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  • Performance Help !

    Hey, Just wondering if someone could have a look at the specs of my computer and make an upgrade recommendation to help me get a little more performance for mid level gaming.

    First of all, I know its not a good pc, its a low end computer, Unfortunately for me, that's what I have. I know just starting over and buying a new one would likely be my best option but I just cant afford that at the moment. I only play older less demanding games anyways.. (ie. Americas army 2.5 etc..) But I'm sure with what Ive got, I can maybe spend a few dollars and get some kind of upgrade to help my situation.

    So maybe a video card or more ram etc.. If there is a video card that is reasonably priced and compatible with my PC that someone could recommend that would be great !

    Mother Board : Gigabyte G41M-ES2L Motherboard
    Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 2.50GHz
    Memory: ULTRA 2048MB PC5400 DDR2 667MHZ
    Video Card: Nvidia Gforce 7900GS - 256mb
    Hard Drive: Kingston SSDNow V+200 120GB
    Case: Apex PC-319 ATX Black Mid-T Case
    Power Supply: 450W
    Op. System Windows 7 Ultimate SP1

    Thanks.
    Rob

  • #2
    Re: Performance Help !

    a new videocard and ram will do.

    But I'm not sure if you can still find any ddr2 ram, plus ddr2 rams are expensive.
    Last edited by funkgretzky; 03-02-2013, 07:35 AM.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Performance Help !

      I found another 2048MB of DDR2 ram, thanks I will try that out.

      ALSO > Can someone suggest a video card that would well work with my system ?

      Thanks !

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Performance Help !

        nvidia 9600gt or 9500gt maybe? I guess that'll work.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Performance Help !

          What are the brands and model numbers of each memory kit?
          Please provide links to the full manufacturers' specifications on their website.
          You will need to change some bios settings to get all four memory modules stable.
          Using mixed memory brands or models often makes it harder to find stable settings.
          Even if your new memory kit is identical to your original memory, finding stable settings might take extra time and effort.

          How much are you willing to spend on a new video card?
          Video card compatibility shouldn't be a problem.
          We can better suggest a card when we know your price range.

          Newegg.ca - Desktop Graphics Cards, $75 - $100

          Newegg.ca - Desktop Graphics Cards, $100 - $200
          Q9650 @ 4.10GHz [9x456MHz]
          P35-DS4 [rev: 2.0] ~ Bios: F14
          4x2GB OCZ Reaper PC2-8500 1094MHz @5-5-5-15
          MSI N460GTX Hawk Talon Attack (1GB) video card <---- SLI ---->
          Seasonic SS-660XP2 80 Plus Platinum psu (660w)
          WD Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB (data)
          Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD (boot)
          SLI @ 16/4 works when running HyperSLI
          Cooler Master 120XL Seidon push/pull AIO cpu water cooling
          Cooler Master HAF XB computer case (RC-902XB-KKN1)
          Asus VH242H 24" monitor [1920x1080]
          MSI N460GTX Hawk (1GB) video card
          Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speakers
          win7 x64 sp1 Home Premium
          HT|Omega Claro plus+ sound card
          CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD UPS
          E6300 (R0) @ 3.504GHz [8x438MHz] ~~ P35-DS3L [rev: 1.0] ~ Bios: F9 ~~ 4x2GB Kingston HyperX T1 PC2-8500, 876MHz @4-4-4-10
          Seasonic X650 80+ gold psu (650w) ~~ Xigmatek Balder HDT 1283 cpu cooler ~~ Cooler Master CM 690 case (RC-690-KKN1-GP)
          Samsung 830 128GB SSD MZ-7PC128B/WW (boot) ~~ WD Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB (data) ~~ ZM-MFC2 fan controller
          HT|Omega Striker 7.1 sound card ~~ Asus VH242H monitor [1920x1080] ~~ Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speakers
          win7 x64 sp1 Home Premium ~~ CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD U.P.S
          .

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Performance Help !

            Hi there, First of all, thank you for taking the time to respond.. Much appreciated.

