Upgrade path?

[deadken]

I'm a married guy with two kids and single income. A while back, I upgraded to a Phenom II BE 555 CPU with a Asus M4A79XTD EVO Motherboard. It was a combo deal, and it was worlds ahead of my old 754. I unlocked the CPU to 4 cores and overclocked it to 3.6 Ghz. I had 2x2gb's of OCZ ram (PC3 12800), but recently changed over to 2x4gb's of Gskill (PC3 10666). I didn't look close when I bought the ram and got the slower ram. I still own the 2x2gb sticks, so I can switch back if it is better to have faster ram rather then more ram in my case.

I should mention that when I went from my Socket 754 to the Phenom, I kept Windows XP Pro. Since then, I've swapped over to a 96GB SSD and installed Win 7 Home Premium (upgrade version).

Now that I am looking to upgrade my GPU, I am starting to rethink my entire system. My current GPU is a 8800 GTS 640mb, and I'm thinking of switching over to a 2gb 6950 (maybe 6970). Since I used an upgrade version of Win7, I think that I'm locked into this motherboard. I'm afraid that I'll be CPU bound at some point, so I googled to see that max CPU supported by my motherboard (Asus M4A79XTD EVO) and found that it does support a hex core CPU.

1) Am I locked into this motherboard if I want to keep using this Window7?

2) I figured that I would ask if I should bother considering a 1055t, 1100t, or similar CPU?

3) I don't know much of anything about hex cores, but I do recall always hearing about the 1055t or 1100t. Are there better hex cores?

4) Should I swap my faster 4gb's of ram back? Or should I continue using the 8gb's of slower ram? Please be sure to mention if it matters which CPU will need the particular ram (if one needs the faster ram, please be sure to tell me).

I should say that I mostly surf websites (PC and Auto forums) and I game a bit. I was playing BFBC2, but have been playing BF3 lately (hence the need for a video card upgrade). I believe that BF3 will use more cores, but that isn't really the reason for the upgrade question. I don't want to keep putting money into this system if I really need to replace it. If buying a used hex core for $125 or so, will keep me in this system for another year or two, it might not be worth losing the Win 7 key and having to replace the CPU, mobo, and O/S for the gains I'd see with something like an I5 2500k.

Thanks in advance for any helpful suggestions / advice, Ken

 

[fourdegrees11]

I'm not sure if it would be worth it for your situation, even though a highly oc'd X6 will perform better longer into the future. The video card is most deffinitely a far more important upgrade at this point.

 

[richierich1212]

You can just upgrade GPU and see how well your current system performs. I'm assuming it'll handle BF3 fine if you get the 6950. Heck I tested my A6-3650 + 6850 1GB and it played BF3 fine.

 

[dma0991]

The 1100T is probably the best hexcore CPU that is compatible with your motherboard but get whichever that suits your budget best. The RAM does not matter as long as it fits into the slot and I would go with more slower RAM in this case as the faster RAM probably has negligible difference in performance for you.

Remember to update your BIOS to the version that the motherboard requires first before doing the swap.

 

[byteman99]

If you already using a quad core and have it overclocked to 3.6ghz I don't think a hex core will give you much improvement for what you're doing. The video card upgrade on the other hand, is long over due and will give you the best improvement for gaming. The new RAM you bought might be slower speed but is it slowing down your PC? Probably not.. As for being locked into windows, I cant tell you much about that. But I can say I have an oem version and when I had to swap motherboards all I had to do is call MS and I was still able to use it.

It seems to me like your best upgrade choice is the video card. Then your games should run a lot smoother. The CPU upgrade to me seems unnecessary, seeing how going from a quad-core to hex-core CPU wont do much for you in gaming. Same with RAM speeds, they don't make that big of a difference when it comes to game performance.

 

[Denithor]

The only case where I've seen RAM speed have any appreciable impact in recent years is when gaming on the A6/A8 integrated GPUs. In that single case going from 1333->1600->1866 actually makes a noticeable difference (like 15-20% for each step up).

However, since you're using a discrete GPU this won't be any issue for you, just stick with the 2x4GB sticks (or even use both for 12GB of goodness).

I will second the suggestion to simply buy a newer video card and try it out. If it gives you the performance you need, you're done. If not, at that point consider either upgrading to a PhII x6 or SB - but either way, the new GPU will work fine.

