Building a PC for gaming, need opinions on CPU.

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melomaniac

New Member
The computer used to belong to my girlfriend's boss. The HDD crashed and he bought a new PC, so I ended up with that one. I have already replaced the HDD with a 7200RPM SATA drive. I installed Windows 7 64-bit on it and everything works perfectly. I purchased and installed a Sapphire Radeon HD 6870 for the GPU. The PC already has 4GB DDR2 @ 666MHz (I plan to upgrade to 4GB DDR2 @ 1066MHz). The current processor is an Intel dual-core, E2160. I feel that the processor is what is holding my GPU back. It is only a 1.8GHz.

So, looking to upgrade to a new processor I came across the Intel E5700. This processor is a dual-core 3GHz with a 2MB cache and 800MHz FSB. I know it will fit the mobo because it is the same socket type (LGA775). I have practially already "chose" this processor. I just want to know if this will be sufficient for gaming without overclocking.

Keep in mind, this is the first gaming computer I have ever owned so I am not familiar with a lot of this stuff. After I installed my GPU, I booted up GTA IV and tried to play on all high settings which turned out choppy of course. My goal is to play this on high with a smooth enough framerate (like 25-30fps minimum). Will that processor in combination with my GPU do that?

I was also wondering if replacing the RAM will make a difference once I get around to it. Thanks!
 
Did you check the TDP, that is another factor in processor/motherboard compatibility, you will want to shoot for medium settings though in GTA IV in order to keep a good framerate. And the upgraded RAM should help, but it won't be a gamechanger
 
First of all, was this an OEM desktop? If so, what is the make and model?

The type of CPU and the speed of memory is dependent on if your motherboard will support either.

If it is the same power supply, as in from the manufacturer, I would suggest to not even turn on the computer. You're at big risk with that powerful of a graphics card.
 
-The TDP on both processors is 65w, so I am still assuming this will work.

-The PC was built by "Vision Computers Inc. of Atlanta, GA". So, there's no branding other than their sticker.

-I didn't think to check out the mobo model.

-The PSU is 500w which is the minimum required for that GPU, but I will be replacing that with a 680w soon... Already picked one out actually just gotta buy it.

-Will the mobo only support a certain MHz on the RAM (like 2GB @ 666MHz vs 2GB @ 1066MHZ) or will any DDR2 RAM work?

In general though, I'm basically asking if the following build could run GTA4 on high at at least 25fps:

PSU: 680w
CPU: Intel Dual-Core E5700 @ 3.0GHz/2MB Cache/800MHz FSB
HDD: 250GB 7200RPM SATA/6.0GBps
GPU: Radeon HD 6870 1GB
RAM: 4GB DDR 2 (2 x 2GB) @ 1066MHZ [unless there's a compatibility issue]
 
It might only support a certain speed of RAM. If you download Speccy, it will tell you the motherboard model.

And which PSU did you pick out?

Certain BIOS and motherboards do not recognize all CPUs, even if they're the same TDW.

And GTA4 is a poorly optimized game, but you should get your desired settings.
 
So, the motherboard is an Intel DG31PR (J3E1). I also discovered through Speccy that my RAM is @400MHz rather than the 666MHz printed on the sticker on the RAM cards. How am I supposed to tell the maximum RAM MHz my motherboard will support? Also, how can I tell whether or not the processor I want will be completely compatible?

Also, this is the PSU I'm looking at: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817148022. It has great reviews and falls within the wattage I'm looking for.

EDIT: As far as the game's I'll be running, I understand that GTAIV is poorly optimized which is why I set it as the goal. I figured if I can run it smoothly at max, I should be able to run just about anything. I definitely want to be able to play Borderlands 2 on this PC when it comes out. I have Borderlands and several other games via Steam and Desura but most of them are indie titles that will play on my girlfriends laptop using it's on-board graphics. I was able to play Borderlands on that laptop on like low-medium but GTA wouldn't even work on the lowest settings.

EDIT: I found the specs page for the motherboard through Intels site. Turns out I can only use up to 4GB @ 800MHz for the RAM.

EDIT: Using Intel's compatibility tool, it indicates that I can use that processor with that motherboard and it should be fully compatible.
 
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I've actually considered a lot of options since my last post. I came across this PSU: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5250579&CatId=1483. I know it's really cheap compared to the others but how does it compare to the two you recommended in performance?

Since the last post I have come up with the following:

1. I can replace the processor and PSU in this PC, which will end up costing between $110 and $140. Since this PC is good on RAM and everything else I'm OK there.

2. I can rebuild a system. I buy the following:

PSU: I don't know anymore [between $30 and $50, at least 600w]
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116406 $80.00
-Thermal Paste: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=480215&CatId=503 $5.00
-CPU Fan: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6101294&CatId=6994 $25.00
RAM: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=40739&CatId=4534 $55.00
Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157230 $100

I use those items above. I take the HDD from this PC, put it into the new build. I re-install Windows 7 on the new system. I install my GPU as well. Sell what is left of this PC. The difference will be spending up to $150 to fix the current, or spend up to $340ish on the new build... I have the cash but did not intend on spending that much on a gaming computer. I know the obvious answer is to just spend the extra money.

If I go for the new build, am I missing anything (I have already checked everything for compatibility, as far as I can tell all parts are compatible)? Would anyone recommend anything different, especially price efficient? I don't want to spend more than $330 on a new build considering I have already bought a HDD and a GPU...

Thanks again for all of the help thus far.
 
