More of a query rather than a problem

[ranger502]

I have recently completed a Skt 939 build using an ASUS A8N32-sli deluxe with an opteron 148 processor , now I have had this running at up to 2.7Ghz. I am thinking of getting a dual core processor for the board , but the only ones in my price range at the moment are the 4200 X2 , and these are getting harder to find .

Now am I really going to see any performance benefit with this cpu (if i oc as well) to my current single core ? I do play a lot of games and currently use a 7900gt Gfx card , I was thinking of saving for an 8800GTS , as that could transfer to the next pc built , when the moneycomes in. So would the dual core not cpu choke it? I only use a 17" monitor so huge resolutions are not really an issue , 1280x1024 for me

Thanks for your thoughts

[BUFF]

imo you'll only see a difference if you run apps/games that can make use of both cores or you like to run other stuff in the background at the same time as well.

[this_is_gav]

As BUFF said. Unless you do a lot of media encoding or have periods of heavy CPU use while you want to do something else, then it's pretty hard to justify the high prices the S939 X2s are.

No doubt you would benefit from an X2, but I doubt most would benefit enough given that you've already got a damn good single core CPU.

[ranger502]

thanks for the thoughts guys , so just one last question , would it be worth getting an 8800GTS (320 or640) or would my current processor choke it too much

Thanks again

[this_is_gav]

Over the 7900GT in your 'My System'?

In my opinion, no, not unless you're struggling with something specifically. Again, you'd notice a difference, but it wouldn't be worth it for me, unless you can get a good price for your current card.

I'd wait until the full refreshes that'll probably be coming around in autumn or winter (rather than the speed-bumps that the nV refresh have ready to challenge ATi's R600), or even the cards after that.

[Pob255]

The 7900GT might not be the fastest around now but I doubt it's worth switching for a 8800gts imo.

If you want to get as much as possible out of it then, ether a 8800GTX or get a 2nd 7900gt and SLi them

Just did a quick froogle cheapest was £130
http://www.goldchip.uk.com/details.a...&subCatId=3668

EDIT: Then again at 1280x1024 I doubt there'll be that much difference

[moogle]

i got nearly the same specs as you. and recently, i had to rma my x2 to amd and as a temp cpu I am using a opteron 144 @ 2.4Ghz. When I switched I noticed it did take longer than the x2 to do most things. even if i had the x2 at 2.4ghz it would still be better. i ran it at 2.6ghz too so it can clock okayish. i noticed stuff like, for me changed. ie when i play AA ( Americas Army ) I open firefox with all my saved tabs and stuff, and I check my fragrate at the same time. Now if I do that AA takes longer to load, plus when switching from game to desktop it takes longer. Probably due to the single core. my 3dmark06 with the 144 @ 2.4ghz is 6900 something so when I get my cpu back I'll tell you the difference it makes. as for 7900gt to gts, I wouldnt do it. DX10 cards will get better and there are no dx10 games out atm. I'd get it if i had the money and if my gfx was top priority. as for 320 over 640 versions, as you said you use a 17" screen at 1280 x 1024, 640 is only worth it at higher res and highest textures. i'd say use the money for the gts and buy a 19" lcd or even 20+.

[ranger502]

Thanks for the help fellas, , will be saving my pennies for a while but not making any rash purchases. I would actually like to see some reviews of a dx10 card running a dx10 game , hurry up Crysis

[Blitzen]

The 7900GT might not be the fastest around now but I doubt it's worth switching for a 8800gts imo.

If you want to get as much as possible out of it then, ether a 8800GTX or get a 2nd 7900gt and SLi them

I certainly disagree that buying a second 7900GT would be a good thing to do.

That would just be throwing more good money at older hardware which is a waste.

If you are at lower resolutions then a 8800GTS would cut it great and you would see a huge increase in performance over your single 7900

[this_is_gav]

If you are at lower resolutions then a 8800GTS would cut it great and you would see a huge increase in performance over your single 7900

Yes, but you have to ask yourself... just how much is your 7900GT struggling? Going from 50fps to 100fps is just about totally pointless.

[teachmech]

I would say upgrade to a dual core now as it just seems to make the computer more responsive. I just upgraded a relatives 3500 to a 4200 and he was well impressed by the change in the machines responses.

[Biscuit]

personally i think an upgrade to dual core is a pretty "necissary" update to do within the next year or so if you want to get a 8800GTS and play DX10 games. Dual core DOES make a difference to most newer games as they do use both cores. 2x 2.4 or 1x 2.4 i think the performace upgrade would be noticed somehow.

I wouldnt buy the 8800gts or the dual core right now though as
1. as ppl have said we dont know how the new cards perform in the new games

2. what you have is pretty decent for games at the moment and i have noticed a GPU bottleneck on my system from the cpu + ddr1

my advise would be wait and let the CPU/GPU/DX10 race settle a little and in the meantime save up the pounds