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I have the EVGA Nvidia GTX 460 1024 MB 256 Bit Graphics Card What processor should I get so I can be able to run Ultra smoothly even in late game? Please give me recommendations and what is the least amount of GHz I need for the CPU in order to be able to run Ultra smoothly and with firefox open in the background.
mother board is MSI NF750-G55 AM3 NVIDIA nForce 750a SLI HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard but can switch if needed
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I have a 4850 and an i7 920 @3.6GHz and don't ever get any studders. But, even when it was at stock (2.8GHz) I didn't have any problems either. So, I personally would get an i7, as they're pretty beefy (and most overclock well, if you're into that!)
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I am wanting to spend $100-$200 on it, not sure to get like an i5 or an amd, and were you on ultra?
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You need to tell us your current motherboard for us to recommend any processors.
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I have an amd phenom ii x4 955 that runs sc2 on ultra ez pz w/ a 1gb 460
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I use an Intel Quad Core 2.4 and ATI 5870 1gb, and I think the processor is holding me back from running Ultra. High has SOME FPS drops in late game, so I'm forced to run medium. I have 4 GB ram, so I think that's enough. Yeah, Quad Core is definitely not the best processor choice for StarCraft 2, but then again I bought my computer before SC2 came out =D.
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I run on ultra, yes... an i5 would be good too, but like skyR said, what's your motherboard, then we can recommend from there... or really, what are your entire system specs, and we can go from there
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I would say the i5-750 if you prefer Intel, or a Phenom II x4 955/965 BE. Both are fine and can OC really high. The Phenom's are 3.2/3.4 default with unlocked multiplier while the i5 is 2.8, I don't think the multiplier is unlocked on it though, I seem to remember only extreme editions are unlocked with Intel iirc? I don't know much about Intel specifically though. I just bought a Phenom II x4 970 which is 3.5ghz. I'd give you a review but my mobo is shot and am still waiting for a new one 
In short, anything quad core should do the trick. The 955's are around 145, 965 are about $160 and a 970 is 180$
although I wouldn't say the difference is huge between the three. Just OC the processor if you need more, the only reason I got the 970 was because it came with darksiders for free and I figured why not. http://promotions.newegg.com/AMD/DarksidersGame/index.html?cm_sp=tab_Computer-Hardware-_-AMD/DarksidersGame-_-http://promotions.newegg.com/AMD/DarksidersGame/118x118.gif And I think it gets a 10$ gift card with it right now.
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Well, I say run high as ultra is a waste of power with little performance increase (pointless) over high, but each to their own. Need to know whether your mobo has an AMD or Intel socket, plus which number. Unless you plan on buying a new mobo depending on the socket. AMD : Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition $144 Phenom II X4 970 Black Edition $185 Intel : Core i5-760 $205 If you are planning to buy an Intel CPU I would wait until mid-late January for the new Sandy-Bridge ones. Look very promising.
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1. The clock speed "GHz" isn't a universal scale of how well a processor performs, it actually tells you pretty much jack shit unless you're comparing two of the same model. You need to look at benchmarks to tell how CPUs compare to each other. 2. Unlike graphics cards, there are many different types of motherboard sockets for CPUs, so you can't just get any CPU and assume it will fit into your system. Free software like CPU-Z can tell you what model of motherboard you have, and then you can look up what CPUs are compatible with your motherboard. The other option is to buy a new motherboard as well. 3. You can probably play SC2 on Ultra with any CPU in the $100-150 range as long as you aren't getting ripped off. Check benchmarks if you want to get the most bang for the buck, though.
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On December 24 2010 08:02 D3ath3nat0r wrote: I have the EVGA Nvidia GTX 460 1024 MB 256 Bit Graphics Card What processor should I get so I can be able to run Ultra smoothly even in late game? Please give me recommendations and what is the least amount of GHz I need for the CPU in order to be able to run Ultra smoothly and with firefox open in the background.
