Time to upgrade need advise

[Skuzzy]

Fulmar, how about a more practical test as I am not getting through.

I took an E8400 CPU in an ASUS P5Q.  Everything running stock and tested PC6400 versus PC8500 using a simple benchmark as I did not ave time to do anything else.

PC6400: 1675MB/sec
PC8500: 2025MB/sec

[Fulmar]

Man,now you gotta make me dig for sources

[Fulmar]

Fulmar, how about a more practical test as I am not getting through.

I took an E8400 CPU in an ASUS P5Q.  Everything running stock and tested PC6400 versus PC8500 using a simple benchmark as I did not ave time to do anything else.

PC6400: 1675MB/sec
PC8500: 2025MB/sec

What are you running to benchmark those numbers?  If it's a synthetic benchmark, it's really not worth it's weight.  I'm still looking for the article I read a while back on ratios and performance.

[Fulmar]

This is an older article (2006)...still looking...
"Depending on CPU clock frequency, tight timings have a performance advantage over relaxed timings in CPU/memory intensive applications, ranging from 2% at 2 GHz to 6% at 2.6 GHz."
"When leaving the timings untouched at a CPU clock of 2 GHz or 2.6 GHz respectively, DDR600 performs 2% or 5% better than DDR400 in CPU/memory intensive applications."
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/tight-timings-high-clock-frequencies,1236.html

For $6 difference, I guess it's worth it for a hypothetical 2-5%.  I guess I missed the memo when 1066mhz DDR2 wasn't $80 for 2gb.  But the 2-5% performance gain would be in a application that requires maximum memory utilization.  If it was a $40 difference, the money would be better vested in a faster CPU or better video card.

From that aside and from possibly giving Stogie a headache, go with the 1066.

[Stogie]

I figured for the extra $6 I might as well go for the pc8500 memory.  I think I am gonna go for the OCZ PSU as well.  Some reported that it was noisy but the manufacturer stated that was not normal and to RMA it.  Seems that they keep up with their products and offer decent customer service.

[SmokinLoon]

Actually BaldEagl, if you are going to cu corners, it is better to cut the video card side.  The game is more CPU dependent than video card dependent.  A faster CPU can make up for a slower video card, but the vice-versa is not true at all.

Ah... so am I correct assuming the order of importance bewteen these three components:

#1 = CPU
#2 = RAM (DDR/DDR2)
#3 = Vid card

[Darkish]

# PSU ... the heart of your machine
## MB ... the skeleton

then your list

[DREDIOCK]

The Thermaltake unit is on the edge.  I would probably bite the bullet and go ahead with the 610W PC Power and Cooling Silencer.  It costs more, but it should handle this system just fine.

Newegg currently has a promo code deal going on on this PSU
But must order by Sept 17th


    $109.99 (after instant Rebate)
      -22.00 Promo code
     $ 87.00    (after promo code Not including local sales tax. 7% here in NJ)
    - $20.00    Mail in Rebate
   = $67.00     Total After Mail in rebate.

[drdeathx]

geeez for that money you can almost buy ne comp[uter (duo core)


http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=GX611AAR&cat=SYS&cpc=SYSbsc




^^^^^$460 and a nvidea 9600 card and you may be at around $600

[Fulmar]

geeez for that money you can almost buy ne comp[uter (duo core)


http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=GX611AAR&cat=SYS&cpc=SYSbsc




^^^^^$460 and a nvidea 9600 card and you may be at around $600

Part #:        GX611AAR
Warranty:     90 Day Direct
Condition:     Refurbished

I'd pass.

[Stogie]

Built it and it runs great.. Huge difference from what I was using.. FR used to be in the 25 to 32 range. This machine I'm at 75  smooth and solid.  Lowest I've ever seen it go is 69 and that is only in a HUGE furball.  Now if I could only hit something.

Thanks for the help guys this was well worth it.