Is this a good upgrade?

[Paul]

My machine is just not cutting it on BFBC2, when the shit hits the fan and anyone who has played it, knows this happens often, I get between 10 and 15 FPS. I have tried everything, OC my machine, my GPU (just a little), all setting low but it seems the Dual core is not going to work.

Now the good news is I will be getting a bonus this year, previously we were told there were no bonuses, I am expecting about R2500 - R3000 and should hear by next week the actual number.

Anyway so I though I could maybe spare like another R2000 and get an upgrade for like R5000. Now I know you guys will say just get a quad core for like R1500 but my reasoning for going for the i-series is that I will do this upgrade now and then in about a year or so get a sweet GFX card so I don't want any bottlenecks and have to do a ful upgrade just so I can upgrade my GFX card.

So down to business, here are the parts and prices (plus suppliers). What I am asking you guys is to tell me is this a good combination or not, do you have other suggestions? Do you have access to better prices?


Mobo - ASUS P7P55D LE [
R1629 http://www.nivo.co.za/#buy~asus.p7p55d.le.intel.socket.lga1156.atx.mothe rboard.mb.ap7p55dle.~p18380
R1440 http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1137

CPU - Intel Core i7 860 2.8GHz[
R2950 http://www.nivo.co.za/#buy~intel.core.i7.860.2.8ghz.processor.bx80605i78 60.~p17989
R2899 http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=20

Memory - Xtreem Dark DDR3 Series
R919 http://www.nivo.co.za/#c/l/computers/memory/for.desktops/technology~ddr3/module~triple/sort.by~price
R865 http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=801


I have used NIVO before, they are 100% reliable, I have never heard or used RebelTech before but as you can see their prices are pretty good

[J_Th4ng]

If you are looking at a new platform on a budget, I highly recommend having a look at a Phenom setup.

Gaming wise a Phenom is as good as an i5/i7, but you'll be able to build it cheaper.

If you do want to go i7 though, a couple of points:

Frontosa prices:

i7-860 - R2783
Mobo - R1480
RAM (2x2GB Corsair DDR3-1333) - R1138

The i7-860 is not triple channel, so a 3x1GB kit is not good. So the memory is more, but you get 4GB.

Let me kow if you want to look at a Phenom option.

[Paul]

I am not fanboy, I want what is best bang for your buck, only reason I went for the i7 is because I have always believe (maybe erroneously) that Intel works better with Nvidia which is the card I have.

So if you think that the GFX would work well with the Phenom then by all means give me your best shot

[Stu]

I'm going to have to consider upgrading as well. But not to sure how I'm going to pass the resolution with the MD... :(

I'm sure I'll make a plan eventually.

I have a slight leaning towards the i7 range this is primarily cause you can get an entry level chipset to start off with and upgrade later if required.
Suppose this could be done with the Phenom as well.

Paul look at pulling any strings and try get quotes directly from the suppliers sometimes works out cheaper than from online stores or PC stores...

[Megageth]

Ya, if I had that budget I would go Phenom.

AMD Phenom II X4 965 3.4GHz Processor (Black Edition) R2129
http://www.nivo.co.za/buy~amd.phenom.ii.x4.965.3.4ghz.processor.awhdz965 fbgibox.~p18047

Asus M4A785TD-VEVO AMD Socket AM3 ATX Motherboard (M4A785TD-V EVO) R1249
http://www.nivo.co.za/buy~asus.m4a785td.vevo.amd.socket.am3.atx.motherbo ard.m4a785td.v.evo.~p19242

Or something similar.

[Paul]

LOL Mega that is exactly the products I thought of when Jarrod suggested it. Now then the memory part. The mobo says DDR3 1800. Does that mean the mhz has to be 1800 for the RAM or it can be up to 1800. This is what I was thinking

AMD Phenom x4 965
http://www.nivo.co.za/#buy~amd.phenom.ii.x4.965.3.4ghz.processor.awhdz96 5fbgibox.~p18047
R2130

Asus M4A785TD
http://www.nivo.co.za/#buy~asus.m4a785td.vevo.amd.socket.am3.atx.motherb oard.m4a785td.v.evo.~p19242
R1250


OCZ Reaper
http://www.nivo.co.za/#buy~ocz.technology.reaper.2.x.2gb.ddr3.desktop.me mory.modules.ocz3rpr13334gk.~p16157
R1090

Total R4470

[J_Th4ng]

Okay, now I'll be the first to admit that I'm a little out of touch on the latest AMD architecture, but I do know enough to put together a quote for you.

I've got two options here, one matching teh price that you've got for the i7 setup, and one budget option. In truth, teh only difference is the motherboard, the price matching option includes an ASUS Republic of Gamers motherboard, which is IMO the bext AM3 motherboard available. I personally always like to get teh best motherboard possible, as it serves as the basis for the build and will determine future performance and upgrade possibilities.

Both options include the same 2x2GB RAM that the i7 has, and the Phenom 965 Black Edition, the fastest AMD CPU available. It's quad core, and has an unlocked multiplier which will give maximum overclocking ability. It runs at 3.4GHz at stock speeds.

