New GTX 275 = 40 FPS Max

[Boojangels]

OS: Vista Home 32
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4800+ (2 CPUs), ~2.5GHz
Memory: 3070MB RAM
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 275 OC

In games like TF2 or L4D, I'm usually getting around 40 fps walking around (100 or so in a small room and nothing is happening) with all settings up besides AA and AF at 1280x1024. If a big battle is going on in TF2, I'll probably drop to around 10-28, which is unplayable. My CPU might be a bottleneck, but it shouldn't be dragging it down that much...

And yes, I have the latest drivers.

I had gotten a new 23 in wide screen monitor, but I can't really kick up the resolution since it'll just make my fps worse. To get acceptable FPS, I would have to scale down to 1280x1024 which looks crappy on a widescreen. Grrrr Rage.

Suggestions?

[SlainPwner666]

Well, one problem is your processor is not up to date, meaning that everything else has to work extra hard to keep up. Vista is also notorious for poor performance. 3 GBs of RAM is good, and I'm no video card expert, so I'd outline your processor and OS as the main problems.

[Boojangels]

Hmmm, processor eh? Got suggestions? I don't want to spend over 150 (But I can).

[one of them]

Being up to date on drivers can sometimes be a bad thing. I am currently on a driver released in November because the newer ones drop my FPS in L4D by around 40. Google your problem and see if anyone else is getting the same issue.

EDIT: I don't see anything wrong with the processor, although I've never used AMD. If you do want one though, everyone seems to be in love with this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

[SlainPwner666]

Hmmm, processor eh? Got suggestions? I don't want to spend over 150 (But I can).

Left 4 Dead says that it REQUIRES a 3.0, but I got by with a 1.99. You're fine, per sey? But your performance, especially loading screens, would increase if you'd upgrade to at least a 3.0

Doubt you'd be able to afford it though, processors are expensive.

Edit: You also say you have a dual core. That means you should not be running more then two programs at once. That includes Fraps, or anything that uses power. Maybe X out of steam once you start up the game, wrap up any chats you're done with, and then watch your performance sky rocket.

[one of them]

Left 4 Dead says that it REQUIRES a 3.0, but I got by with a 1.99. You're fine, per sey? But your performance, especially loading screens, would increase if you'd upgrade to at least a 3.0

Left 4 Dead REQUIRES a 3.0Ghz PENTIUM 4 processor, Boojangels has a Dual Core. He should be perfectly fine. Pentium 4 is a single core processor, Boojangels is basically double that of a Pentium 4.

[Boojangels]

Edit: You also say you have a dual core. That means you should not be running more then two programs at once. That includes Fraps, or anything that uses power. Maybe X out of steam once you start up the game, wrap up any chats you're done with, and then watch your performance sky rocket.
Yea, I make sure I do that.

Left 4 Dead REQUIRES a 3.0Ghz PENTIUM 4 processor, Boojangels has a Dual Core. He should be perfectly fine.

Still brings up mah fps problem.

[one of them]

Still brings up mah fps problem.
Yes, but don't go thinking it's your processor just yet, because you are well above the minimum requirements.

[SlainPwner666]

Destroy your computer, make new one. As the heavy from TF2 was quoted to say,

"MOAR RUBBLE, LESS TROUBLE"

[one of them]

Has this problem always been there? Or only recently?

EDIT: Try doing the stuff listed here: https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9257-TUJL-7421

[Boojangels]

Has this problem always been there? Or only recently?

EDIT: Try doing the stuff listed here: https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9257-TUJL-7421
I used to have an 8800. I was loving it (This was about the time TF2 came out). I had all settings at max on TF2, but over time I had to put the settings down as my FPS dropped. I recently acquired a GTX 275, but I hardly see an improvement.

[lawlhat]

The E8400 is the god of dual-cores. Too bad he has an AMD so it wont fit in his mobo... but yeah I would say processor, source uses more processing power than some other engines.