            I haven't actually purchased the 2nd piece of 2048mb or ram yet.. I found some online and was going to buy one. I wasn't 100% sure yet, but this is where I was looking - DDR2 Memory

            As for what I have exactly: ULTRA 2048mb pc5400 Ddr2 667 mhz: Model ULT40089 (could not find manufacture website, sorry ?) If there ram that would work with my existing or possibly a solution to replace my existing memory with 2 new pieces ?> either way. The bios options I would not know the required changes. R u able to supply this info or is their a guide somewhere ? = /


            For the budget on the graphics card, I am fine with $100-$200.. Somewhere in there. Its basically just down to what will give me more for my money. If a $100 card will give me a decent boost in performance but a $200 will only give me a little beyond $100 card, then I'd go for the $100 card.

            Thanks.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Performance Help !

              TigerDirect lists your memory, but it isn't available. Buy the Ultra 2048MB PC5400 DDR2 667MHz Memory at TigerDirect.ca
              You will have a much easier time if you buy a 2 x 2GB memory kit from a manufacturer that has tested a particular memory kit as compatible with your motherboard. Newegg.ca - 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM, 4GB (2 x 2GB) shows a list of memory kits where many or most kits should be compatible. I recommend that you buy a kit that is Cas5 (or lower) PC2-6400 (800MHz). PC2-8500 memory should run with Cas4 settings at 800MHz. My 8GB Kingston HyperX T1 PC2-8500 memory has been excellent with my P35-DS3L system. Kingston also has a few models with standard height heat spreaders. Their HyperX kits have better performance than their lower priced kits. As I recall, several forum members had problems with Kingston memory kits that had ValueRAM in their name or with model numbers that began with KVR.

              I repeat, mixing memory brands and/or models can often cause problems with stability, even at stock speeds.

              Buying a higher performing video card can provide smoother game play and allow higher game settings. While you might not need a much higher performing card with your older games, you will need a better card to play newer games with the ability to use moderate game settings. A google web search using: video card chart 2013 provides some links that will give you a good idea of the relative ranking of older and newer video cards. Check out:
              Graphics Card Hierarchy Chart : Best Graphics Cards For The Money: February 2013 - Tom's Hardware
              Best Graphics Cards For The Money, February 2013 Updates - Tom's Hardware

              I like the video card reviews at HARDOCP - GPU / Video Cards Page 1 because they include detailed comments on the quality of game play experience with modern high end games. The Newegg user reviews can sometimes be useful when they discuss how good or bad a video card is with certain games.

              With Geforce video cards, the Ti models have higher performance and price compared with similar models that don't have the Ti designation.
              Buying the older Geforce GTX 560 Ti ($175 or higher) might give you the most performance and it's pci-e 2.0 maximum bandwidth won't make a difference now and probably not in the future if you upgrade your motherboard to a newer model with pci-e 3.0 bandwidth.

              There's no substitute for reading video card reviews to learn about other features, such as fan noise and how well the card is cooled.
              You should find that there are Radeon cards that offer similar performance and prices to the Nvidia cards.

