Upgrading my current PC

[BBock727]

Currently, this is my gaming setup.

AMD64 3000+
ASUS A8N SLI Deluxe
2x 512 patriot ram <533 (forgot the clockings but it was their top of the line w/ heatspreaders)
Leadtek 6600GT TBH Extreme

I'm looking for the best bang for the buck upgrades right now. I'm not sure it is worth it to me at this time to build a whole new computer as I only plan on spending 500$ or less.

Right now, Vanguard Saga of Heroes is pretty much unplayable, and I would like my computer to be able to handle that. I also plan on getting Command and Conquer 3, not sure how my current PC will handle it.

I most likely would keep my same motherboard but I have no idea what its potential is. (no idea what chip technologies are compatible)
Thanks in advance.

 

[lobbyone]

Heres my take...
Memory $134.99
CPU X2 3800+ = $95.99
or
CPU Opteron = $149.00
Video Card = $199.99

Comes to about $484.97 w/ the Opteron CPU or $430.97 w/ the X2 CPU.
Good luck!

 

[alphawolf010]

definitely go with the opteron. It costs a little more, but they are some beasts at overclocking (took my 165 from 1.8-2.7 @1.36vcore, and have yet to see my processor get hot).

 

[BBock727]

Originally posted by: lobbyone
Heres my take...
Memory $134.99
CPU X2 3800+ = $95.99
or
CPU Opteron = $149.00
Video Card = $199.99

Comes to about $484.97 w/ the Opteron CPU or $430.97 w/ the X2 CPU.
Good luck!

ok a question...

Will this opteron work w/ my current motherboard? Whats the most recent chip that will work with this motherboard.

Any other ideas?

 

[lobbyone]

Originally posted by: BBock727

Originally posted by: lobbyone
Heres my take...
Memory $134.99
CPU X2 3800+ = $95.99
or
CPU Opteron = $149.00
Video Card = $199.99

Comes to about $484.97 w/ the Opteron CPU or $430.97 w/ the X2 CPU.
Good luck!

ok a question...

Will this opteron work w/ my current motherboard? Whats the most recent chip that will work with this motherboard.

Any other ideas?

Yes, it should work with your motherboard, the Opteron is just like an X2 with bigger L2 cache and highly overclockable. Since S939 cpus have been discontinued, i'd guess the most recent chip should be the FX60 or Opteron 185?
Download the lastest BIOS from Asus, and you'll be set.

Edit: What PSU do you currently run with your setup?

 

[BBock727]

garbage , ill probably have to get another... I have the Antec Sonata.. so its either a 380w or a 450w truepower. I would mostlikely have to upgrade my PSU also.

 

[BBock727]

Originally posted by: lobbyone
Heres my take...
Memory $134.99
CPU X2 3800+ = $95.99
or
CPU Opteron = $149.00
Video Card = $199.99

Comes to about $484.97 w/ the Opteron CPU or $430.97 w/ the X2 CPU.
Good luck!

Is the X2 3800+ or the Opteron 165 much faster than my 3000+ for gaming? I might bite on this if I am going to see a considerable difference.

 

[lobbyone]

Originally posted by: BBock727
Is the X2 3800+ or the Opteron 165 much faster than my 3000+ for gaming? I might bite on this if I am going to see a considerable difference.

For gaming i'd look at upgrading your video card/psu/memory and just overclock your CPU, as the an AMD 3000+ is no slouch, the X2 is just for prolonging your S939 system and if you do heavy multitasking, otherwise an overclock 3000+ is more than enough, I got my 3000+ venice to 2.5GHz (280x9) stable on an Asrock board, and i'm pretty sure your motherboard can go higher.

 

[BBock727]

Originally posted by: lobbyone

Originally posted by: BBock727
Is the X2 3800+ or the Opteron 165 much faster than my 3000+ for gaming? I might bite on this if I am going to see a considerable difference.

For gaming i'd look at upgrading your video card/psu/memory and just overclock your CPU, as the an AMD 3000+ is no slouch, the X2 is just for prolonging your S939 system and if you do heavy multitasking, otherwise an overclock 3000+ is more than enough, I got my 3000+ venice to 2.5GHz (280x9) stable on an Asrock board, and i'm pretty sure your motherboard can go higher.

