GPU upgrade on older PC?

[cyberfury]

So, this is my current PC setup:

 

CPU: Core 2 Quad Q8400 @ 2.66GHz

GPU: MSI ATI(AMD) Radeon HD 4670 1GB GDDR3 (Running at 970MHz as opposed to stock 750MHz)

Memory: 4GB(2x2GB) DDR2 RAM @ 800MHz

Motherboard: Intel DG41RQ

Monitor: Samsung Syncmaster 2233 1080p

Storage: 1x500GB Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM,1x1TB Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM with 64MB Cache

Case: Terrible and generic case (not much airflow)

PSU: Generic 450W PSU

 

So, this in reference to this video: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TwnekGgpdQ

 

I'm thinking of getting a new GPU as of now, and I'm looking at the ASUS R9 280x DCII TOP or the ASUS GTX 770 DCIIOC.

 

I'm also going to upgrade the PSU to a Corsair GS700 or a Seasonic M12II 650W (which one do you guys think is better, keeping in mind I will upgrade the entire system in a bit)

 

Possible full system upgrade: 

i7-4770K?

ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Killer?

16GB DDR3 RAM?

 

So, for now, do you guys think just the GPU upgrade would be alright? Or do you think it'll be a terrible bottleneck like the C2D like Linus mentioned in the video?

 

I did have 3770K system earlier, which my brother now uses, and honestly, considering how old the Q8400 is, it's not really all that bad.

 

 

 

[WoodenMarker]

It would bottleneck but be a substantial upgrade in performance anyway.

What's the system being used for? Budget?

[cyberfury]

Well, right now, that's my daily driver. I use it for pretty much everything. Internet browsing, gaming (not that I've been able to really "game" with this pc after I gave my 3770k/GTX680 setup, but yeah) Media, also, I'm an encoder for a fansub group (usually encode in 10bit, so sucks to have downgraded to the Q8400 since it's all CPU dependent).

 

And as for bottleneck, how much of a difference do you think it would make on FPS performance? 

80% potential? 90% potential?

[Ryan Leech]

Depending on the game, it should be just fine. Be sure to crank up the settings though. The only bad part of your system is the motherboard.

[cyberfury]

Well, I play most of the mainstream titles and League. 

To serve as reference, the last game I played on this pc was Arkham Origins.

 

And the settings I believe were all set to 'Normal' or High (don't remember exactly since the naming scheme was messed up) at 900p, and surprisingly, I got an Average FPS of about 35-40FPS, which is modest, I guess?

[Ryan Leech]

Well, I play most of the mainstream titles and League. 

To serve as reference, the last game I played on this pc was Arkham Origins.

 

And the settings I believe were all set to 'Normal' or High (don't remember exactly since the naming scheme was messed up) at 900p, and surprisingly, I got an Average FPS of about 35-40FPS, which is modest, I guess?

Personally, I would buy a new motherboard with a P43/45 chipset and overclock to 3.4GHz+, then buy something like a GTX 660/ HD 7870

[cyberfury]

Personally, I would buy a new motherboard with a P43/45 chipset and overclock to 3.4GHz+, then buy something like a GTX 660/ HD 7870

 

Well, I don't think it's really all that worth it (I've considered that already)

 

The motherboard/RAM/cooler change would run me down about $300+ not to mention getting a new case as well = $130? 

 

Like I already I do intend to upgrade the whole thing in the near future, in which case I would swap the newer GPU I'm about to buy now into the newer system, and put the 4670 back into this system.

Also note that I don't live in the US, so it's marginally more expensive to buy this stuff. (Australia)

[Ryan Leech]

Well, I don't think it's really all that worth it (I've considered that already)

 

The motherboard/RAM/cooler change would run me down about $300+ not to mention getting a new case as well = $130? 

 

Like I already I do intend to upgrade the whole thing in the near future, in which case I would swap the newer GPU I'm about to buy now into the newer system, and put the 4670 back into this system.

Also note that I don't live in the US, so it's marginally more expensive to buy this stuff. (Australia)

You don't need new RAM; 800MHz DDR2 is more than enough for every game short of bf4. You wouldn't need much of a cooler for 3.4GHz, maybe a Hyper 212. A decent P43 motherboard on ebay will run you about $56 U.S.

[cyberfury]

In reference to your suggestion of getting a 660/7870, I'd rather push and get a 770 or a 280x because once I get my system, I don't want to upgrade again for at least a few years. Getting a mid-range GPU thats already 2 years old doesn't seem like a very good idea.

 

And, interesting. I haven't checked prices for quite a while on the motherboards, but, looks like you're right. Anyhow, I intend to upgrade to DDR3 RAM since the 4GB DDR2 I have isn't sufficient for me, and I can't upgrade much since DDR2 now is rare and 8GB kits are almost non-existent and the ones which ARE available are incredibly expensive.

