New Processor or SLi ??

[TRC_14]

Ok well my computer specs are in my sig just for reference. But anyway, I've been wanting to upgrade so i was wondering whether i should get a new processor (ive been looking at the AMD FX55) or upgrade to an SLi system (new mobo, psu, and another vid card). So what would you suggest? I do play games rather frequently but for overall performance, would it be better to get the processor for now? Basically, what would you do if u were in this situation.

[kevinf]

i would get a new processor becuase the video card in your sig looks pretty good for all the games now and upcoming, so sli would be useless in my opinion

[blue60007]

For the rig in your sig?

Oooh, that's a tough call. Personally, right now, I don't think you'll see much increase in performance with this rig...It's already a pretty darn fast one.

[Cricket]

Looks like you already decided what you want to do in this thread.

Cricket

[Spearball]

Right now i wouldn't upgrade the GPU because its a really good one and it can still handle the games that are coming out. I wouldn't get either the athlon 64 4000+ or the fx 55 (you'll sepend too much on the 57 for 200 mhz more.) or wait till the dual athlon 64 fx 55 comes out.

[rspassey]

I would wait just to see the costs of the FX 60 when it is released the 10TH, I am positive it will be very very expensive. Then make your decision.

[TRC_14]

Originally Posted by Cricket Looks like you already decided what you want to do in this thread. Cricket

well i thought i was gonna do the sli thing for sure because it would be more fun to set up, but then i started thinking more about the processor and got a little side tracked.

[flawedreality5]

Originally Posted by blue60007 For the rig in your sig? Oooh, that's a tough call. Personally, right now, I don't think you'll see much increase in performance with this rig...It's already a pretty darn fast one.

Agreed. If it was me, I'd go for Sli. That processor is fast enough.

[peekaboo]

could someone explain the thought process to me?

how do you decide to upgrade a 3700 with a 7800gtx?
Where do you see the shortcomings?
does it lag in games? is it slow in other applications?
can you really tell the difference?

[nicolaus corelius]

the bottom line is that even if u dont plan to go SLI, but have a high-end rig like yours u should get SLI anyway

[flawedreality5]

Originally Posted by nicolaus corelius the bottom line is that even if u dont plan to go SLI, but have a high-end rig like yours u should get SLI anyway

Haha, yes.

You should notice a difference in the graphics goodies like Antialiasing performance if you go Sli and be set for future games. If you can play Unreal Tournament 2007 with AA on at 4x with no hitches, you'll have my jealousy for life...or until I upgrade to that point in maybe 3 years.

[Trent Steel]

Personally I wouldn't upgrade either the processor or the graphics card right now. You will not notice enough of a performance increase to justify the expense. Bank it for later.

[netnamakan]

Since you already have a plenty fast CPU and GPU, I would go for either some Watercooling if you are into OC'ing, OR a RAID 0 with 2 of the new raptors. The raptor array would certainly snap your pc into shape.

On another note, considering you have a good enough PC already, you could bank the money as was suggested or invest it somewhere, or better yet donate it to charity for those who don't even have a home.

[TRC_14]

I'm gonna set up a RAID array soon anyway (just have to backup the stuff i need first). but now that i think of it, maybe if i dont find something i need to upgrade that much for a while i may just invest it in a mini cooper

[rspassey]

Originally Posted by TRC_14 i may just invest it in a mini cooper

Sounds like a pretty sweet deal... FX 55 or 7800gtx or Mini Cooper - difficult decision.

[FireByyrd]

Go with the MINI..

But... I'll have to add my 2'cent

MINI isnt that good of a valued car.. GO wiith the subaru impreza wrx .. possibly STi. Cause at the 20k, you can get the wrx and its way fastter even though it doesn't have that cult feel to it, 230hp turbo AWD.. I'll go with that :P

regarding the computer... don't go with any upgrades, 7800GTX? That runs everything fine max on any game pal, so keep using that computer for like what 2 years most likely it will last.

[TRC_14]

well the any car is kinda a longshot, cuz it will take a looong time to save up enough just for the down payment and stuff. but it was just a thought.

and about the computer, when i run FEAR on everything at the highest the fps drops a lot and lags a bit. Since the 7800GTX is supposedly one of the best gpus right now, is this due to the cpu most likely?

[Science_guy]

It seems to me you have two choices to increase FPS and reduce lag in your game. Option A is to spend several hundred dollars for an SLI mobo, SLI-rated PSU, and another 7800 GTX. Option B is to turn down the settings on the game. I would go with option B. You already have an excellent system, I'd live with it until a significant upgrade would yield a very significant improvement in performance. Buying all those expensive parts just to increase performance of one game doesn't seem cost-effective IMHO.

[TRC_14]

I know, i dont have any problem with running games with lower settings, i was just wondering what component of the computer causes the lower fps (cpu or gpu) just for reference

[blue60007]

I don't think either is really holding it back. FEAR is a very heavy game on both the CPU and video card. Even a 7800GTX with a FX-55/57 struggles at times.