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When to upgrade cpu?

post #1 of 8
8/20/12 at 1:20am
Thread Starter 
I have an original C0 stepping Intel Core i7 920 running on an Asus P6T Deluxe (the original not v2). I got it right when they came out and it's still running very well but I am having some issues with dipping frame rates on games like Diablo 3 and even Darksiders 2 (who both do not require crazy video cards).
I'm thinking it's the cpu but I may be wrong. My original questions was to ask if it's worth upgrading now or is there something in the coming year worth waiting for? But if you think my problem isn't cpu related then I will gladly accept any help and if you need more info on my system just let me know. Thanks in advance biggrin.gif
Edited by shazamy13 - 8/20/12 at 1:24am
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post #2 of 8
8/20/12 at 6:26am
Your CPU is powerful enough for modern games and shouldn't be a bottleneck for your CrossFire setup as long as you overclock it a little.

Here's a guide for your CPU:
http://www.overclock.net/t/538439/guide-to-overclocking-the-core-i7-920-or-930-to-4-0ghz

Also, you might be facing micro-stuttering which is common with multi GPU setup.
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post #3 of 8
8/20/12 at 2:40pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you for the reply, I tried turning off CrossFire and I'm actually getting higher frame rates and no stuttering which frankly is pissing me off. I'm thinking of just selling my 6870's (they are 2 months old) and just getting a 660 ti, opinions?
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post #4 of 8
8/20/12 at 4:40pm
  • ch3co
  • Overclocker in Training

First off, I'd agree that you don't need to upgrade CPU right now, especially if you manage to fix whatever was ailing you. The issue with upgrading now is you'd also have to upgrade your mobo as well, and possibly your CPU cooler if it's not compatible

 

On the subject of GPUs, I'd say a 670 or a 7950, if you want the best. Especially if you sell the 6870s for close to retail price. If you're not wanting to spend over $300 though, I'd recommend the 7850/7870. I'm loathe to recommend components like the 660 that have only been out for a couple of weeks, since we have yet to see how this thing will run on a wide range of systems, what performance is like in a wide variety of games, and what we can get out of it if we overclock.

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post #5 of 8
8/20/12 at 4:55pm
It depends on your budget..... but if you do have around 300 bucks to spend, skip the 660, spend an extra 20 and get the 7950...

660 is as fast as a 580 at best (in 1080p) while using less power, so its not much , and your existing CrossFire setup is faster than it.
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8/20/12 at 4:58pm
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Personally, I say your CPU is sitll fine. The 920s are monsters in their own right and will easily handle modern games without issues. Just keep the thing and overclock it a little. 

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post #7 of 8
8/21/12 at 1:31am
Thread Starter 
Thank you for all the opinions. I just upgraded to a Corsair H60 with 2 Cougar Fans but haven't overclocked yet, I was able to get to 3.6 on air cooling with slight voltage mod, but haven't overclocked yet with the closed system water cooling. But what annoys me the most is not the micro stuttering, it's that my average FPS in some games isn't as high with CF as it is in Single card mode, which I realize is mainly just an issue of bad optimization (like Darksiders which is just a port from console unfortunately).
As for my budget, if I can sell both my 6870 for like 280 total then I can go for a card around 350$, what would you guys recommend then?
Keep in mind, I'm going to get a 120hz monitor in a month (as a birthday present) and want to try to get more then 60 FPS if possible on most games (not Crysis obviously, you know what I mean).
Again thanks in advance thumb.gif
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post #8 of 8
8/21/12 at 9:02am
  • ch3co
  • Overclocker in Training

Radeon HD 7950. Basically the same performance of the 670, but about $50 cheaper. I'd recommend this puppy right here.

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