looking for a new processor

[rahfulz]

as you'll inevitably identify by my post, i am rather inexperienced with computer hardware and installation, so i've come to seek help in my search for a new CPU. i current have the Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E6750 @ 2.66GHz.. i'm guessing i have two of them (?) as under the system information panel of my gfx card it lists processor 0: and processor 1: (both of them being the identical e6750).. i've noticed significant slow down in running multiple processes and playing more recent games. my inquiries, thus, are as follows:

does anyone have a recommendation of a new cpu that will accommodate my desire for pc gaming and managing many processes at the same time?

i've got my PC out and on its side at the moment as i'm prepping to put in a new videocard and hopefully processor.. as i wasn't the one who originally built the computer, im not entirely sure how to go about extracting the current processor.. any hints?

i expect anyone willing to generously take their valuable time in helping me may require more information... im ready to supply this on command.

thanks!

[jlreich]

Welcome. :)

First this question (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=72678) could have been asked in the same thread. Perhaps one of the mods will merge the threads to make it easier?

We need to know the make/model of your motherboard to see what CPU's it supports. For the video card we need to know make/model of power supply you have to make sure it will support powering a chosen video card.

What games do you play and intend to play?

Also your total budget for both CPU and video card upgrade?

How much ram do you have? What operating system?

i'm guessing i have two of them (?) as under the system information panel of my gfx card it lists processor 0: and processor 1: (both of them being the identical e6750)..
It is a dual core CPU. Yes, it is two CPU's but one physical CPU package that has two CPU cores inside. Similarly there are quad-core and the upcoming 6-core CPU's that are one package but have 4-6 cores in them respectively.

[rahfulz]

Thanks for the reply, I can tell already tell you're very knowledgeable on this subject and look forward to your discussions :)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139001 - Power Supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098 - Memory (I have 4 of these)

Motherboard ID: 06/11/2007-P35-ICH9-6A79OG07C-00
Motherboard Name: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128050


Windows XP Professional

I have a trial version of EVEREST which i've used in the past to retrieve information for instances such as this.. i can pull up more given instruction to do so.

I would best prefer to spend under $400.

I'm sure some of you have noticed the sale that Steam is having on games this holiday season.. I've bought almost 40 - thus the realization I need some upgrading. Here are some examples of games I will be playing: Batman: Arkham Asylum, Empire: Total War, Red Faction: Guerrilla, Crysis... As it stand now, I can play these games.. just not with what I would consider ideal performance though..

Thanks!

[jlreich]

You power supply is good quality but a little on the skinny side for a CPU and video card upgrade at only 520W. I would like to see you with this 650W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005) but the 750W version (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006) is only $11 more. If those are not in your budget you could go for this 700W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341019). I wouldn't rate it as high quality as Corsair but it is good and will work on a budget. I actually bought this last week for my daughters core upgrade, but she isn't a big gamer and doesn't need a beefy video card, and my budget was pretty tight.

Q9400 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115131). You will most likely need to flash your BIOS to the latest version for just about any CPU upgrade in order to get proper support for the new CPU, but check your current BIOS version first, no reason to do it if it is already at an acceptable version. You can find the Fxx level when you first boot the system up in the left corner not at but near the top of the screen. I would do this before you upgrade to the new CPU. To flash your BIOS I need to know what revision your board is. If you open your case the revision number should be on the lower left side of the motherboard right by the screw hole. It should say rev 1.0, 2.0, or 2.1. Once I know your revision I can link you to the proper webpage.

HIS 4870 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161292)

Even with the cheaper power supply that puts you over budget. Look the parts over and let me know what you think. If it is just going to be too much we can look at a couple other options. :)

[rahfulz]

i did end up going over my budget a little as I got the Q9550 and GeForce GTS 250.. I'm guessing this will demand, even more, a newer PSU which I will look into in the near future.. however, I have another concern that you may be able to assist me with, which i've stated in a new thread: http://www.pcguide.com/vb/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=8

[jlreich]

The GTS has a considerably lower power requirement compared to the 4870 I recommended, but I would still like to see a 650W power supply. The 9550 is what I would have liked to recommend to you but it was not in your original budget.

It is what it is since you already bought this stuff, but since gaming was the reason for the upgrade you would have been better off getting the better video card and a lesser CPU. But if you are happy with your purchase then it doesn't really matter. :)