              BTW, two years ago I bought two MSI N460GTX Hawk video cards and they run great in my older P35-DS3L and N650SLI-DS4 systems.
              From Tom's chart, the newer GTX 560, 560 Ti, 650 and 650 Ti models have more performance than my 460 video cards.
              Geforce cards with the SE model designation are lower performing and less expensive models within the same video card family.
              Q9650 @ 4.10GHz [9x456MHz]
              P35-DS4 [rev: 2.0] ~ Bios: F14
              4x2GB OCZ Reaper PC2-8500 1094MHz @5-5-5-15
              MSI N460GTX Hawk Talon Attack (1GB) video card <---- SLI ---->
              Seasonic SS-660XP2 80 Plus Platinum psu (660w)
              WD Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB (data)
              Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD (boot)
              SLI @ 16/4 works when running HyperSLI
              Cooler Master 120XL Seidon push/pull AIO cpu water cooling
              Cooler Master HAF XB computer case (RC-902XB-KKN1)
              Asus VH242H 24" monitor [1920x1080]
              MSI N460GTX Hawk (1GB) video card
              Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speakers
              win7 x64 sp1 Home Premium
              HT|Omega Claro plus+ sound card
              CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD UPS
              E6300 (R0) @ 3.504GHz [8x438MHz] ~~ P35-DS3L [rev: 1.0] ~ Bios: F9 ~~ 4x2GB Kingston HyperX T1 PC2-8500, 876MHz @4-4-4-10
              Seasonic X650 80+ gold psu (650w) ~~ Xigmatek Balder HDT 1283 cpu cooler ~~ Cooler Master CM 690 case (RC-690-KKN1-GP)
              Samsung 830 128GB SSD MZ-7PC128B/WW (boot) ~~ WD Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB (data) ~~ ZM-MFC2 fan controller
              HT|Omega Striker 7.1 sound card ~~ Asus VH242H monitor [1920x1080] ~~ Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speakers
              win7 x64 sp1 Home Premium ~~ CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD U.P.S
              .

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Performance Help !

                Ok, fantastic reply, thanks again.

                I looked around and couldn't find much "official" information on the compatibility of that memory with my specific mobo but in my searches I did find other posts/sites that had this specific memory being used in combination with a my model MB >? So unless you have a better spot to confirm the compatibility, This is what I was thinking, or if you have any better suggestions : G.Skill Ram

                As for the graphics card, what do you think of this one ? Nvidia GTX260.
                I can pick one of these up locally for a really good price.

                Let me know what you think,
                Thanks.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Performance Help !

                  The G.Skill link at their website is G.SKILL- F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ (2Gx2) and it is compatible with P4x/G4x motherboards. G.Skill memory was very popular in the forum with P4x motherboards and there were very few problems with their memory in the forum.

                  According to Tom's heirarchy chart, the GTX 260 that you linked to is comparable to the following video cards:
                  GTX 260, 275, 280, 460 192-bit, 460 SE, 550 Ti, 560 SE, 650 and
                  HD 4870, 5770, 4890, 5830, 6770, 6790, 7750
                  which is pretty decent for an older video card. As long as you're aware of the good and weak points of the older and newer video cards, it will be a major improvement over your 7900GS. If you have any doubts, read reviews of GTX 260 and some of the newer models.
                  I don't know if the GTX 260 will overclock as high as similar performing newer models.
                  Note: BFG has been out of the video card business since 2010 so there is no factory warranty.

                  Before you install your new memory, you should go into the bios and manually set DRAM Voltage to the value that is on the sticker on the memory module, probably 1.90 volts or slightly higher. If you have any problems, let us know and we can help you make any required bios changes.

                  Always unplug the exterior power supply cable from the wall outlet or the back of the psu before removing or installing new hardware.

                  You can go to Drivers | GeForce to download the latest supported drivers for your video card.

                  Good luck with your new hardware!
                  Let us know how it works out.
                  Q9650 @ 4.10GHz [9x456MHz]
                  P35-DS4 [rev: 2.0] ~ Bios: F14
                  4x2GB OCZ Reaper PC2-8500 1094MHz @5-5-5-15
                  MSI N460GTX Hawk Talon Attack (1GB) video card <---- SLI ---->
                  Seasonic SS-660XP2 80 Plus Platinum psu (660w)
                  WD Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB (data)
                  Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD (boot)
                  SLI @ 16/4 works when running HyperSLI
                  Cooler Master 120XL Seidon push/pull AIO cpu water cooling
                  Cooler Master HAF XB computer case (RC-902XB-KKN1)
                  Asus VH242H 24" monitor [1920x1080]
                  MSI N460GTX Hawk (1GB) video card
                  Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speakers
                  win7 x64 sp1 Home Premium
                  HT|Omega Claro plus+ sound card
                  CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD UPS
                  E6300 (R0) @ 3.504GHz [8x438MHz] ~~ P35-DS3L [rev: 1.0] ~ Bios: F9 ~~ 4x2GB Kingston HyperX T1 PC2-8500, 876MHz @4-4-4-10
                  Seasonic X650 80+ gold psu (650w) ~~ Xigmatek Balder HDT 1283 cpu cooler ~~ Cooler Master CM 690 case (RC-690-KKN1-GP)
                  Samsung 830 128GB SSD MZ-7PC128B/WW (boot) ~~ WD Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB (data) ~~ ZM-MFC2 fan controller
                  HT|Omega Striker 7.1 sound card ~~ Asus VH242H monitor [1920x1080] ~~ Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speakers
                  win7 x64 sp1 Home Premium ~~ CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD U.P.S
                  .