*Searches for 10 minutes on Newegg*

Holy shit this is cheap stuff.
Try this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103300

If I'm correct it should fit your socket. If I'm also correct its under $100, even $75.

[Boojangels]

Holy shit this is cheap stuff.
Try this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103300

If I'm correct it should fit your socket. If I'm also correct its under $100, even $75.

Doesn't look that much better (.2 GHz?). I'm sure there's more to it though?

Edit: I've determined I would need to update my MOBO (Haven't done that since I've gotten it) drivers. The problem is that I dunno which one to DL. http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en-us/mb/index.php?old_cpu_mark=AMD&Cpu_mark=&Socket_ID=&Chipset= is where I would need to go I believe but I don't know which one to download.

[triggerman]

If your going to buy an AMD dual core get a 6000
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103645
only a few dollars more then the above suggestion but 3.1 ghz.

[Boojangels]

If your going to buy an AMD dual core get a 6000
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103645
only a few dollars more then the above suggestion but 3.1 ghz.
That would be awesome if it were in stock.

https://www.evga.com/forums/tm.asp?m=100752342&mpage=1&key=�

Someone having the same problem. A solution hasn't been found yet.

[Goldkills]

Is your MOBO AM2+ if it is, u can get the Phenom 2 x4 quad core

but what u can do is reinstall your drivers from the start wipe them clean with driver sweeper and reinstall, if that does not work try to reformat it seems like a driver problem not a CPU problem. i had a big problem with drivers when i build my computer but a fresh reformat and reinstall of drivers fixed it.

but i have the GTX275 in SLI right now works fine i get 150FPS in TF2 Maxed out even with the extra commands and full AA/AF @ 1920x1200

[Jesus123]

I don't understand why your getting such low FPS. Im currently using the 9600 GTX and I get 80+ FPS maxed out everything on Left 4 Dead and Team Fortress 2.

[lawlhat]

I get like 60-100 fps in L4D at

1280x1024
Everything maxed
2xAA
16xAF

My specs are:
E8400@3.00
9800GT
3.25 gigs memory (32-bit OS)
Vista Premium

I dunno why hes getting that performance either. I guess Ill save up for a 280 and skip the 275 lol

[ex2cib]

cpu...bottleneck

the cpu can't get the graphics card the data it needs fast enough.

I'm guessing he means he has the original X2 dual core, as in, the first dual cores AMD made.

its just an old CPU, and the motherboard probably has an 8x PCI-e slot, instead of a 16x, so less bandwidth going to the new GPU.

i had an AMD 3000+ single core a while back with an 8800GTX, and that card was bottlenecked. this is a GPU at least 2 generations beyond that with an extra similar core like i had. the cpu i had couldn't even playback HD video without having audio sync issues. its just old.

edit: also, before people start giving you a ton of cpu's to buy, list the exact motherboard model you have, so we can find the cpu's that it supports.

I still think a cpu/ram/motherboard upgrade is in order if that cpu is what i think it is.

edit#2
do this (will let us know what parts you are using)

1.download cpu-z here (http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php)
you can use the exe or just the zip files, either will work.

2. run cpu, once it starts, click on the "about" tab
3. click "validation"
4. Make sure publish online is checked. You can put your forum name in and an email if you want. email is just for sending the validation link to.
5. Hit submit
6. your browser will open up the validation page. copy and paste the link to that page here. should look like this but with different hardware (http://valid.canardpc.com/show_oc.php?id=596787)


doing that will tell me what exact cpu you are running, and motherboard. Then it will be easier to discuss upgrade paths from there.


tl;dr; see edit #2

[Deadly]

Get the windows 7 RC. It allowed me to play l4d maxed out when I couldn't on vista

[Boojangels]

cpu...bottleneck

the cpu can't get the graphics card the data it needs fast enough.

