Should I Upgrade or Build from Scratch? (Gaming PC)

M

Mikhaile

Geek Trainee
Current PC Specs:

CPU: AMD Athlon 64X2 2.6 Dual Core

GPU: Nvidia GTX260 768mb(I think its 768)

Ram: 3 Gig

Mobo: Asus M2N SLI Deluxe

OS: Windows XP


I built this around 3 years ago and after a ram and GPU upgrade its finally starting to get pretty sluggish on the newer games being released. I was wondering if I could get by for a little while just upgrading my CPU or if it may be time to start thinking about building from scratch. Money's not really a concern atm Im just getting ideas. Im wanting something that can handle the high end graphics of games being released nowadays.

Thanks

Edit: Ive been out of the game for a bit now so I have no idea whats standard in gaming PCs nowadays.
 
I have the same GPU with an Intel Quad Core. I remember playing Black Ops with the highest settings, i think AA x8... I don't know the fps but the game never lagged on me. But i think that if i had a Core ix processor i would've gotten better results. I think the GPU is sufficient enough but your processor is pretty weak. If i were you, i would upgrade your motherboard and get a core i5 2500k. Best bang for your buck atm.
 
Thanks for the reply. Quadcore is the reason for the mobo upgrade is that right? If I did that do you think Id be able to hold out for a few more years? I figured my gpu was still in good shape.
 
Yep. I wouldn't bother with a lga775 quad core like mine. Better go with the i5 ;)
I have the slightly better gtx260; the core 216. It has 896mb and 448-bits. Which is yours?
 
Well now I have quite the quandry.

The Board and Cpu setup for the Sandybridge totals about $350 where as the AMD1100T combo is around $290. Is the price really worth it?

Also, my ram is still DDR2. Is my ram gonna be compatible with these new boards?
 
Yeah, i'd say the upgrade is definitely worth it. As said in the post, benchmarks favor the 2500k. You'll have to purchase DDR3 memory if you go with intel. If you chose the amd x6 you'll need a new motherboard supporting the am3 socket. These boards support am3 and ddr2. So, if you decide to get the amd and don't want to get new ram, go with those ;)

Still, i'm for the i5. It'll last you a long time and it beats the amd. Plus, amd is coming out with new processors this year to compete with intel's line... so be wary of that!
 
Yea every benchmark test ive read the intel pretty much smoked the amd. Thats hard for me to believe given to 2core difference. Those boards look kinda sketchy to me too, what do you think?
 
Naa, asrock has been in the game for quite some time now, particularly around '07. They're parent company is ASUS. I've never owned one but they've passed smoothly onto the general public. But yes, those boards i linked you aren't top and are very very basic boards - hence the low prices. If you plan on keeping this system for a long time and want to play some high end games, invest in the i5. Go hard or go home, as they say!
 
Good point. I think this is what Im gonna settle on:

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

Mobo: MSI P67A-G43 (B3) LGA 1155 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130583

Ram: CORSAIR XMS 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145339

Rounded out with my existing GTX-260

One last thing, its been along time since Ive done this but I assume mobos are pretty much universal in regards to case installation and power supply compatibility correct?
 
Yep, I recommend that motherboard to a lot of ppl. Great value, enough heatsinks, and up to date components. The memory is good enough too. You'll never use up all those 4 gigs...

Now, if you ever plan on overclocking, invest in a heatsink. Do not use the stock cooler.

In terms of how the parts fit, the term you're looking for is Form Factor. The form factor describes the size of parts it's compatible with. It starts out with the case. Today, cases of all sizes (mid tower, full tower...) support numerous form factors (atx, micro atx, miniatx). The average motherboard is a standard ATX motherboard and nearly all normal cases support it. Smaller motherboards, like the microatx and miniatx, are also common but may not be supported by mid to full tower cases. So basically, just make sure to check that all the components have a matching form factor.
 
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