The most important questions are resolution, followed by game size. You haven't mentioned either once in this thread. If you only play ladder games, you could get away with a PhII I guess. Any larger games, you should consider a Lynnfield though.
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Just get a mid range AMD processor. I have a 2.5ghz overclocked to 3ghz and it's more than fine for me.
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On December 24 2010 08:49 RebirthOfLeGenD wrote:I would say the i5-750 if you prefer Intel, or a Phenom II x4 955/965 BE. Both are fine and can OC really high. The Phenom's are 3.2/3.4 default with unlocked multiplier while the i5 is 2.8, I don't think the multiplier is unlocked on it though, I seem to remember only extreme editions are unlocked with Intel iirc? I don't know much about Intel specifically though. I just bought a Phenom II x4 970 which is 3.5ghz. I'd give you a review but my mobo is shot and am still waiting for a new one  In short, anything quad core should do the trick. The 955's are around 145, 965 are about $160 and a 970 is 180$ although I wouldn't say the difference is huge between the three. Just OC the processor if you need more, the only reason I got the 970 was because it came with darksiders for free and I figured why not. http://promotions.newegg.com/AMD/DarksidersGame/index.html?cm_sp=tab_Computer-Hardware-_-AMD/DarksidersGame-_-http://promotions.newegg.com/AMD/DarksidersGame/118x118.gifAnd I think it gets a 10$ gift card with it right now.
Extending on this, Intel's sandybridge microarchitecture will be launched on Jan 9. This will give you two options, buy the new, better generation of processors or buy the old, but still great gen, for much less.
Now I would recommend the i5-760, since it has a higher stock clock, which causes it to overclock better, it's essentially the same processor but with a higher clock, which benefits you if you don't want to overclock, and if you do, it gives you a higher multiplier.
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hmm should i get the amd 945,955,965,or 970?
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I have the amd 965 and GTX470 and I never feel slow at all...
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I would just get the 955.
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Hey OP, I would just get the phenom II 955. With the AMD black edition line, you could easily overclock the 955 to 970 performance levels and save $40 or so in the process. And make sure you stick with the AM3 processors and the not the intel ones (ie i5's) since they won't be compatible with your motherboard.
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thanks for info and whats OP? in Hey OP, could you recommend some heatsink and fans for overclocking
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Scythe Mugen, Cooler Master Hyper 212, Zalman CNPS10x Performa, Corsair CAFA50 in order of preference
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On December 24 2010 08:58 GeneralZap wrote: AMD = More band for buck.
PERIOD.
For highly threaded applications, yes. For gaming, I doubt it. And after sandy bridge comes out? No chance in hell.
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i5 760 i7 920/930/950 Amd Phenom II X4 955/965/945
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Seriously, wait for the sandy bridges coming out next month. They're better than almost all of the processors out thus far and cost only around $200. Just have patience. I hear they are coming Jan 5.
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Hyrule19192 Posts
For $200 you're not getting an Intel CPU as you'd need a new motherboard as well.
AMD Phenom II X4 955 is probably the best choice.
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On December 24 2010 15:11 writer22816 wrote:Show nested quote +On December 24 2010 08:58 GeneralZap wrote: AMD = More band for buck.
PERIOD.
For highly threaded applications, yes. For gaming, I doubt it. And after sandy bridge comes out? No chance in hell. Well also keep in mind AMD's Bulldozer architecture is supposed to come out in a couple of months iirc. Unless they are still pushing it back. But the bulldozer shit is going to use AM3+ which aren't out as mobo's yet. So if you wanted to wait the phenom II's and I series might drop a bit and you can still get them.
As I said earlier. The only reason I would lean towards a 970 over a 955 is because it comes with a free game and a gift card atm. Meaning basically 50$ off. Darksiders is supposed to be similar to Zelda based off of reviews, and I <3 Zelda and puzzle games.
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If you're a performance freak just spend the extra $20 dollars and get the latest generation. This thing goes 4.0 GHz and beyond without blinking. The 965 struggles to go to 4 and above.