I'm guessing he means he has the original X2 dual core, as in, the first dual cores AMD made.

its just an old CPU, and the motherboard probably has an 8x PCI-e slot, instead of a 16x, so less bandwidth going to the new GPU.

i had an AMD 3000+ single core a while back with an 8800GTX, and that card was bottlenecked. this is a GPU at least 2 generations beyond that with an extra similar core like i had. the cpu i had couldn't even playback HD video without having audio sync issues. its just old.

edit: also, before people start giving you a ton of cpu's to buy, list the exact motherboard model you have, so we can find the cpu's that it supports.

I still think a cpu/ram/motherboard upgrade is in order if that cpu is what i think it is.

edit#2
do this (will let us know what parts you are using)

1.download cpu-z here (http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php)
you can use the exe or just the zip files, either will work.

2. run cpu, once it starts, click on the "about" tab
3. click "validation"
4. Make sure publish online is checked. You can put your forum name in and an email if you want. email is just for sending the validation link to.
5. Hit submit
6. your browser will open up the validation page. copy and paste the link to that page here. should look like this but with different hardware (http://valid.canardpc.com/show_oc.php?id=596787)


doing that will tell me what exact cpu you are running, and motherboard. Then it will be easier to discuss upgrade paths from there.


tl;dr; see edit #2
http://valid.canardpc.com/show_oc.php?id=596865

Thar you go.

[ex2cib]

cpu is AM2, so that helps. I still can't find the motherboard listing to see what else it supports.

have you tried any different graphics drivers other than the newest ones?

[one of them]

have you tried any different graphics drivers other than the newest ones?
Don't look at me, I haven't been suggesting that the entire thread >.>

[Boojangels]

Don't look at me, I haven't been suggesting that the entire thread >.>
Could you pitch me a few?

[Deadly]

Listen to me!

[Boojangels]

Listen to me!

Windows 7 wouldn't really change much. Maybe buy me 8 FPS. Plus I wouldn't be able to change back to vista since I don't have my disk.

[Deadly]

You don't want to change back to vista. It's much much more then 8 fps. It allowed me to play prototype maxed out when before I could barely run it on low.

[Boojangels]

You don't want to change back to vista. It's much much more then 8 fps. It allowed me to play prototype maxed out when before I could barely run it on low.

I wouldn't know if I really wanted to buy it, and if I don't I'm screwed olololololol

Anyways, I'm pretty sure I need to upgrade my MOBO and Processor. Both are quite old (Around the time of the Radeon x1550 I believe). First off, I need to find a good MOBO that has at three slots for DDR2 RAM, 1-2 16x PCIe slots (SLI would be cool, but not needed), and the slot for whatever processor I need to get.

For what processor, I'd want a dual core (Quad ain't really that useful yet) at 2.8 GHz +. AMD or Intel I don't really care (AMD would probably jive better though right?)

[ex2cib]

if you are going dual core, i'd go intel personally. intel's DC's are better. AMD has recently started to catch up with the newest phenom II's, but those are quad core, and i7 is still king of that range.

and to 0n3_0f_7h3m:
drivers are always the second thing i come to with nvidia. They always screw the old cards over in favor of the new ones. This coming from someone who always bought nvidia till i found a 4870 deal too good to pass up (4870 @ 4890 speeds for $100 from a friend of mine :D)

[Boojangels]

Aw rite, could anyone suggest a good MOBO + Processor combo?

[Deadly]

The windows 7 RC is free..

[Boojangels]

The windows 7 RC is free..
Not forever

The issue is pretty much determined that my PCI-E (I think it's 8x) slot on my MOBO and my CPU is bottlenecking my GPU. Window 7 could theoretically work, but I would still have a bottleneck slowing me down. And again, if I get the W7 RC, I wouldn't be able to get back.

[Deadly]

Free up until july 2010 when windows 7 is half price for RC owners

[Boojangels]

Might be worth mentioning that everytime I start up mah computer it goes to a really low resolution for some reason.

(Still looking for MOBO + CPU suggestions)

[Deadly]

I know 7 solutions to your problem

[Boojangels]

Bumpzor

[RaginAzN]

boojangles, how much are you willing to spend? I can give u some suggestions if I know what price range to look for

[ex2cib]

if you want a true core 2 duo, and not some cache-crippled version. get at least an e8400.

its 3ghz stock speed.

and, for the mobo, at worst, something with a P35 chipset, and preferably something with a P45 since they are newer and less likely to have problems.

