here that gave a good listing of cases that support a GTX. My p160 looks like it might barely fit it. I hope next gen's cards aren't even longer.

 

[warcrow]

...again, thanks for the link and info.