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Performance Help !

                    Ok, So received GTX260, installed and updated drivers, only problem is, no change in gaming performance.(FPS anyways) I don't think its a bottle necking issue as while in game I'm still only getting 25-30 FPS in battle (pretty much same as 7900GS) but my memory and CPU % are both under 50% usage ? I have went into NVIDIA control panel and already adjusted a few of the main settings for performance over quality already.. so it just seems like a setting or something holding the card back ? Is there anything I need to change in BIOS or somewhere ?

                    *On another note, My BIOS is version F4 and the up to date version is F9.. Unfortunately I'm not 100% I know how to update it.. I have read through the forums here and it seems a little to advanced for me.. unless I'm not seeing the easy way of doing it ? = \


                    The new G.skill memory isn't here yet, should be here in a day or two, I will also install that and report back my findings as well... but if you can help with my settings = )

                    Thanks.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Performance Help !

                      Do a web search using: gtx 260 overclock and you will find links to help improve your card's performance.
                      Take your time increasing gpu and memory speeds and monitor the gpu temperature.
                      With my GTX 460 video cards, I was able to go from 780MHz to 900MHz for a nice bump in gpu performance.
                      Video memory speed increases had a less significant boost in video performance.

                      Overclocking your cpu will also help gaming performance. Your current 2GB of memory is also holding you back. Win7 runs better with 4GB of memory. Read http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyte...ash-guide.html to learn the safe way to flash your bios using QFlash. Ask if you have any bios flashing questions. As long as you are careful and follow directions, flashing shouldn't be a problem.
                      Q9650 @ 4.10GHz [9x456MHz]
                      P35-DS4 [rev: 2.0] ~ Bios: F14
                      4x2GB OCZ Reaper PC2-8500 1094MHz @5-5-5-15
                      MSI N460GTX Hawk Talon Attack (1GB) video card <---- SLI ---->
                      Seasonic SS-660XP2 80 Plus Platinum psu (660w)
                      WD Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB (data)
                      Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD (boot)
                      SLI @ 16/4 works when running HyperSLI
                      Cooler Master 120XL Seidon push/pull AIO cpu water cooling
                      Cooler Master HAF XB computer case (RC-902XB-KKN1)
                      Asus VH242H 24" monitor [1920x1080]
                      MSI N460GTX Hawk (1GB) video card
                      Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speakers
                      win7 x64 sp1 Home Premium
                      HT|Omega Claro plus+ sound card
                      CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD UPS
                      E6300 (R0) @ 3.504GHz [8x438MHz] ~~ P35-DS3L [rev: 1.0] ~ Bios: F9 ~~ 4x2GB Kingston HyperX T1 PC2-8500, 876MHz @4-4-4-10
                      Seasonic X650 80+ gold psu (650w) ~~ Xigmatek Balder HDT 1283 cpu cooler ~~ Cooler Master CM 690 case (RC-690-KKN1-GP)
                      Samsung 830 128GB SSD MZ-7PC128B/WW (boot) ~~ WD Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB (data) ~~ ZM-MFC2 fan controller
                      HT|Omega Striker 7.1 sound card ~~ Asus VH242H monitor [1920x1080] ~~ Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speakers
                      win7 x64 sp1 Home Premium ~~ CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD U.P.S
                      .

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Performance Help !

                        ok will do thanks. BTW does anything look out of place here to, I took a screen shot using CPUID --> HERE

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Performance Help !