[Boojangels]

if you want a true core 2 duo, and not some cache-crippled version. get at least an e8400.

its 3ghz stock speed.

and, for the mobo, at worst, something with a P35 chipset, and preferably something with a P45 since they are newer and less likely to have problems.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037
I'm thinking that for the processor (OC'ing it a bit maybe).

I'm a bit lost as for a MOBO though.
This maybe? (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128387)

[ex2cib]

you need a socket 775 INTEL motherboard. the one you have is for an AMD processor, they don't work with each other.

for an entire list of P45 chipset motherboards for Intel's socket 775 on newegg, this link should work

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010200280%201070509908%20107172615%201071740132&name=Intel%20P45

brand preference is up to you. I've used boards from biostar, gigabyte, MSI, DFI, and Asus. Each boards has their faults and values. there is no perfect board, just preference.

once you find something you like on that list, post it back here, and someone can verify it'll work

[Boojangels]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128346: This one looks good, but I'm thinking I should upgrade to DDR3 RAM. Is there really a big difference?

[ex2cib]

ddr 3 really won't help you that much, bandwidth returns dont really give you that much more speed.

I do suggest however, that you make sure you have matching memory (timings) in either 2 or 4 sticks of ram so that you can run dual channel.

[one of them]

DDR2 RAM is perfectly awesome enough, just make sure you have around 4GB (if on Vista).

This is the RAM I currently use, and they are pretty fuckin' awesome.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227178

That RAM is however Deactivated, so I found perfectly similar RAM for LESS money.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231144


DDR3 RAM is really more for the future, and it requires more cooling than DDR2 Ram. DDR3 is very good, but is hardly useful as of today. I honestly doubt you will notice much of a difference unless you're an Enthusiast.

EDIT: I suggest upgrading to 4 Sticks of the RAM I posted above (second link) and trashing your old RAM. If you keep your old RAM and get new RAM then there is likely to be some compatibility issues.

[Boojangels]

I do suggest however, that you make sure you have matching memory (timings) in either 2 or 4 sticks of ram so that you can run dual channel.
FFFFUUUUU- I dunno.

Questions:
How can I tell?
What is this dual channel of which you speak?

[one of them]

FFFFUUUUU- I dunno.

Questions:
How can I tell?
What is this dual channel of which you speak?

In all the specs you can see the timings, example: 5-5-5-15.
Those numbers must all be the same on all your RAM in order for it to be compatible with each other.

Dual Channel ram means there are two ram pipelines to the CPU to try and help the bottleneck caused by the system bus. On all the dual channel boards I have seen if you have one stick of ram it runs in single channel mode. To get dual channel to work you have to have a matched pair of what ever ram you intend to use, like if you bought 2 sticks of 256 or 512, make sure they are the same brand and spec. Install both in the same color slot, like if you put one in the blue slot, put the other in the blue slot. This will make the dual channel activate. Tf you mix it(one black, the other blue), it will still run just not in dual channel mode. if you decide to add more ram you will need another identical pair of ram to go in the two open slots, if you only add one more, it will see the ram but your back to single channel mode. It is very important to have the exact same chip in both slots of the same color.

EDIT: Dual Channel is hard to explain.

[Boojangels]

Well, I have three 1G DDR2 sticks of RAM. Two of them came with the compooper, so I suppose they can Dual.

[one of them]

Well, I have three 1G DDR2 sticks of RAM. Two of them came with the compooper, so I suppose they can Dual.
Umm...
You say two of them came with the compooper, did you make sure the third one was compatible with the other two? That could be the whole problem right there.