$185.99 and free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103894
AMD Phenom II X4 970 Black Edition Deneb 3.5GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Desktop Processor HDZ970FBGMBOX
And RebirthOfLeGenD makes a very good point about value.
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OP is opening poster.
I would recommend getting a coolermaster 212+ heatsink. It's one of the cheapest 120mm heatsinks available and is pretty good quality. 120mm heatsinks are usually more expensive than smaller ones, but they have better cooling and are usually quieter. I'm personally using one myself and I'm overclocking an i3 processsor to 4.0 ghz with 26 degrees idle and about 50 degrees full load. It's a very good cooler and it's only around $30. The heatsink comes with thermal paste, but it's not that good and I'd recommend getting a third party thermal paste (they're pretty cheap at about $10 and any major brand would do).
link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065&cm_re=212-_-35-103-065-_-Product
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On December 24 2010 22:22 RebirthOfLeGenD wrote:Show nested quote +On December 24 2010 15:11 writer22816 wrote:On December 24 2010 08:58 GeneralZap wrote: AMD = More band for buck.
PERIOD.
For highly threaded applications, yes. For gaming, I doubt it. And after sandy bridge comes out? No chance in hell. Well also keep in mind AMD's Bulldozer architecture is supposed to come out in a couple of months iirc. Unless they are still pushing it back. But the bulldozer shit is going to use AM3+ which aren't out as mobo's yet. So if you wanted to wait the phenom II's and I series might drop a bit and you can still get them. As I said earlier. The only reason I would lean towards a 970 over a 955 is because it comes with a free game and a gift card atm. Meaning basically 50$ off. Darksiders is supposed to be similar to Zelda based off of reviews, and I <3 Zelda and puzzle games.
Bulldozer isn't coming out until Q3 2011 so if you can wait for 6+ months than go right ahead.
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Starcraft 2 as far as i am aware utilises only 2 Cores, therefore it is advisable to get the fastest Dualcore available.
i bought an AMD X2 555 BE and overclocked to 3,6 ghz, runs Ultra easily.
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With your current board. You can go either as others have suggested with a 970 and do a mild oc or use a 955 and pull a higher oc. The 955 can get up to the 970's 3.5 pretty easy but it maxes out around 3.8 while the 970 will max out at around 4ghz. The 970 is just a better quality chip they got out of the process so it can clock higher for the same voltage.
Ideally sc2 favors the intel arch much more and a i5-760 oced to 3.6Ghz+ but your choices are also listed.
The 970 will be a bit more expensive the 955 + cooler will be a bit cheaper but you'll also have to oc and i noticed your board is a 125w TDP for cpu board not a 140w and it also lacks a 8pin for the cpu in other words it may just be easier to go the 970 rout
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wait semantics, so the 955 cant be hooked up onto the motherboard? and is overclocking hard? i dont want to break anything
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Naw the motherboard will be fine it's just that having a sustained high oc requires a proper board, psu and cooling.
If all you want to do it push the 955 to 3.5ish GHz i'd say it's fine but i wouldn't recommend pushing it higher then that i don't see great results with that, you board can handle the stress but i don't see alot of overhead in it to support 24/7 usage at a higher oc but you can oc on that board nvidia chipsets tended to fair better under oc's but the rest of the board isn't very robust.
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On December 25 2010 06:40 freetgy wrote: Starcraft 2 as far as i am aware utilises only 2 Cores, therefore it is advisable to get the fastest Dualcore available.
i bought an AMD X2 555 BE and overclocked to 3,6 ghz, runs Ultra easily. This is correct, but also a little misleading. SC2 utilizes dual cores however future games may utilize 4 cores, but more importantly if you want to have other shit open besides sc2 they will use the other 2 cores while sc2 is using 2, thus making quad cores still more useful.
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Also just because sc2 is only dual threaded doesn't mean it doesn't benefit from more cores.
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