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Is my older hardware doomed by todays standards

2K views 55 replies 19 participants last post by  greasemonky89 
#1 ·
This is my first ever build and i started with older hardware. As a package deal for $80 i got as follows.

Cpu: phenom ii x3 720 be
Mobo: gigabyte gama790fxtudp5
Ram 4gb 1333mhz

I need some guidance. This will be for gaming as a priority and browsing etc... Nothing crazy.
 
#2 ·
`I wouldn't say doomed, but quite underpowered. IS that all you have?
 
#5 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by greasemonky89 View Post

Yes this all i have so far. Still need gpu,psu and case fans already have a hdd but im also adding a ssd. I plan to over clock and see if i get lucky in unlocking the 4 th core
This is really old stuff you got there, but to even out the rest of the rig, here is my recommendations, for a low budget

GPU - AMD Radeon R7 260X
PSU _ XFX TS Series
Fans - NZXT FN, Gelid Silent 12,
 
#6 ·
It would help a lot if you manage to overclock that X3 720, a lot more than even unlocking the fourth core. If you could get to about 3.4 GHz, it's still a decent gaming machine with the R7 260X that was mentioned as long as you stick to 720p. It's a little dated, but not a total dog that can't be used at all. For $80, it was a fair deal.
 
#10 ·
Yup thats what im doing looking for older capable gpu's. Already have a 1080p 60hz monitor so just need the other odds and ends. From my research the 720be can easily overclock to at least 3.4ghz on stock air so thats a plus. Was looking at maybe a x4 965 or x6 1100t but for the money i might as wait for the answer to bulldozer.
 
#13 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by greasemonky89 View Post

I agree i wanted a fx cpu but i thought i would wait on whats next from amd if ever. Could upgrade to a am3+ mobo to be more updated. But i guess this will do for now.
If you upgrade go to FM2+ like I did. AM3+ is still horribly outdated.
 
#16 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by BWAS1000 View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by greasemonky89 View Post

I agree i wanted a fx cpu but i thought i would wait on whats next from amd if ever. Could upgrade to a am3+ mobo to be more updated. But i guess this will do for now.
If you upgrade go to FM2+ like I did. AM3+ is still horribly outdated.
Hmmm food for thought. Thanks.
 
#18 ·
Definitely get an AMD GPU that supports Mantle, it will help alleviate the CPU bottleneck in those games that support it.
 
#19 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by BinaryDemon View Post

Definitely get an AMD GPU that supports Mantle, it will help alleviate the CPU bottleneck in those games that support it.
THIS
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As others have said you might be able to unlock the fourth core but will probably see better gains with a higher clock instead (both would be even better of course
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)
 
#20 ·
1080 will be a chore-
I think a 7950 w/decent OC should do OK,buuut.
That board?
May not OC too well.(VRM temps?)
Or easily.
Give it hell-
Better to try,see about temps and see where you get w/decent GPU.
figure on losing some in game bling at 1080 & decent FR
Try to get a good power supply & keep the VRM cool somehow,you'll do OK.
(Srsly-i would use those parts for a neighbor kid karma thing-The OC,The unlock(flaky).
sounds like too much effort.)
$80.00?
RUN WHAT YOU BRUNG-
let us know what you get to- we'll help you toast it.
 
#21 ·
I'd set the goal to unlock the 4th core and clock beyond 3.2. Also optimize the operating system to get the most out of your 4 gigs of ram - hopefully you have a 64 bit version of Windows installed. Disable un-needed services that start with Windows, disable aero, disable system restore ect.
 
#22 ·
for an excellent low budget starter card with top notch results i strongly suggest a used hd 7950, you could win one on auction on ebay for around 90-120 bucks, theres buy it nows for as low as 100-115. will play every game on ultra but the more demanding games will net you around 40fps or better but thats all ultra and 1080p. i had one and on battlefield 4 ultra everything 64 player maps i was chilling around 50-70 fps. (with mantle) mantle will also help out with your cpu performance in games

also battlefield 4 comes with a 32 bit version that will run excellent off the 4gb of ram you have

the cpu you have will bottleneck the 7950 but with overclocking and if you do unlock the 4th core that will help your performance alot
 
#23 ·
That board can handle a very hefty overclock,even on a 6 core phenom,though you can't find them for cheap.My advice is try to find a C3 revision 4 core and overclock it to 4.0GHz. With the 720be being a C2 revision,you can probably get 3.7-3.8GHz with a decent cooler.
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#25 ·
Very underpowered. I can buy a 600 dollar machine with more pulling power.
 
#26 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Redwoodz View Post

That board can handle a very hefty overclock,even on a 6 core phenom,though you can't find them for cheap.My advice is try to find a C3 revision 4 core and overclock it to 4.0GHz. With the 720be being a C2 revision,you can probably get 3.7-3.8GHz with a decent cooler.
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4Ghz is a lot easier on a Thuban than a Athlon/Phenom/Deneb.
 
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