EDIT:
OMG
I just checked your CPU-Z report and noticed this:

Slot 1 : 1024MB (PC2-5300)
Slot 1 Manufacturer : Kingston
Slot 2 : 1024MB (PC2-4300)
Slot 2 Manufacturer : Hyundai Electronics
Slot 3 : 1024MB (PC2-4300)
Slot 3 Manufacturer : Hyundai Electronics


That Kingston RAM is PC2-5300, while the others are 4300. This may be the source of your problem, try taking out that Kingston RAM and tell me if you notice any change in performance. I actually don't have much knowledge of how mixing that type of RAM will effect your computer, but you never know... it may effect FPS as drastically as you are experiencing.

[Boojangels]

Umm...
You say two of them came with the compooper, did you make sure the third one was compatible with the other two? That could be the whole problem right there.
U srs? It better not be... I just stuck it in thar like 2-3 days ago to cover for greedy Vista.

Edit: Just noticed your edit. I'm going to bed (3 AM). I'll try it out tomorrow.

[ex2cib]

i havn't ever known ram not matching to cause speed errors, it will cause random BSOD's though if the timings dont match.

you can get just about any PC2-6400 Kit of 4GB in size, most are around $40 or so. I've had two good sets of OCZ before, and have a good set of corsair now. all personal preference

also, pretty much everything one of them said is true except DDR3 running hotter than DDR2. since i7 has come out, intel has told memory manufacturers that the max their CPU can handle for memory voltage is 1.65v, so most DDR3 memory runs as less volts than DDR2. less volts = lower heat output

[Boojangels]

Ok, this is what I got so far.


MOBO:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128346
CPU:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

Now for RAM, I'm stuck on This Corsair 4GB kit (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184) or what One posted. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231144)

The Corsair = DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
G.Skill = DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)

[ex2cib]

mobo is good, cpu is good, and i'd get the corsair 4gb kit.

4gb of ram is extremely helpful in vista / windows 7

I'd also recommend to get a 64bit OS eventually so you can use all 4gb of ram, but if you only have a 32bit for now, it'll be ok. I'd wait till windows 7 releases in october and then upgrade then. There would be no point in getting a 64bit vista now if you dont already have it with 7 around the corner, but once again, this is all up to you.

[one of them]

OKAY
I just found a really good deal for RAM on Newegg, and it's 4GB for only 50$.
This RAM has really good specs too.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231166

[Boojangels]

I'll think about it. Apparently it doesn't come with those specs and you need to OC them sorta.

Well, thanks for the help guys. I need to cash a few checks first and order. With the combined time of check processing + shipping, I'd say I'll get the parts in a week or two. I'll post to say how it went.

While I'm here, is there anything special you need to do to install a new MOBO (Uninstall certain software or something?)besides just hookin' up the parts?

[ex2cib]

a new mobo usually requires a clean install of windows

so start backing up your documents/music/ other files

[Boojangels]

a new mobo usually requires a clean install of windows

so start backing up your documents/music/ other files

That's a small issue... I hope I can find my Vista disk. Don't think I have anything to put my stuff on either. Not only this, but my CD-Drive is fried and I had to buy a new one, which doesn't work with this motherboard. I'm gonna return it, but it probably wouldn't work with my new motherboard.

fjlksdfjlsdkafjl

[twitchy]

Hey boojangles, let me know if this fixes your problem. I am having the same issues. I currently have a 9800 gts 1 gig, intel 1.8 dual core, 4 gigs ram, vista 32 bit. I upgraded to the 260 to see if my card may have been the problem, but there was not one bit of difference. I've been convinced it's been my processor, and this thread just helped back my opinion.

