Help buyin a CPU for gaming

**snypaz13** · January 29th, 2009, 10:56 PM

I have a dual core 2.0 cpu with nvidia 8400 video card. and a 2gb ram. GTA4 isnt runnin so good. I'm thinking of gettin a core2duo 7300 at 2.6ghz cause im on a budget. or should i get x2 5400 at 2.8 for half the price?

**Atomic Rooster** · January 29th, 2009, 10:59 PM

GTA4 still wont run good if you get a faster CPU. That Nvidia 8400 is really holding you back.

**RicheemxX** · January 29th, 2009, 11:01 PM

Welcome to TIMO.

To begin with, which CPU do you currently own? And what motherboard? Is this a pre-built or custom built system?
Second that GPU isn't a gaming card its a budget card so you'd more than likely be better off going with a new card.
Third you'd only be able to get one or the other, your current system would either support Intel or AMD not both.

**snypaz13** · January 29th, 2009, 11:05 PM

yeah first post on TIMO. you guys are really quick in responding.

i own the dual core. i overlocked it to 2.1 ghz and the frame rate of the game seems to be a lil faster. so maybe if i get a 2.6 ghz itd perform better..

this is custom built and if i was to get an AMD i can switch to another motherboard. right now i have an MSI motherboard.

**KarmaKiller** · January 29th, 2009, 11:08 PM

Like mentioned, you'll see MUCH more improvement if you get a new graphics card, as opposed to a new CPU.
Your CPU will handle games fine. It really is your graphics card that is killing your in game performance.
What is your budget?
(Welcome to TechIMO.)

**snypaz13** · January 29th, 2009, 11:12 PM

bout 100 bucks. if i was to get video card it'd have to be a 8600gt..the 8800 costs 200. but i can get that if it can last the games to come for the next 4 years

**KarmaKiller** · January 29th, 2009, 11:14 PM

Are you located in the US?
And can you order from online?

**snypaz13** · January 29th, 2009, 11:15 PM

no im gettin this from malaysia

**KarmaKiller** · January 29th, 2009, 11:19 PM

Oh... Ok well that puts a damper on the deal then. But here's my opinion.

You don't want a 8600gt either. It can't really handle games in med/low settings now, there is no way it's gonna last 4 years. But it is a improvement from your current graphics card, so if that's you options, new CPU or 8600gt, for gaming, I'd probably go for the graphics card still.
Good luck.

**snypaz13** · January 29th, 2009, 11:28 PM

yea i could order online but its gets a lil expensive to ship it here.

alright thanks for the advice. i'll probably get the video card.

and if u had the option of gettin a dual core 2.0 or an amd x2 5400 2.6 ( not counting motherboards) which one is better?

**EXreaction** · January 29th, 2009, 11:47 PM

A dual core what? Is that a Pentium D, Intel Pentium dual core, Core 2 Duo, etc?

**snypaz13** · January 29th, 2009, 11:52 PM

its an intel pentium dual core.

**JLK03F150** · January 30th, 2009, 12:00 AM

The only 2.0GHz Intel dual core desktop choices are E2180 (Pentium) or E4400 (Core 2 Duo). The E4400 is slightly better of those two because of the extra L2 cache. I think they are both probably really close competitors with the AMD X2 at 2.6GHz.

If overclocking is going to be part of the comparison then Intel wins hands down. I had a chance to overclock & test an E2160 1.8GHz CPU. It reached 3.0GHz with total ease, then maxed out at 3.3GHz. It was a very nice performing CPU.

**snypaz13** · January 30th, 2009, 12:37 AM

so whats important is the L2 cache..the more the better right.

i just started overclocking. where do i learn more bout it?

**EXreaction** · January 30th, 2009, 01:22 AM

Yes, the Intel is much better.

**uethello** · January 30th, 2009, 02:19 AM

9800 GT is a good deal right now. You should be able to find them around $100 at Newegg.

These are all around $100, with the mail in rebate.

Newegg.com - 9800 GT

I suggest wherever you buy your parts, check the reseller out with www.resellerratings.com. It's the only online store ratings site that isn't basically "run" by the resellers.

**pullmyfoot** · January 31st, 2009, 12:19 PM

He lives in Malaysia. Newegg is not a good idea. Try this site snypaz13. Its in Singapore but they ship around the region.

HD 4830: Asustek EAH4830 512MB DDR3 PCIE
9800GT: Video-Pro.Com Pte Ltd
HD 4850: Video-Pro.Com Pte Ltd

The first two perform about in the same range. If you have a little more cash check out the HD4850, its about 10%-15% faster.

Other than that your only other option would be to just buy from a store. Which part do you live in? If you live near KL or any other big city they should be easy to find.

**JLK03F150** · January 31st, 2009, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by snypaz13

so whats important is the L2 cache..the more the better right.

i just started overclocking. where do i learn more bout it?

The extra L2 cache helps some, but IMO it wouldn't be worth buying a new CPU when you can makeup the difference with no cost by just overclocking.

Here's a good overclocking guide. Step one is learning more about your system components and BIOS. Be sure to read the BIOS section of your motherboard manual in addition to the guide.

**snypaz13** · February 1st, 2009, 02:53 AM

those cards are high end arent they. im curious how much do you guys spend on a computer?

thanks for the overlocking guide. Im still reading it. i was able to overlock my cpu from 2.0 to 2.2 but when i try beyond that the screen freezes up. the temperature is at 60c after overclocking. whats the prob?