Is there a chance my PSU can handle a X1950XT if its a 380w or 450w truepower.. ill have to check when i get home which it is.

 

[happy medium]

Originally posted by: BBock727
Currently, this is my gaming setup.

AMD64 3000+
ASUS A8N SLI Deluxe
2x 512 patriot ram <533 (forgot the clockings but it was their top of the line w/ heatspreaders)
Leadtek 6600GT TBH Extreme

I'm looking for the best bang for the buck upgrades right now. I'm not sure it is worth it to me at this time to build a whole new computer as I only plan on spending 500$ or less.

Right now, Vanguard Saga of Heroes is pretty much unplayable, and I would like my computer to be able to handle that. I also plan on getting Command and Conquer 3, not sure how my current PC will handle it.

I most likely would keep my same motherboard but I have no idea what its potential is. (no idea what chip technologies are compatible)
Thanks in advance.

Before you go spending money you don't have to.
1.) overclock your cpu to 2.5/2.6 (should easily go 2.5)
2.) buy a 7950gt if your psu can't handle a 1950xt. This way you won't have to upgrade your psu with the 7950gt (the psu you have will work) and save money. Your performance will still triple!

Evga 7950gt 189.00$here

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130074

3.) buy another gig of ram if perfomance is not satisfactory. Your really should have 2 gigs to game by now anyway.
4.) AT this time you don't really need duel core cpu's but when "you" do they will be much cheaper.

Good luck.
OH yea sell your old 6600gt for a few bucks.

 

[BBock727]

Thanks.. now i just need to check if i can have 4dimms sicne i have 2x512. I am assuming I cannot.

 

[bX510]

Originally posted by: happy medium

Originally posted by: BBock727
Currently, this is my gaming setup.

AMD64 3000+
ASUS A8N SLI Deluxe
2x 512 patriot ram <533 (forgot the clockings but it was their top of the line w/ heatspreaders)
Leadtek 6600GT TBH Extreme

I'm looking for the best bang for the buck upgrades right now. I'm not sure it is worth it to me at this time to build a whole new computer as I only plan on spending 500$ or less.

Right now, Vanguard Saga of Heroes is pretty much unplayable, and I would like my computer to be able to handle that. I also plan on getting Command and Conquer 3, not sure how my current PC will handle it.

I most likely would keep my same motherboard but I have no idea what its potential is. (no idea what chip technologies are compatible)
Thanks in advance.

Before you go spending money you don't have to.
1.) overclock your cpu to 2.5/2.6 (should easily go 2.5)
2.) buy a 7950gt if your psu can't handle a 1950xt. This way you won't have to upgrade your psu with the 7950gt (the psu you have will work) and save money. Your performance will still triple!

EVGA 7950gt Ko 214.00$ here
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130061

3.) buy another gig of ram if perfomance is not satisfactory. Your really should have 2 gigs to game by now anyway.
4.) AT this time you don't really need duel core cpu's but when "you" do they will be much cheaper.

Good luck.
OH yea sell your old 6600gt for a few bucks.

I like the way you thinks, bang for the buck. How do you overclock? It seems very complicated.

 

[happy medium]

Your board supports 4 dimms.

 

[happy medium]

Both you guys go make a help me overclock thread in cpu/overclocking section. people will help you for sure. Me too.

edit : bbock727 you should easily be able to push your fsb to 270. Just give it a go. Let me know what happend

 

[BBock727]

Originally posted by: happy medium
Both you guys go make a help me overclock thread in cpu/overclocking section. people will help you for sure. Me too.

edit : bbock727 you should easily be able to push your fsb to 270. Just give it a go. Let me know what happend

I appreciate your help and ill keep you informed! I definately need another gig of ram but i may try overclocking my chip w/ this current ram just to see how it goes....

Would you recommend me buying just anther 2x512 of ram or sell my current ram and buy 2x1g of newer ram. This patriot ram was top of the line when I got it, but Id have to check the specs. They have the heat spreaders and were XBL or something.

I definately will need a new video card since my current card was factory overclocked, I then overclocked it myself but the factory was pretty efficient and i couldnt get much more out of it. (artifacting).