[Sofaires]

i got a friend with a nvidia 6600 2gb of ram and a amd athlon dual core 2.4 and the game never goes below 40fps not even in heavy fights theres something going on in your computer check for viruses spywares clean your registry etc etc theres no way with that setup your getting less than 40fps

[Sofaires]

and just to add she use vista and xp in the same computer work just fine, myself i use vista and never goes below 45fps so vista its not your problem

[ex2cib]

sofaires, the person with the 6600 probably doesn't have the graphics set to high do they?

apples to oranges comparision.

fps is determined by graphics settings and screen resolution.

your friend is using low settings if using a 6600GT

6600 is at the bottom of the barrel for l4d support.



back to boojangles again, try running the game at the lowest resolution possible, and see what the frame rates are

[Goldkills]

fps is determined by graphics settings and screen resolution.


no FPS is not just your res and GPU its the combo of all of your computer parts mainly your GPU and CPU, now a-days its the CPU due to the GPUs power is almost higher the the CPUs most of the time in almost every computer higher CPU clock= more FPS and i have pics to prove it

[Boojangels]

Installing that MOBO is gonna be a pain in the arse... Errhgh

[Goldkills]

well it would be a good time to clean out all of the dust in your case lol

[ex2cib]

no FPS is not just your res and GPU its the combo of all of your computer parts mainly your GPU and CPU, now a-days its the CPU due to the GPUs power is almost higher the the CPUs most of the time in almost every computer higher CPU clock= more FPS and i have pics to prove it

meh, i knew someone would call me out on this, but you are right, sorta. i was referring to the guy before me. Low resolutions are cpu-bound. meaning, a better gpu wont do much as a lower res. 1280x1024 is a happy medium for balance. above that, you start getting gpu-bound UNLESS your cpu can't keep up with the data needs of the GPU.

for example, me going from a 4ghz Core 2 to a 4.2Ghz I7 i might get like 10-15 more FPS on the minimum, but average and max rates barely change (1680x1050). at higher resolutions, a better CPU really will barely help. it helps minimum rates more than anything else

i was trying to do a more simplified way. thats why i'm asking him to just run it at the lowest res he possibly can. around 800x600 or 1024x768.

[Boojangels]

Aw rite, so I tried that in L4D survival mode.

First, I tried 800x600 at medium settings. FPS ranged from 15-40 (15 at huge action scenes). 40 was at minuscule scenes (Rare to get 40). Standard was at 25 with drops.

Last, I puled out all the stops. 1920x1080 resolution at max settings (2x AA). FPS was generally better (Proving the theory) at 15-50 with less brutal drops (15 was rare. 20-28 at large action scenes.) Normal action stood around 30 with dips.

Conclusion: Hypothesis is correct, putting the settings higher produced more desirable FPS vs putting the settings low.

[ex2cib]

something is definitely affecting yours.
I just did the same thing on mine, since I've never tried it before

Lowest res, medium settings, no lower than 230FPS on dead air 720x480
highest res, highest possible settings, no lower than 110FPS 1680x1050

this was just running around the start of DA1.

multicore rendering enabled for me, since it actually works on my machine

[Goldkills]

Well on my I7920 at stock my games ran fine but with it now at 4.2ghz i got about 50 more FPS but i am running SLIed GTX275s and they love higher CPU clocks

[ex2cib]

because with more cards, the CPU has to do more work getting them the data of what they need. and the SLI driver needs to also run. There's a whole algorithm running in the background on how to balance the load on each GPU, which is why a faster CPU helps even more in SLI/Xfire

[Boojangels]

Parts ordered. I suspect them around Tuesday.

[Shrubberyjsc]

Parts ordered. I suspect them around Tuesday.
I suspect you!

Suspicious parts are suspicious.

[Boojangels]

I read up on the CPU I'm getting, and I hear the stock heatsink is garbage. I plan on OC'ing it a bit so this could be a problem. Suggestions?

All three parts for convenience:

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128346

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184

[ex2cib]

xigmatek s1283. fine for core 2. and not that bad on price either. there's also a better mounting bracket available with it for a few more dollars that screws in instead of the pushpins like normal, i'd HIGHLY recommend that

no links for now, too tired to look them up :)

[Goldkills]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233027

the bracket u can use both LGA775 and 1366

great cooler i use it right now but with a ultra kaze fan for more cooling with my I7

[Boojangels]

Got teh parts, installing them tomorrow.

