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Looking for a smallish boost in performance.

  • 16-07-2012 3:46pm
    #1
    Sconsey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,601 ✭✭✭


    Hi,

    I am looking to give my ageing machine a small performace boost so I can take advantage of some of the cheap games in the Steam sale, I'm not looking to get to super hi-res for new games, just something that will smoothly run games that have been released over the last few years.
    My current machine is fine for older games (TF2, Portal) but I would like to give it a little boost. I really don't want to spend much more than about €100.

    Current spec (it's a bit old but be gentle):
    - Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Socket 775 (3.0GHz) 1333FSB 6MB L2 Cache
    - BFG OC NVidia GeForce 8800GT 512MB
    - 4GB OCZ DDR2 PC2-8000 Platinum XTC (5-5-5) Dual Channel kit
    - Gigabyte GA-N650SLI-DS4, nForce-650i SLI
    - Hard disk: can't remember the spec, nothing special HDD

    So I was wondering what you would think would be worth upgrading a little (if anything), as I said I am not looking for cutting edge stuff, I was thinking of just picking up a new video card for €100, or would that be a waste. Maybe a second 8800GT SLI (do they even sell them anymore)?...dont think I could upgrade the CPU for my budget. Would a SSD improve performance any?

    All comments welcome!

    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    -( i )- Wicker
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 380 ✭✭-( i )- Wicker


    A SSD would improve loading times but if its increased FPS you're after then I'd recommend upgrading your GPU. You can use This to compare your 8800GT to other cards.


  • #3
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,170 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    Your socket will take a Quad, if you shop around you can get a Q6600 for €40-50 second hand.

    This will gut your GPU budget, but would help everyday performance.


  • #4
    uberpixie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,864 ✭✭✭uberpixie


    Upgrade in the following order:

    1) graphics card.

    2) ssd.

    3) cpu.


    Cpu you have is fine for most games out there tbh....

    A €100 spent on a gfx card will have a much greater impact on gaming performance than getting a cpu.

    Ssd will make windows run more smoothly for day to day use and will make the pc feel much more responsive than upgrading the cpu.

    Then save up to replace motherboard, ram and motherboard. You can always transfer over the ssd and gfx card to the new build.


  • #5
    Procrastastudy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,224 ✭✭✭Procrastastudy


    Buy a secondhand 8800 and chuck it in there for SLI?


  • #6
    Sconsey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,601 ✭✭✭Sconsey


    Thanks all for your feedback, food for thought, I imagine I will probably end up going over budget if past experience is anything to go by :o
    GCDLawstudent wrote: »
    Buy a secondhand 8800 and chuck it in there for SLI?

    I guess I would be reluctant to go the SLI route because of the extra noise and power consumption, I often leave the machine on all day and as far as I am aware it is not possible to switch off one of the cards when not in use.


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