 

Anyhow, seems like a good idea. I think I'll just upgrade the GPU, RAM, motherboard and OC the CPU. Should be more than enough for now, and after all those upgrades, I doubt there'll really be all that much of a bottleneck. Most games rarely utilize the full potential if not even half of most high end CPUs these days anyway.

 

Now all that's left is the PSU. M12II 650 or GS700?

 

Oh wait, also 280x or 770? IMO, the 280x is better in that it provides roughly the same performance as the 770, but also supports Mantle (although I hear it's going to be OS and support NVIDIA GPUs too) and the 3GB framebuffer seems more reasonable (true, its overkill for 1080p gaming, but I sometimes use a triple monitor 1080p setup so it'll come in handy) than the 2GB on the 770 (4GB cards are way too expensive so I don't intend to consider those). 

[Ryan Leech]

In reference to your suggestion of getting a 660/7870, I'd rather push and get a 770 or a 280x because once I get my system, I don't want to upgrade again for at least a few years. Getting a mid-range GPU thats already 2 years old doesn't seem like a very good idea.

 

And, interesting. I haven't checked prices for quite a while on the motherboards, but, looks like you're right. Anyhow, I intend to upgrade to DDR3 RAM since the 4GB DDR2 I have isn't sufficient for me, and I can't upgrade much since DDR2 now is rare and 8GB kits are almost non-existent and the ones which ARE available are incredibly expensive.

 

Anyhow, seems like a good idea. I think I'll just upgrade the GPU, RAM, motherboard and OC the CPU. Should be more than enough for now, and after all those upgrades, I doubt there'll really be all that much of a bottleneck. Most games rarely utilize the full potential if not even half of most high end CPUs these days anyway.

 

Now all that's left is the PSU. M12II 650 or GS700?

 

Oh wait, also 280x or 770? IMO, the 280x is better in that it provides roughly the same performance as the 770, but also supports Mantle (although I hear it's going to be OS and support NVIDIA GPUs too) and the 3GB framebuffer seems more reasonable (true, its overkill for 1080p gaming, but I sometimes use a triple monitor 1080p setup so it'll come in handy) than the 2GB on the 770 (4GB cards are way too expensive so I don't intend to consider those). 

If you get some really aggressive DDR2, like 1066MHz CL4, it actually out performs 1600MHz DDR3. Anyways, I would recommend the 280X if you aren't going to be upgrading for a while. It does draw a lot of power, but I would recommend the M12II 65 if you don't intend on going Crossfire in a few years (which a P45 motherboard can handle).

[cyberfury]

Alright, thanks man! 

 

Will get myself a P45 Motherboard with 8GB Corsair Vengence RAM, A Bitfenix Ghost Case, M12II 650, and the 280x DCUII TOP.

[cyberfury]

PSU: 108 USD http://www.theitdepot.com/details-Seasonic+650W+Power+Supply+(SS-650AM)_C14P17801.html

Case: 117 USD http://www.theitdepot.com/details-Bitfenix+Ghost+Computer+Case+-+Black+(BFC-GHO-300-KKN1-RP)_P19056.html

Cooler: 46 USD http://www.theitdepot.com/details-Cooler+Master+Hyper+212+Evo+CPU+Coolers_C10P13532.html

GPU 395 AUD ( 357 USD) http://www.msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=11667

Motherboard: 68 USD http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gigabyte-GA-EP43T-S3L-V1-1-MotherBoard-Intel-P43-Express-LGA-775-DDR3-/261342158957?pt=Motherboards&hash=item3cd934e06d

2x4GB DDR3 RAM: 86 USD http://www.theitdepot.com/details-Corsair+Value+Select+4GB+(1+x+4GB)+DDR3+1600MHz+Desktop+Memory+(CMV4GX3M1A1600C11)_C6P16545.html

 

 

Note that I live in India, and I'll be getting only the GPU from AU, since it's ridiculously expensive here. (My dad lives in AU)

 

Total=784 USD

 

My build for a new system: 

PSU: 108 USD http://www.theitdepot.com/details-Seasonic+650W+Power+Supply+(SS-650AM)_C14P17801.html

Case: 117 USD http://www.theitdepot.com/details-Bitfenix+Ghost+Computer+Case+-+Black+(BFC-GHO-300-KKN1-RP)_P19056.html

GPU 395 AUD ( 357 USD) http://www.msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=11667

CPU: 338 USD http://www.flipkart.com/intel-core-i7-4770-processor/p/itmdhx7zekttk5he?pid=PSRDHTWPVEZSPQKX&otracker=from-search&srno=t_4&query=4770&ref=2dae28fc-759d-4fb9-b16c-25340a8466e5