[darkmessiah]

New GTX 275 = 70+ FPS! YAY

PNY GTX 275

M2N-Sli Mobo

AMD Athlon X2 5600+ 3.0GHz

4GB G.Skill RAM

Sigma Shark 635w

250GB HD, 70GB HD

35-40 FPS Crysis Warhead (Haven't tried original though.)

70+ Source Games

Blah

[Goldkills]

AMD Athlon X2 5600+ 3.0GHz
get that higher and u will get more FPS

[darkmessiah]

AMD Athlon X2 5600+ 3.0GHz
get that higher and u will get more FPS

Well lookie that, I'm famous.

[Deadly]

So how's everything fit boojangels?

[Boojangels]

So how's everything fit boojangels?

Yer a jerk

Anyways, I need a new case. My motherboard is too big

[darkmessiah]

Mid Tower or even smaller?

Any mid tower should be able to handle a standard ATX mobo.

[Boojangels]

Anyone got any suggestions? Don't want to spend over $80 bucks (Or even 60 really).

[darkmessiah]

75 Bucks for a semi-good Full Tower case which also has an interesting design:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811166004

[Boojangels]

75 Bucks for a semi-good Full Tower case which also has an interesting design:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811166004

I'll probably get that. 25 dollar rebate, darn it newegg.

Edit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119068 How about that?

[Deadly]

How about you solve your own problems! In my opinion, just get the cheapest tower that can fit everything. You don't need one with fancy lights.

[ex2cib]

personally, fancy lights and loud fans....are annoying.

I like to sleep at night

[darkmessiah]

I'll probably get that. 25 dollar rebate, darn it newegg.

Edit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119068 How about that?

It has solid reviews, that's fine.

Deadly, if he wants help, he can get help!

[Boojangels]

Deadly, if he wants help, he can get help!

Yea Deadly, what a dick.

Anyways, case ordered. It will come around Tuesday.

[Boojangels]

So, I've put my new motherboard in my case. Fits great.

Progress:
- New Motherboard installed
- New RAM installed
- New DVD drive installed (Off the record)
- New CPU installed

To do:
-Take parts from old computer (GPU, HDD, PSU) and install them.


I've been having some trouble. My case came with cables (The power swtich, reset, LED lights, ect), but I'm not sure where to put them into my MOBO. Two are single prong + and - cables too.

Also, when everything is put in my new computer, what should I do exactly? Let's say everything is in and I hit the power button, what now? Do I reformat? Do I go to safe mode? Install mobo drivers? What if their is a conflict from my old MOBO (Also CPU and RAM)? What about my other drivers? I have no idea where any of my drivers are besides my GPU.

fjsdfsdlfsdklfjlsd *Head asplode*

[darkmessiah]

Specs?

[Boojangels]

Specs?

Specs for what? The new parts or my parts now, because I've posted both of them.

[darkmessiah]

Well, I don't wanna go scroll up half a page to see them!

[Boojangels]

Well, I don't wanna go scroll up half a page to see them!
Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128346

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184

Fine

[darkmessiah]

Turn it on after its put together, and you'll probably need to reformat, if it's a Vista computer. You might want to put everything important onto one hard drive, reformat other and move everything back.

I forgot how Intel costs a shit load more than amd things.

[Boojangels]

Turn it on after its put together, and you'll probably need to reformat, if it's a Vista computer. You might want to put everything important onto one hard drive, reformat other and move everything back.

I forgot how Intel costs a shit load more than amd things.

Yea, I kinda regret not going AMD, but whatever.

This is a silly question... but I've never actually reformatted. How does one do this? (So embarrassing)

[darkmessiah]

Well, there are technical ways, but if you just have your Windows OS recovery disc or installation, you should be able to put that disc in, start your computer, and it'll either automatically boot to disc, or you choose to boot to disc. Then it'll give you options and you put your Authentication code in.

By the way, I've never reformatted or done technical things with XP, right now I'm assuming that XP does the same thing as Vista in reformatting.