 

[VirtualLarry]

If you are using a retail-box Windows 7 (either upgrade or full), then you can transfer the license over to a new computer/motherboard. If you purchased an OEM copy, then it is technically tied to the motherboard it is first installed on. However, if the OEM (You) determine that the motherboard is faulty and needs to be replaced, MS often will re-activate on a new (replacement) motherboard.

 

[deadken]

Thank you all for the replies.

I am sorry for any confusion. Here is the skinny: I have a recently upgraded PC. I am fine with my Case, PSU, SSD/HD, DVD Rom, etc... I was concerned that if I change out my video card (the weakest link in my system), that I'd be CPU bottlenecked (if not now, then later).

I could change out my CPU + Mobo, but was afraid that I'd lose the Win7 that was installed on it. I was thinking it might be worth keeping the Mobo + O/S and just upgrading to a Hex Core CPU. I don't know if I'll get much performance boost from the Hex Core over a similarly clocked Quad Core, but I thought that it'd save me my O/S.

I guess I was really asking if it was worth getting a new Video Card and later a new CPU (Hex Core) or should I just get a new motherboard and CPU with newer CPU architecture, chipset, etc. The nuts-and-bolts are:
Used 1090t = $140
vs.
New Mobo + I5 2500k = $275 + O/S

Around twice the price (maybe more if I couldn't re-use my O/S), would it be worth it? I'd have to wait longer to get the New Mobo + CPU, since I expect to spend what I have on the Video Card.

 

[coolpurplefan]

If you are using a retail-box Windows 7 (either upgrade or full), then you can transfer the license over to a new computer/motherboard. If you purchased an OEM copy, then it is technically tied to the motherboard it is first installed on. However, if the OEM (You) determine that the motherboard is faulty and needs to be replaced, MS often will re-activate on a new (replacement) motherboard.

Is there a way to determine whether you bought OEM or retail? (I'm kind of thinking I got OEM.)

 

[fourdegrees11]

I think your cpu paired with a 6950 2gb will do good for a couple more years.

 

[deadken]

I bought a 3 pack of Windows 7 Home Premium 'Upgrade'. Sorry I overlooked saying that in my most recent post.

Thanks again for the replies. At this point I am thinking that I should keep my current CPU / Motherboard. I'll get the Video Card first and worry about the CPU later. I never mentioned that I have only been considering 2GB ATI Cards, since I want to ensure that I could go SLI in the future. If I was seriously considering a platform swap (and therefore possibly Intel / SLI), that would give me more options for the Video Card purchase.

So, when will the 7XXX's come out?!?!? Just kidding, I've been following what I can in the 'Video Cards and Graphics' section. I'm trying to hold out until the 7XXX's come out. With any luck, I'll be able to afford a 6950 or even a 6970 when the prices drop. I'm keeping my fingers crossed until January!

-Ken

 

[Arkadrel]

your Phenom II 555 BE unlocked to 4 cores, and overclocked to 3.6ghz
is a nice little cpu (crazy value you got out of that one).

I think the main bottle neck would be that 8800GT.

stick with the 8gb ram, sell the 4gb, put apart of that towards a new gpu.

 

[Bman123]

Get a video card

 

[richierich1212]

Yeah I meant to say upgrade GPU 1st. lol.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

there are not many programs utilizing more than 4 cores, depends on what you are doing. You're fairly close to maxing out what the AM3 and Phenom II line will do. I doubt a hex core is really worth it when the money could go towards a intel.

Get a new GPU and enjoy for a while. Your rig should be able to handle current games/apps. 2 gb 6950 has the potential to be re-used in your next build, especially if you are considering crossfire.

 

[Uppsala9496]

Thank you all for the replies.

I am sorry for any confusion. Here is the skinny: I have a recently upgraded PC. I am fine with my Case, PSU, SSD/HD, DVD Rom, etc... I was concerned that if I change out my video card (the weakest link in my system), that I'd be CPU bottlenecked (if not now, then later).

I could change out my CPU + Mobo, but was afraid that I'd lose the Win7 that was installed on it. I was thinking it might be worth keeping the Mobo + O/S and just upgrading to a Hex Core CPU. I don't know if I'll get much performance boost from the Hex Core over a similarly clocked Quad Core, but I thought that it'd save me my O/S.

I guess I was really asking if it was worth getting a new Video Card and later a new CPU (Hex Core) or should I just get a new motherboard and CPU with newer CPU architecture, chipset, etc. The nuts-and-bolts are:
Used 1090t = $140
vs.
New Mobo + I5 2500k = $275 + O/S

Around twice the price (maybe more if I couldn't re-use my O/S), would it be worth it? I'd have to wait longer to get the New Mobo + CPU, since I expect to spend what I have on the Video Card.

