To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade

[geokilla]

Originally posted by: Zap

Originally posted by: geokilla
P.S. I've tried pushing my CPU to something like 2.7Ghz but it simply wouldn't boot, so 2.4Ghz is the max my chip can go to.

Have you tried lowering the HT multiplier as well as memory multiplier?

Originally posted by: geokilla
However, I found a BFG 7900Gt 256MB for $20 on RFD. Should I jump on that?

No. It is around the same generation as your x850XT and will be comparable in performance (just run cooler and draw less power).

Yep, the HT multiplier is at 4X right now. If I try to push it past 225, I drop it to 3X. Same goes for memory. When I'm overclocking, I try to aim for DDR 800Mhz and lower. I might've found the reason why I can't push it past 2.4Ghz though. It might be because my M2N-E is having excessive vdroop. I have the vcore set to 1.32V in sig and CPU-Z reads 1.18V under F@H load >.>

Really? I checked the performance difference between the X850Xt and the 7900GT, and the 7900GT is a bit faster. However, it might be too late for be to purchase the card anyways. I'll just try to persuade my mom and see if I can get that new rig instead.

 

[will889]

^ If it were me I would get a 5000+BE and OC to about 3.0 - 3.2, sell the 3800X2, and if you get a GPU in FSFT get a 512MB 7900GTX or 7950GT or something for around $50.00, or 8800GT,4850 new. I mean why a new rig when you have an AM2 mobo - you're acting as if you are stuck on a S939 setup. It may not be LGA775 but AM2 isn't bad.

 

[SlowSpyder]

The 4850 will give you the most room to grow, with the prices of 22" wide screens sometimes dipping below $200. If you are absolutely 100% sure that you will remain on 1280x1024 for the next two years, then the 4850 still future proofs you the most.

 

[geokilla]

Problem is that my mom wants to shell out $400 for a similar AM2 rig, which imo is not such a good idea.

Ya, I found some good deals for 7900GTX, 7900GT, etc. but they're not replying to my PMs. I'll definitely grab the 4850 if the prices drop a bit more. $160ish is still a bit too much atm. The 4850 seems like the best bet for me unless I can find some good deals. Plus, it'll future proof me even if I move onto a 22" gaming at 16X10.

Edit: Just found 1950 Pro for $60. So many good deals.

 

[geokilla]

Update. I'm getting the BFG 9600GT OC for $70 AR. Thanks everyone. I couldn't get the 4850.