[ex2cib]

get the vista disc, make sure your board is set to boot on cd-rom first (bios setting)

put vista disc in drive. then, it'll read the cd, and say "press any key to boot from cd"

hit a button.

then, follow the steps. Make sure you select the actual version of vista you own if there is more than one choice on the installation.

Backup your old data before reinstallation though

anytime you install a new motherboard, its best to just go ahead and reformat

once you get finished with it. make sure to update windows.

the whole process can take between 1-4 hours or so depending on computer speed, OS type, number of updates needed, and familiarity with the process

[darkmessiah]

Hey man.

[Khilbron]

Those parts arent too bad, but you coulda saved money by going with AMD.
3.0ghz AMD Phenom II x4 Quad-Core Black Edition - $189.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103471&Tpk=denab%20940

MSI K9A2 Mobo with 2x PCI-E 2.0 slots $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130172

4gig OCZ Reaper HPC DDR2-1066 ram 67.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227289

for a total of $337 vs the $372 you spent for slower memory, and a slower cpu.

Not sayin the stuff you got isnt good, but if you take time to browse through all the options available, you can usually make out better in the end.

[darkmessiah]

Agreed but it's too late now.

[Boojangels]

Yea, I noticed that. Next time will be better though. Also Khilbron, have you been lurking the forums and decided to make an account when you saw this thread? Heh heh.

Transferring the parts tomorrow.

[Khilbron]

Actually no, i just stumbled across these forums about 10 minutes before I made the post

[Boojangels]

Posting from my new computer. Mission Complete.

Also, I didn't reformat, but DXdiag says everything is okay. I'll probably do it later. I found out that I didn't have my Vista disk after all.

I haven't really played a game yet, but I did run that Resident Evil 5 Benchmark Demo 100% maxed out on DX10 with FPS 40-80, rather than 20 on my old compy.

Thanks for the help!

New DxDiag:
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E8400 @ 3.00GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.7GHz
Memory: 3326MB RAM
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 275 OC

[Goldkills]

You should always reformat after a major hardware upgrade so your drivers don't F-up and you get the best performance

[darkmessiah]

It's a bitch to do so, goddamnit.


Why is the 8400 at 2.7?

[Boojangels]

It was rounded to 3.0 I suppose. While this thread is still here, let's discuss overclocking. I'd like to OC my CPU a bit but I'm not sure what to set the voltages at.

[darkmessiah]

What's it at right now? You can't go up .5 I think...

I don't like to OC Cpus unless there's a good GUI, so I'm a noob.

[Boojangels]

Grrrr, still getting low FPS on TF2. (1920x1080 All settings max but AA at 2x with AF at 2x). Heavy action (no pun intended) results in 20-40 fps. Little action and nothing happening is 40-80 (80 kinda rare). 120 looking at a wall and such.

Grrr

[one of them]

Doesn't your Bios have some sort of AI Overclock feature?
I can set mine at a certain % and it will auto adjust the voltages and such for me.

Also, I was playing in TF2 the other day and saw my fps was about 10-20. I looked through my settings and found that Multicore Rendering was set to Single Core. Make sure yours didn't reset like mine did.

[darkmessiah]

Asus has an AI Overclock.

But it's absolutely horrible, it raises the Voltage way higher than needed.

[Boojangels]

I had to set my CPU to 3.0 from 2.7 by bringing the multiplier from 6x to 9x. I'm guessing that is going to hurt my overclocking capabilities, or was I supposed to do that? I'm just not sure how high I can get here safely.

[ex2cib]

if its an e8400, you can likely get to 4ghz fine if you know what you're doing.

[Boojangels]

Strange, putting on multicore for TF2 brought my FPS WWWAAAAYYY up. Probably gonna overclock to 3.5, but again I'm not sure about the volts. Don't feel safe about auto.

While I'm at it, my MOBO apparently supports quad core. Does that include i7? I doubt I'll buy an i7 in the near future. Just wondering how future proof I am here.

[Goldkills]

you have a LGA775 the Core I7 is LGA1366 you would need a new mobo and ram to get it unless you have DDR3 ram.