Okay, the options:

i7 Build
i7-860 CPU: R2783.88
ASUS P7P5D LE Mobo: R1480.86
2x2GB Corsair XMS3-1333 CL9: R1480.86
Total Price: R5403.60


Phenom with ROG Mobo
Phenom 965 BE CPU: R1936.86
ASUS Crosshair 3 Formula Mobo: R2278.86
2x2GB Corsair XMS3-1333 CL9: R1480.86
Total Price: R5354.85

Phenom with Budget Mobo
Phenom 965 BE CPU: R1936.86
ASUS M4A77TD Pro Mobo: R2278.86
2x2GB Corsair XMS3-1333 CL9: R1480.86
Total Price: R4019.64

There are a number of motherboards that fit between the budget and high end, each with different advantages/disadvantages. I've selected boards with AMD chipsets, but there are boards with nForce chipsets too, but the only reason to consider one of them is if you think you'll want to run SLi in the future.

I can give you more options if you are really interested...

[Paul]

Sweet Jarrod! I totally agree with you on the mobo. I have had "cheap" mobo's before and high end ones and there really is a difference.

Ok tell you what, once I know exactly how much I can afford I will get back to you. But I am thinking I will most probably go with this option

Phenom with ROG Mobo
Phenom 965 BE CPU: R1936.86
ASUS Crosshair 3 Formula Mobo: R2278.86
2x2GB Corsair XMS3-1333 CL9: R1480.86
Total Price: R5354.85

or something inbetween

[Megageth]

I upgraded my mobo to an ASUS ROG and it is worth it.

AMD 965BE vs Intel
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/phenom-x4-965,2389-8.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/phenom-x4-965,2389-9.html

:hmmm:

[Thor_23]

these prices are without vat i am asuming ?

[J_Th4ng]

Nope, all prices include VAT.

Some more comparisons, but a little more relevant ;) - comparing with the i7-860 rather than the i7-920.

The picture is similar, but just for accuracy sakes...

Anandtech: http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3641&p=7
Guru3D: http://www.guru3d.com/article/phenom-ii-x4-965-be-revision-c3-review-test/16

Sure, the Intel is the facster CPU, but then again everyone knows that. The point is what you get for your cash. The budget option comparison is the most accurate here, as the i7 option only has a budget mobo. ON that basis, you're looking at a >20% cost reduction, for a <10% performance reduction.

I'd still probably go with the high end mobo paired with the Phenom. Strong system platform, and gaming performance that's close enough to not make a difference in terms of actual game experience.

Also, all of these reviews will be using high end graphics cards (They use either a GTX280 or a HD5870). If you put a mid range GPU into both systems (I assume that Paul isn't planning on buying the best GPU that there is), the performance delta would be even less.

Paul, there are specials on all of the time, and prices can fluctuate daily. Let me know when you're ready to buy, and we'll see what things cost at that time...

[Paul]

So it looks like my bonus will cover most of this, Jarrod can you please do a quote for me, for this system

Phenom 965 BE CPU: R1936.86
ASUS Crosshair 3 Formula Mobo: R2278.86
2x2GB Corsair XMS3-1333 CL9: R1480.86
Total Price: R5354.85

[J_Th4ng]

Paul, this is your quote mate. When you want to order, either myself or Denis will place the call to Frontosa and order up the stuff for you. If prices have increased more than R100 at that time, we'll check with you again before ordering. Once ordered, we'll give you the bank account details to pay into, and once you've done the EFT, print out the proof of payment and you can take it through and collect.

Simple really. If of course there are any daily specials that would save you some cash, we'll let you know.

[Paul]

Ok cool, order it and give me the details. Get paid on Monday only though then I will have the cash

[J_Th4ng]

Wanting to get it sorted before Jackie changes your mind for you? :p

Okay, I'm going to leave this one with Denis, coz I'm not going to be around for the whole time this week. You guys may need to liaise over the phone. I assume that everyone has their contact details in the pryfart section of the forum?

[Paul]

LOL no, Jackie is cool with it. Dennis has already emailed me so the Ball, she is rolling

[Paul]

I got my stuffs last week wednesday but could only install on Thursday/Friday. Manage a few minutes of play on BC2 saturday morning before I left. Got a whole chunk of gaming in last night though.

What can I say, this thing runs like a demon!!! I thought, what the hell and chuck everything on high except of
2 settings I switch off I forget the names HAOO what ever and bloom. I average about 75-80FPS, it runs smooth and it is crystal clear

So just a recap

Phenom 965 BE CPU: R1936.86
ASUS Crosshair 3 Formula Mobo: R2278.86
2x2GB Corsair XMS3-1333 CL9: R1480.86
EN8800GT 1Gb

All equals runs BC2 like a dream!

Except one thing, it seems like their is something wrong with my mic input because no one can hear me on TS (much to their delight). Admittedly I haven't done much research, I was just keen to play. I have checked the jack is in properly, I have gone to the sound control and made sure the MIC is not muted and that the level is all the way up.

When I go into TS --> Settings -->TEST VOICE, it does pick it up but the "bar" goes about a 1/5th of the way.

Any suggestions?

[flycatchr]

i know in vista there is an option for sound to only be controlled by ONE application, OR all apps.
you have set the PTT corectly in TS?
does the mic work in other apps?

[AuRoRa]

I know vista has this ussue with some audio input devices.. u have to set the volume control and apply the voice boost/db boost options to yes and then set the mic boost to max..

I struggled back in the day when i first installed TS and asked round - this one worked for me