Well you can't just re-install windows. That one is tied to the current mobo and you can't transfer it. And since you said you got that comp from some Atl company, i'm guessing you're in/around there. If so, look up microcenter, you can get an AMD Phenom 960t x4 3ghz and a ASUS mobo for only 135, way better deal, and they have some pretty cheap RAM and all too.
 
Like jonny said, windows would be another $100.

And no on the coolmax. It is terrible quality. The PSU is the one part you don't want to skimp on. A poor unit could fail and take the computer with it.
 
Sounds good... But I think I will go with a new build at this point. I can always use a Linux distro until I get the extra cash for another Windows 7 copy, which will be my next paycheck (I can wait that out because all of the parts would have to be shipped anyway).

I've been doing a lot more research since the last post under the intentions of a new build rather than an upgrade. I found a couple of PSUs with lifetime warranties:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3255393&CatId=1483

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3276567&CatId=2533

I'll likely go with the 750w, it looks very nice for the price and the reviews (over 700 on tigerdirect.com) average 4.7/5. I think another sure thing is the motherboard. As for a processor, I found this which comes with a fan: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1154128&CatId=7225. I've found several RAM deals averaging $50-$70 for up to 8GB DDR3. I'll be doing more research tonight and post somewhat of a part list for what will be my final build. Any opinions are still very greatly appreciated throughout this.
 
That 750 Ultra is junk. Really only has 540W on the 12V rail. Stock with Antec/XFX/Seasonic/Silverstone/PC Power&Cooling/Corsair
 
I looked over more information on the PSUs and decided on one that was recommended to me. I have only a few small things left to consider before posting the items I will be purchasing next payday. This should also give time for anyone to comment on my decisions or get opinions on the parts I have chosen.
 
I've come up with the following:

Mobo: ASrock P67 Pro3 http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=P67 Pro3
PSU: Antec EA-650 (thanks for the recommendation) http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=MjQ0NQ==
Case: Coolermaster Elite 430 http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6654
CPU + Fan: Intel i3-2120 http://ark.intel.com/products/53426/Intel-Core-i3-2120-Processor-(3M-Cache-3_30-GHz)
RAM: Corsair Vengence 8GB http://www.corsair.com/vengeance-8gb-dual-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cmz8gx3m2a1600c9b.html

I'm salvaging the HDD (250GB) and DVD-rom drive from the current PC. I will get a Blu-ray player later and a larger HDD if needed. Throw in my Sapphire Radeon HD 6870, looks promising to me.

This should be great for the resolution I'm running at (1360x768) until I upgrade the display... Or not, cause I really like my current display :)


EDIT: Just read some information about the Corsair Vengence ram being set to 2T when 1T is generally preferable, but I have no idea what that means and what it will or will not effect to change it in the BIOS (if possible).

I have looked into several more pros/cons of all products listed above and really haven't found anything that disappoints. The motherboard does sacrifice some things in order to maintain the lower price, but I'm already spending more than I originally intended so every dollar counts... And the things that this mobo sacrifice are things that I am not worried about. I really like the case, especially for the price. So the case, PSU, and CPU are the 3 things I'm 100% sure on.
 
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Yay! lol. Like I said, I'm completely new to this so it's good to hear I may be doing something right. I may end up getting a different motherboard though. I know I can afford to spend an extra $20-$30 on one, just don't want to. I'm sure once I get everything here and put together, I'll be glad I spent it :)

Thanks for all of the input thus far from everyone. I got it from here though!
 
melomaniac said:
Yay! lol. Like I said, I'm completely new to this so it's good to hear I may be doing something right. I may end up getting a different motherboard though. I know I can afford to spend an extra $20-$30 on one, just don't want to. I'm sure once I get everything here and put together, I'll be glad I spent it :)

Thanks for all of the input thus far from everyone. I got it from here though!
Click to expand...

i said this on the last page, but it sounded like you are in atlanta and if so look up microcenter, you could get a 2500k and a similar mobo for like 10 more. Also feel free to post up whatever you're ordering the day before or something incase there is a sale or something you could change out a part for.
 
I paid attention to newegg.com, tigerdirect.com, and pricewatch.com. I ordered the parts already and was sure to watch out for promos. I got the CPU and RAM today (awesome!!). The rest will arrive tomorrow. Here's the final build's specs:

Case: Coolermaster Elite 430
PSU: Antec Earthwatts Green 650w
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD3
CPU: Intel i3-2120 (3.3GHz)
RAM: 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 Corsair Vengence
GPU: Sapphire Radeon HD 6870 1GB

Plus the HDD and DVD R/RW I'm salvaging from the other PC, at least until I get the other parts I want. I will eventually have a wireless b/g/n card, Blu-ray burner, and card reader. I will also eventually replace the stock case fan with something similar... Either with red LEDs or no LEDs.

Once again, thanks for all of the help with this. I'm exited about putting everything together tomorrow. The old computer will be going to my parents since all it will need is a HDD (I have a spare DVD drive to put in it). I believe Win 7 should still work on it since that activation is "locked" to that mobo. Works out for all of us :)


EDIT: Got my parts in, put it together, runs GREAT. It is very "zippy", quiet, and performs very well. I was able to play GTA IV on high with some settings at very high, maxed view distance, etc. at a smooth framerate. Borderlands on the highest everything was VERY smooth. Portal 2 looks incredible :)

Thanks again everyone, I am very impressed with my PC and appreciate all of the recommendations and opinions.
 
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