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I have this computer:
http://support.gateway.com/s/PC/R/1009212/1009212sp2.shtml
Core2 Duo 6300 (1.86GHz)
2 Gb DDR2 memory
I recently purchased a Sapphire Radeon HD4670 with 1GB DDR3, which is working just fine with my stock 300w PSU (18A on both 12v+ rails).
GTA4 runs at 10-20 FPS even at the absolute lowest graphics settings, leading me to believe that my aging CPU is still a problem. Browing around the gateway site I find this page for my motherboard specs:
http://support.gateway.com/s/MOTHERBD/Intel2/4006135R/4006135Rsp26.shtml
It says it'll support any Core2 Duos with up to a 1066 system bus. Googling around a bit I find this, which looks fairly cheap:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115056
I want something that will play SC2 at high frame rates when it comes out, but don't want to upgrade my motherboard because then I'll probably need to replace just about everything I have. I'm poor. Will getting this new CPU do it? Am I correct in believing that my mobo will support it? Do I need more RAM? I'm running Win7 Ultimate 32 bit.
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GTA 4 was programmed for quad core CPUs
highly overclocked dual core CPUs (the E8XXX series) can play GTA 4 without making it look like GTA 3, but quad core CPUs run GTA 4 MUCH MUCH smoother
in terms of compatible quad core CPUs, it looks like only the discontinued Q6600 and Q6700 will work with your motherboard (http://ark.intel.com/chipset.aspx?familyID=22754). out of the link list, I believe the fastest compatible dual core CPU is the E6700 (also discontinued).
more RAM won't do anything for you unless you use more than 2GB. you should be able to play SC2. just not at max settings. Rockstar just didn't bother to try to rewrite their code to work well with dual core CPUs.
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The e7xxx series should be able to play SC fine.
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Since the E7xxx series isn't listed on the intel page you linked, I'm looking at older (all discontinued?) ones that are.
The E6700 is relatively expensive now. You could buy a newer mobo/cpu combo for that price.
The Q6600 is over 200 itself, and although it's not listed on Gateway's page, the intel one lists it for my chipset combination. Not to mention I would probably need a new power supply at this point.
Both of those are more expensive than something like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.334814 Which of course doesn't fit my case. Maybe I should just save up for a barebones kit...
Is there anything I can do that's economically reasonable? I don't want to spend $200 for an upgrade that would only cost $50 if they were still making the CPUs.
What would changing to a single core processor with a lower FSB but higher overall like one of these be like? The 3.33 looks nice, but with a slower FSB and one less CPU, would it actually be an upgrade at all?
Edit: E6600 is a 2.4 GHz dual core from around $130-140. Will that give me a noticeable increase in performance? If it's a negligible upgrade, I'll just wait until I have 400 or so and can upgrade everything at once.
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If you can't get that e7xxx, then I suggest baring with medium/low settings on SC2 until you have enough money for a new computer. Your computer will certainly run SC2.
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GTA 4 is the worst, THE worst optimizied console to PC port there is, it's even worse than Halo 1 & 2. Not even a 4ghz i7 runs it properly. I doubt dual gulftown dodeca-core madness will be enough to max it out and for all the wrong reasons.
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On February 21 2010 09:57 Thrill wrote:
GTA 4 is the worst, THE worst optimizied console to PC port there is, it's even worse than Halo 1 & 2. Not even a 4ghz i7 runs it properly. I doubt dual gulftown dodeca-core madness will be enough to max it out and for all the wrong reasons.
That makes me feel better, since it's the only graphics-heavy game i've tried with my new video card so far  Will be trying out Mass Effect and Bioshock tonight.
I'm sure something better will be around by the time I can afford it, but I guess I'll save up for something like this:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5740645&CatId=5205
Are i3 processors any good? At least that motherboard is upgradeable to i5/7s. But of course by the time I need to upgrade intel will only be producing i10 extreme II turbos and I'll have to buy a new motherboard and memory again.......... 
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i3s are pretty good, but if you have the money for the i3, you should just save up the extra $70 and upgrade to an i5 750 anyways.
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i3 CPUs are the fastest dual core processors available. I really recommend upgrading to a quad core CPU though. more and more games are being released to take advantage of quad core CPUs and the performance divide between dual and quad core CPUs will only increase as time goes by.
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bet you cant name 10 games that quad core makes a big difference in. GO!
gta4 doesnt count cause it's widely regarded as a terrible port
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On February 21 2010 07:32 Biochemist wrote:Since the E7xxx series isn't listed on the intel page you linked, I'm looking at older (all discontinued?) ones that are. The E6700 is relatively expensive now. You could buy a newer mobo/cpu combo for that price. The Q6600 is over 200 itself, and although it's not listed on Gateway's page, the intel one lists it for my chipset combination. Not to mention I would probably need a new power supply at this point. Both of those are more expensive than something like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.334814 Which of course doesn't fit my case. Maybe I should just save up for a barebones kit... Is there anything I can do that's economically reasonable? I don't want to spend $200 for an upgrade that would only cost $50 if they were still making the CPUs. What would changing to a single core processor with a lower FSB but higher overall like one of these be like? The 3.33 looks nice, but with a slower FSB and one less CPU, would it actually be an upgrade at all? Edit: E6600 is a 2.4 GHz dual core from around $130-140. Will that give me a noticeable increase in performance? If it's a negligible upgrade, I'll just wait until I have 400 or so and can upgrade everything at once.
that combo looks pretty nice. it should fit in your case unless your case is only designed to fit matx or some other special form factor. would not reccommend spending $200 on a q6600 or 140$ on a e6600.
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that combo would require him to spend extra money on DDR3 RAM though, which he didn't want to do.
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oh just find a combo with an am2+ board then
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I have a uBTX case. Doesn't look like anything else fits in it.
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;______________;
outdated formfactors ftl
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On February 21 2010 10:27 FragKrag wrote:
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outdated formfactors ftl
Seriously, why the hell do they do that? I understand needing to upgrade mobo/memory as new CPUs come out since the technology is inherently linked and limited by each other... but why can't they just pick a case size and stick with it?
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On February 21 2010 10:34 Biochemist wrote:Show nested quote +On February 21 2010 10:27 FragKrag wrote:
;______________;
outdated formfactors ftl Seriously, why the hell do they do that? I understand needing to upgrade mobo/memory as new CPUs come out since the technology is inherently linked and limited by each other... but why can't they just pick a case size and stick with it?
different case sizes serve different purposes
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I think BTX was intel trying to change the market which ended up completely failing.
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EPT
