Processor upgrade

[jesus]

I'm probably not going to be doing a huge PC upgrade for a long time because I'm not into gaming very much anymore, and none of the upcoming games interest me whatsoever so I just enjoy playing my current games which are UT3, BF2, and CoD4, but I do try new game demos occasionally.

I have an AMD 64 X2 4000+ 2.1ghz with I think a 512mb x2 L2 cache. I can tell it's slowing me down a bit in games. My motherboard has an AM2 socket, and I have $110 or so to spend so I was considering this:

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=21228&vpn=ADX6000CZBOX&manufacture=AMD&promoid=1014

AMD 64 X2 6000+ 3.0ghz 1mb x2 L2 cache

If I was still really dedicated I would just save up and just get a new motherboard with an intel processor, better RAM, etc. but since this will be my last upgrade for a very long time, would this be sufficient? Will I see a big gain in FPS? For example, when I'm playing UT3, my CPU usage is 100% for the entire time I'm playing. Would this still be the case with the 6000+?

thanks

[Wizrdwarts]

Re: Processor upgrade

Unreal Engine 3 is a big user of the CPU iirc.

I think the biggest question is, since you're not playing many new games: are you fine with your current rig?

Also, looking at Tom's Hardware CPU charts, I can't see any Intel upgrades that would perform better than the 6000+ because you would also need a new mobo.

[jesus]

Re: Processor upgrade

Unreal Engine 3 is a big user of the CPU iirc.

I think the biggest question is, since you're not playing many new games: are you fine with your current rig?

Also, looking at Tom's Hardware CPU charts, I can't see any Intel upgrades that would perform better than the 6000+ because you would also need a new mobo.

Yes, you're right about the UE3 engine. In fact, the low FPS in FFoW due to my processor made me stop playing the demo. It's not as bad in UT3, but there are still lots of times where I've stopped playing for a bit because of low FPS.

I just feel that I can't fully enjoy UT3 (and sometimes CoD4) because of certain maps that are the most popular. And since I won't be getting any new games for a long time, I want to be able to enjoy my current games to their fullest.

I'd like to go Intel, but then I'd need a new mobo, maybe new RAM, new case, then the processor itself... and I'm not dedicated enough for all that anymore.

[Basil.]

Re: Processor upgrade

i have the 6000 ffow runs pretty good with it. i would say it your best bet if you don't want upgrade your mobo

[Warhawk]

Re: Processor upgrade

I have the 4400+ and it plays cod4 on almost all high fine. Maybe you should look into overclocking your current setup.

[jesus]

Re: Processor upgrade

I can't overclock the CPU because I'm using a Dell.

I play CoD4 on high fine, too, but sometimes the FPS goes below 30.

[AvalancheDiode]

Re: Processor upgrade

Get a 5400+ BE instead. Don't go 6000. They run too hot and consume too much energy. The new 5400+BE is probably best for you.

[jesus]

Re: Processor upgrade

Get a 5400+ BE instead. Don't go 6000. They run too hot and consume too much energy. The new 5400+BE is probably best for you.

Could you give me a link? I tried searching newegg and I couldn't find anything.

[AvalancheDiode]

Re: Processor upgrade

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103289

Only $89.99 free shipping.

[jesus]

Re: Processor upgrade

ok thanks, but isn't 512mbx2 L2 cache pretty low?

[TheSpark29]

Re: Processor upgrade

ok thanks, but isn't 512mbx2 L2 cache pretty low?

Well, you don't have any better options tbh. But you'll be ok with 2x 512mb. Compared to the rest of AMD's CPUs, you're ok. The Winsdor cores only have 2x1mb.

[jesus]

Re: Processor upgrade

yeah I know the highest I could get is like 1mbx2 (which is what that 6000+ has), but what's the difference between 512mb and 1mb? very little?

[AvalancheDiode]

Re: Processor upgrade

Very little indeed. Athlon 64 X2 has some problem utilizing L2 cache. Intel has figured out a way to use as much L2 as possible, while AMD didn't bother to improve L2 utilization on Athlon 64 X2. All their efforts have been diverted to fix TLB bug and 45nm shrink. Besides, 5400+BE costs less anyway.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/budget-overclocker,1708-15.html

[jesus]

Re: Processor upgrade

alright thanks, I'm going to have to think about it.

[megawhompertoo]

Re: Processor upgrade

you might also want to confirm that your dell bios will support such an upgrade. i've no idea what the voltage differences are like, but if you can't modify the settings and the auto-settings (?hopefully done completely in hardware?) don't snoop it correctly, you might end up with a nice paperweight until you get a better mobo.