Have a microcenter near you? The 1055t is only $119.99 and comes with a free mobo. The GA-78LMT-S2P has a $10 mail in rebate too. I am running this combination on two separate machines. Simple overclocks on both. One is at 3.00ghz and the other is at 3.36ghz.

Oh, and no issues swapping out your mobo with the win7 upgrade. I did that a few months ago and things went nice and smoothly.

 

[deadken]

Have a microcenter near you? The 1055t is only $119.99 and comes with a free mobo. The GA-78LMT-S2P has a $10 mail in rebate too. I am running this combination on two separate machines. Simple overclocks on both. One is at 3.00ghz and the other is at 3.36ghz.

Oh, and no issues swapping out your mobo with the win7 upgrade. I did that a few months ago and things went nice and smoothly.

Thanks for the information. I do have a MicroCenter near me (it where I bought the CPU/Mobo in my current rig from). I was looking at the 1090t and 1100t at microcenter. I see they have three free motherboards to choose from. I was thinking about getting a free mobo, and then sell it to recoup a few dollars on the CPU. If I'd clear $20, that would pay the difference in price between the 1090t and 1100t.

As it ends up, my 16 Y.O. son was thinking about upgrading his C2D (7200, IIRC) and Asus P5Q. He wants Win7 (I bought the 3 pack), but I told him that if it was married to the motherboard, he should upgrade first. I was thinking about looking for a Quad core for that platform, but I can't find any for sale! Every one on in the F/S section is gone... So, I just spoke with him and offered him my old components (CPU, Mobo, and 2x2GB ram) for a good price (I have no idea, but I told him I'd give it to him for a better price then I'd sell it to anyone else). Christmas is coming, and he has a $400 budget, so we will work something out.

I'd think that would be a nice improvement from what he has got, it'd be pretty cheap, and he could crossfire his 4830 if he wanted. Not that I think he will, but for $45 or so, he could (which is something he can't do now). He just told me he is thinking of getting 'Skyrim', so who knows?

I'm going to have to find out what motherboard is best. I could just keep my current Asus M4A79XTD EVO, but I'm guessing something newer would be better. Of course, it means that I will finally be getting rid of my PATA drive!

1) Which board is better?
ASUS M5A97 EVO Socket AM3+ 970 ATX AMD Motherboard for $110:
http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0366622
or

Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3 Socket AM3+ 970 ATX AMD Motherboard for $80:
http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0375772
As a 'bundle', the Gigabyte gets a $30 discount when bought with the CPU. The Asus stays full price.

I'll have to start a new thread over in the Motherboard section...

2) Is the 1100t worth $20 over the 1090t? Both are BE's, but will I see any higher OC potential with the 1100?

-Thanks, Ken

 

[bryanW1995]

If you are using a retail-box Windows 7 (either upgrade or full), then you can transfer the license over to a new computer/motherboard. If you purchased an OEM copy, then it is technically tied to the motherboard it is first installed on. However, if the OEM (You) determine that the motherboard is faulty and needs to be replaced, MS often will re-activate on a new (replacement) motherboard.

Really? I just upgraded from x58 to an 1155 mobo. I wanted to put my OS and SRT cache on the same ssd, and I ended up reinstalling windows (oem version) 3 or 4 times over the past few days. I activated it without even having to call m$.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

You gots the upgrade itch now.....poor sap u gonna have to scratch.

Reviews I've read show the 1100t OC'ing 100mhz higher than 1090t.

I like your plan and have been contemplating the same microcenter deal. Even though I don't need a hex I could sell off freebie bundled mobo and current CPU making upgrade much cheaper. Yeah I got the itch too, gonna make me spend money.

I've also had good luck transferring w7 oem to different mobo without having to phone home to M.S. mothership. Kind of a gamble though.

 

[sm625]

Get the video card and try it before anything else. I'll bet you'll be surprised at how much the 800GTS was holding you back.

Windows licensing is shady. If you purchase a retail win7 upgrade, it might let you upgrade from an oem xp disc onto a different set of hardware. But one could argue it still violates the terms of the license even though it will activate just fine. As far as I'm concerned if it activates correctly then its their fault if they let you violate their license. Especially if you run that windows genuine advantage thingy and it passes.

Whatever you do dont ask this on the hot deals forum next time someone posts a deal on a win7 upgrade! The forum nazis there will come after you like a guy with a star of david on his sleeve.