Motherboard: 220 USD http://www.flipkart.com/asrock-z87-killer-motherboard/p/itmdzrakztpxrm7w?pid=MBDDZRAKVZZHRYP2&otracker=from-search&srno=t_1&query=ASROCK+killer&ref=b40984ea-b359-4b54-9df0-27fbd302486c

2x4GB RAM: 92 USD http://www.flipkart.com/corsair-vengeance-ddr3-4-gb-1-x-gb-pc-ram-cmz4gx3m1a1600c9/p/itmd2rypbx4eehaf?pid=RAMD2RYPMVWCEK6E&otracker=from-search&srno=t_2&query=RAM&ref=38fc3bd0-4e1b-4a19-9692-79f87635fedd

 

Total=1232 USD

 

It's not at all economical to upgrade the existing mobo =/

 

[Ryan Leech]

PSU: 108 USD http://www.theitdepot.com/details-Seasonic+650W+Power+Supply+(SS-650AM)_C14P17801.html

Case: 117 USD http://www.theitdepot.com/details-Bitfenix+Ghost+Computer+Case+-+Black+(BFC-GHO-300-KKN1-RP)_P19056.html

Cooler: 46 USD http://www.theitdepot.com/details-Cooler+Master+Hyper+212+Evo+CPU+Coolers_C10P13532.html

GPU 395 AUD ( 357 USD) http://www.msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=11667

Motherboard: 68 USD http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gigabyte-GA-EP43T-S3L-V1-1-MotherBoard-Intel-P43-Express-LGA-775-DDR3-/261342158957?pt=Motherboards&hash=item3cd934e06d

2x4GB DDR3 RAM: 86 USD http://www.theitdepot.com/details-Corsair+Value+Select+4GB+(1+x+4GB)+DDR3+1600MHz+Desktop+Memory+(CMV4GX3M1A1600C11)_C6P16545.html

 

 

Note that I live in India, and I'll be getting only the GPU from AU, since it's ridiculously expensive here. (My dad lives in AU)

 

Total=784 USD

 

My build for a new system: 

PSU: 108 USD http://www.theitdepot.com/details-Seasonic+650W+Power+Supply+(SS-650AM)_C14P17801.html

Case: 117 USD http://www.theitdepot.com/details-Bitfenix+Ghost+Computer+Case+-+Black+(BFC-GHO-300-KKN1-RP)_P19056.html

GPU 395 AUD ( 357 USD) http://www.msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=11667

CPU: 338 USD http://www.flipkart.com/intel-core-i7-4770-processor/p/itmdhx7zekttk5he?pid=PSRDHTWPVEZSPQKX&otracker=from-search&srno=t_4&query=4770&ref=2dae28fc-759d-4fb9-b16c-25340a8466e5

Motherboard: 220 USD http://www.flipkart.com/asrock-z87-killer-motherboard/p/itmdzrakztpxrm7w?pid=MBDDZRAKVZZHRYP2&otracker=from-search&srno=t_1&query=ASROCK+killer&ref=b40984ea-b359-4b54-9df0-27fbd302486c

2x4GB RAM: 92 USD http://www.flipkart.com/corsair-vengeance-ddr3-4-gb-1-x-gb-pc-ram-cmz4gx3m1a1600c9/p/itmd2rypbx4eehaf?pid=RAMD2RYPMVWCEK6E&otracker=from-search&srno=t_2&query=RAM&ref=38fc3bd0-4e1b-4a19-9692-79f87635fedd

 

Total=1232 USD

 

It's not at all economical to upgrade the existing mobo =/

It is very economical to upgrade your current system. When you buy components for the LGA775 system, make sure that they are good enough to use in a new system in the future. Buy 1600MHz DDR3 now and if need be, you could underclock it in the LGA775 system, then when you upgrade to a newer system, you can run it at 1600MHz. The only thing that won't be upgradeable later will be the motherboard ($68). Just make sure that you buy good components now that you can use later on in your next system.

 

In reality, you are only investing $68 into your old system

 

[cyberfury]

It is very economical to upgrade your current system. When you buy components for the LGA775 system, make sure that they are good enough to use in a new system in the future. Buy 1600MHz DDR3 now and if need be, you could underclock it in the LGA775 system, then when you upgrade to a newer system, you can run it at 1600MHz. The only thing that won't be upgradeable later will be the motherboard ($68). Just make sure that you buy good components now that you can use later on in your next system.

 

In reality, you are only investing $68 into your old system

 

 

I see what you mean.

Though, I decided to make some changes to that. Check this out.

 

Motherboard: http://www.ebay.com/...=item3f2bce33f2

 

Case: http://www.theitdepo...)_C5P17059.html (Originally intended to get the Ghost, but will get it for a new build and not this)

 

CPU Cooler: http://www.theitdepo..._C10P18128.html

 

Fans x3: http://www.theitdepo..._C10P16667.html

 

GPU: http://www.cplonline...x-dc2-3gd5.html

 

PSU: http://www.theitdepo...)_C14P9352.html or  http://www.theitdepot.com/details-Seasonic+620W+Power+Supply+(S12II-620)_C14P7878.html

 

Total = 611 USD?

