CPU Upgrade

[Markeebo]

Hi all. I've been contemplating upgrading my CPU.

 

I really didn't want to go to the expense of building a new rig so I bought an SSD and replaced my GTX275 with a 560 Ti.

 

Already running 12GB RAM so any more isn't really going to add performance.

 

I currently have an i7 920

 

Considering an i7 980 but I'm just not sure if I will get enough performance improvement to justify the coin outlay.

 

Constructive opinions are greatly appreciated.

 

Markeebo

[jeffyd123]

it wont be much.... maybe 5FPS tops?

[EtherealN]

I don't dare give an FPS number for what that would get you, but I do feel confident saying that it's not worth the money. Save for a new system or better OC equipment instead. (If your machine currently runs the 920 at stock speed and stock cooler, I think you'll be pleased with the results from getting a better cooler and OCing the 920.)

[Sarge55]

Hi Markeebo,

 

I have an i7 920 which I have OC'd to 3.8 on air and I found that I can run the sim quite comfortably with most settings at high. Although I turn off mirrors, heat blur and water at low. I also run two monitors and Helios.

 

If you are OK with the idea of overclocking it is a good way to get a bump in performance. I'm not tech but just googled i7 920 Overclock and there was tons of info and guides.

 

You need to have a good cooling system though, I do not think a stock cooler would suffice. I use a Noctura NH-U12P

[Rhinox]

I currently have an i7 920

Considering an i7 980...

IMHO one can hardly find better example of wasting money. Two more cores do not bring anything (at least not in DCS/LO), and with decent air-cooler you could overclock 920 to run on the same (or higher) frequency as 980. So what's the point of such an "upgrade"?

 

BTW I'm not sure what prices are where you live, but here (EU) i7-980 (non-X) costs ~500€. If you insist on upgrade, then i7-3820 (~280€) and mobo (~200€) seem to me better choice, although still with little sense...

[mnrty]

I just upgraded to i5 2500k and a watercooler. Paid 200$ on it and it literally made it a new game! OC to 4.6 Ghz and runs the game smoothly on max graphics on 40 fps stable :)

[Markeebo]

Thanks to all for your comments. I had a feeling that upgrading the CPU wasn't going to be worth the coin. Glad I popped in over here to get a second opinion.

 

I'm going to take Sarge's advice and OC the 920. I found a really great tutorial and I ordered some aftermarket cooling.

 

Wish me luck!

 

Markeebo

[TheThumper]

Post a link to your guide you found for us noobs :)

[Markeebo]

Here you go. I'm sure that there are more in depth guides, but this one seems pretty helpful. Hopefully, I will get some time to tackle it this weekend.

 

http://www.clunk.org.uk/forums/overclocking/22106-core-i7-overclocking-guide-beginners.html

 

Markeebo

[4c Hajduk Veljko]

At this point, I am waiting for is a 5GHz stock sped CPU. Then I'll OC it to 6GHz ... My, and I would say, yours i7-920's are doing just fine now.

[EtherealN]

I have split the dedicated clock speed discussion over to a thread of it's own: http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=86088