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View Full Version : Upgrading Processor


jeffc418
04-12-2007, 06:37 PM
Hey, I am looking to make an upgrade. I want to be able to feel a real difference, I think I should upgrade my processor, but if you think I should upgrade another component, please tell. Here's my specs:

AMD Athlon X2 4200 64-Bit
XFX GeForce 7600 GT XXX
SoundBlaster X-Fi Xtreme Gamer
2 GB RAM
320 GB Hard Drive
Vista Home Premium 64-Bit

I was looking at the Athlon X2 6000+, the price dropped $250 last week. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103773), but I was wondering if maybe the FX-62 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103861) would make a bigger difference. I'm leaning towards the X2 6000+ after what I read. I use my computer for mainly surfing the web, doing homework, and playing The Sims 2 (and some Medieval II: Total War). I want to be able to feel a difference, what upgrade do you think would make the biggest difference? Thanks.
Rob
04-13-2007, 07:54 AM
It seems like the specs you have should be handling the applications you use quite well. Where are you seeing a performance problem?

The games you list look to be the most demanding tasks, but I would have guessed that your specs would handle them ok. If not then I'd recommend a more powerful video card.
jeffc418
04-13-2007, 04:39 PM
I'm upgrading because I saved up some money, not because I see an issue. Do you think I wouldn't see any difference if I got a new processor? It scored a 4.9 in Vista (my base score) while my video card got a 5.9. Thanks!
Rob
04-13-2007, 07:08 PM
It's hard to say. With games, they only need to run so fast, so if you're game performance is ok then you might not notice a difference. For example, if your game is running at 60 frames-per-second and your monitor is set to 60Hz, then any extra performance will not show.
jeffc418
04-13-2007, 07:12 PM
So then is there an accessory you would suggest?
Rob
04-13-2007, 10:18 PM
Again it comes back to where you are seeing insufficient performance. If everything is good enough at the moment then you may want to wait to upgrade. If games become slow then a higher powered video card is probably the best buy.