 

When I get a new build, I will only use the GPU and PSU in it. I'll leave the rest in this build, I mean. It's still very much capable, I can use it as a secondary PC, or something.

 

So GPU+PSU= ~460 USD, which is the bulk of it. Spending the other ~150 USD on this doesn't seem so bad.

 

Made another thread for OC help. Maybe you can help me with that? http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/84833-q8400-overclock/

[Ryan Leech]

 

I see what you mean.

Though, I decided to make some changes to that. Check this out.

 

Motherboard: http://www.ebay.com/...=item3f2bce33f2

 

Case: http://www.theitdepo...)_C5P17059.html (Originally intended to get the Ghost, but will get it for a new build and not this)

 

CPU Cooler: http://www.theitdepo..._C10P18128.html

 

Fans x3: http://www.theitdepo..._C10P16667.html

 

GPU: http://www.cplonline...x-dc2-3gd5.html

 

PSU: http://www.theitdepo...)_C14P9352.html or  http://www.theitdepot.com/details-Seasonic+620W+Power+Supply+(S12II-620)_C14P7878.html

 

Total = 611 USD?

 

When I get a new build, I will only use the GPU and PSU in it. I'll leave the rest in this build, I mean. It's still very much capable, I can use it as a secondary PC, or something.

 

So GPU+PSU= ~460 USD, which is the bulk of it. Spending the other ~150 USD on this doesn't seem so bad.

 

Made another thread for OC help. Maybe you can help me with that? http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/84833-q8400-overclock/

 

That motherboard is generally considered as the worst p43 motherboard. Either I would buy a Gigabyte P43/45 motherboard, or a P45 motherboard. Also, don't listen to the guys on the other thread, they don't have first hand experience with overclocked Core 2 Quads.

[cyberfury]

That motherboard is generally considered as the worst p43 motherboard. Either I would buy a Gigabyte P43/45 motherboard, or a P45 motherboard. Also, don't listen to the guys on the other thread, they don't have first hand experience with overclocked Core 2 Quads.

 

Okay. Yeah, it seems unreasonable to call this an absolutely terrible CPU.

 

Check this out

 

http://www.3dmark.com/3dm11/3437880 Q8400 with 7970

http://www.3dmark.com/fs/1184993 i5-4670K with 7970

 

Doesn't look THAT bad? Plus if I OC, it should be even better?

 

Btw, can you just link me to a motherboard you recommend, with a price as low as possible, shipping set to India?

[Ryan Leech]

 

Okay. Yeah, it seems unreasonable to call this an absolutely terrible CPU.

 

Check this out

 

 

Btw, can you just link me to a motherboard you recommend, with a price as low as possible, shipping set to India?

 

Keep in mind that you will need 800MHz RAM in order to get a good overclock. Here is a good overclocking motherboard capable of taking your Q8400 to 4.5GHz (if you get water cooling):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GIGABYTE-GA-EP45-UD3L-LGA-775-Intel-P45-ICH10-motherboard-Send-EMS-/301010594951?pt=AU_Components&hash=item4615a12c87

[cyberfury]

Keep in mind that you will need 800MHz RAM in order to get a good overclock. Here is a good overclocking motherboard capable of taking your Q8400 to 4.5GHz (if you get water cooling):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GIGABYTE-GA-EP45-UD3L-LGA-775-Intel-P45-ICH10-motherboard-Send-EMS-/301010594951?pt=AU_Components&hash=item4615a12c87

 

Yep, I do have 800MHz RAM. And done. Will buy that board. $80 inclusive of shipping not bad.

And, I don't need 4.5GHz, I'll stick to the 212X cooler and see how far that will take me. 3.6GHz seems good. I've seen some benchmarks, and the FPS loss with that as compared to a 3770k on a few games with the same GPU seems minimal (4-5 FPS max)

And being used to the HD 4670 all these days, I'm fine with anything over 40 FPS. And the 280x should do well to dish that out and more, with ease.

[Ryan Leech]

Yep, I do have 800MHz RAM. And done. Will buy that board. $80 inclusive of shipping not bad.

And, I don't need 4.5GHz, I'll stick to the 212X cooler and see how far that will take me. 3.6GHz seems good. I've seen some benchmarks, and the FPS loss with that as compared to a 3770k on a few games with the same GPU seems minimal (4-5 FPS max)

And being used to the HD 4670 all these days, I'm fine with anything over 40 FPS. And the 280x should do well to dish that out and more, with ease.

Looks good, you should be able to play all games on max settings with that 280X, at which point the 280X should be the bottleneck.