                          Which version of HWINFO are your running?
                          I'm using 1.70.1 from 2010 with my E6300 (R0) cpu.
                          +12 volt is a bit weak at 1.344 volts
                          Core temps are a bit high, what is your room temperature?
                          Are you using the stock Intel cpu cooler and fan?
                          Which fan is running at 2800+ rpm?
                          gpu temps are probably OK, my 7600GT is currently at 470C

                          You can upload one picture per post from your computer or you can link many separate images in one post by using the Insert Image rectangular icon. I always compose my posts using the Go Advanced editing option so that I can preview my posts. I prefer to include images in the post rather than linking to an external site.

                          You can download and install MSI AfterBurner to o/c your GTX 260 and and Kombustor to run some gpu stress tests and benchmarks.
                          Kombustor is included in the AB download.
                          Click on the Download AfterBurner User Manual icon further down the page.
                          Don't download the AB beta version as it is time limited due to frequent updates and does not include Kombustor.
                          AfterBurner has an optional on screen display where you can select which gpu details you want displayed in most full screen games.
                          Have fun!!

                          MSI Afterburner & Kombustor download





                          Q9650 @ 4.10GHz [9x456MHz]
                          P35-DS4 [rev: 2.0] ~ Bios: F14
                          4x2GB OCZ Reaper PC2-8500 1094MHz @5-5-5-15
                          MSI N460GTX Hawk Talon Attack (1GB) video card <---- SLI ---->
                          Seasonic SS-660XP2 80 Plus Platinum psu (660w)
                          WD Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB (data)
                          Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD (boot)
                          SLI @ 16/4 works when running HyperSLI
                          Cooler Master 120XL Seidon push/pull AIO cpu water cooling
                          Cooler Master HAF XB computer case (RC-902XB-KKN1)
                          Asus VH242H 24" monitor [1920x1080]
                          MSI N460GTX Hawk (1GB) video card
                          Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speakers
                          win7 x64 sp1 Home Premium
                          HT|Omega Claro plus+ sound card
                          CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD UPS
                          E6300 (R0) @ 3.504GHz [8x438MHz] ~~ P35-DS3L [rev: 1.0] ~ Bios: F9 ~~ 4x2GB Kingston HyperX T1 PC2-8500, 876MHz @4-4-4-10
                          Seasonic X650 80+ gold psu (650w) ~~ Xigmatek Balder HDT 1283 cpu cooler ~~ Cooler Master CM 690 case (RC-690-KKN1-GP)
                          Samsung 830 128GB SSD MZ-7PC128B/WW (boot) ~~ WD Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB (data) ~~ ZM-MFC2 fan controller
                          HT|Omega Striker 7.1 sound card ~~ Asus VH242H monitor [1920x1080] ~~ Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speakers
                          win7 x64 sp1 Home Premium ~~ CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD U.P.S
                          .

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Performance Help !

                            OK here are a few answers to your Q

                            Which version of HWINFO are your running? it was 1.21.0.. I have no idea why, i just updated to 4.12-1850
                            I'm using 1.70.1 from 2010 with my E6300 (R0) cpu.
                            +12 volt is a bit weak at 1.344 volts - ANything that can be done to remedy this ? Besides new psu.. as in settings ?
                            Core temps are a bit high, what is your room temperature? - Avg house temp 22C maybe ?
                            Are you using the stock Intel cpu cooler and fan? - YES
                            Which fan is running at 2800+ rpm? - That would just be my case fan I believe
                            gpu temps are probably OK, my 7600GT is currently at 470C

                            This pc is about 2.5 yrs old, but was only used maybe once a month, just to check email.. Think cleaning fans and replacing CPU paste make a diff ?

                            This is another screenshot of HWINFO after about 30 mins of gaming..

                            Click image for larger version

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                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Performance Help !

                              Here is a screenshot with the updated HWINFO 4.12... Maybe this will give you more info ? I didn't explore this version at all, just opened it and took screenshot right away.. But I don't see any temps ?

                              Click image for larger version

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