Upgrading my pc

[Longstreet]

So i finally decided to jump on the bandwagon that seems to be forming around here and ask you guys for some advice on what to upgrade on my PC. Since yall seem to know what you are talking about. I am mainly thinking about my Graphics card, but i don't know if ill run into (compatibility) problems with that.

I'll give a heads up here and say i know fuck all bout computers and their components. A "PC upgrading for dummies" book would probably be to complicated for me.

So let's see the specs.

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit SP1
CPU: Intel Core i5 750 @ 2.67GHz Lynnfield 45nm Technology
RAM: 4,00GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 669MHz (9-9-9-24)
Motherboard: ASUSTeK Computer INC. P7H55-M (LGA1156)
Graphics: S22B350 (1920x1080@59Hz)1024MB ATI Radeon HD 5570 (Sapphire/PCPartner)
Hard Drives: 932GB Western Digital WDC WD10EARS-00Y5B1 ATA Device (SATA)
Optical Drives: DTSOFT Virtual CdRom Device TSSTcorp CDDVDW SH-S223C ATA Device

As you might see, this is basically just a ctrl c + v from speccy. Should i miss anything. Let me know. Please also meantion where to find that information, otherwise i might not be able to provide it.

Like i stated, i am mainly focused on updating my graphics card. But then, what is better, ATI Radeon or a GeForce. I remember reading something about the ATI being better for gaming and the GeForce for two or more monitors, that true?

Also, i heard somewhere that with a new graphics card, i might need to reinstall windows. A yes or no on that would be appreciated.

Finally, i mentioned this in another thread, my CPU usually gets around 97 degrees C. Since even i can tell you that is in the "oh fuck" territory should i be thinking about a new cooler as well?

Any other advice you might have for me, or any at all, would be greatly appreciated.

PS. I plan on getting the upgraded component, and then let someone install it for me. Ain't gonna screw around with it myself.

Oh and as an added bonus, let's not forget a budget shall we. I was thinking about 400 euro's. That should cover it. Of course that is under the assumption that i won't need another update of said component for another couple of years.

 

[AWAR]

-snip

1)ATI vs Nvidia: The eternal battle.. Basically both are pretty close performance wise, let the fanboys argue about which one is better. I personally prefer Nvidia because of the better driver support, less wattage and better reliability. That being said AMD/ATI are better for multiple monitors (Eyefinity).

2) No, a new graphics card doesn't require a new windows installation. You might want to uninstall your previous card's drivers before installing the card to avoid any conflicts

3) 97 degrees is dangerously high. Are you sure it's in Celsius? Open your case and see if your CPU fan is working ok. If you need a new cooler I suggest the Coolermaster Hyper TX3.

As far as the actual upgrade goes I'd suggest a GTX 660 or a 660ti for now. If you save some more money you should consider a new processor plus motherboard as well.

 

[Longstreet]

Snipe part deaux

Thanks for the reply mate!

Anyway, since i am going to assume here that you know your stuff, the whole better driver support / less wattage and better reliability convinced me to go for Nvidea. Also since i only got one monitor that seems to be an easy choice.

Thanks for clearing that second part up, like i said, i am gonna let a professional install it, so it should all work out fine.

Yes i am certain it is in celsius. Gonna open up my case. I think it might be an airflow problem. My PC is on a small tray bout 4 fingers off the ground, right next to my closet and bout a fist off the wall for the cables.

Should i get a new cooler. Have you ever heard of the CPU Cooler DeepCool GammaXX 300? And is it any good?

Also on the cooler, if you want to install it yourself is it as simple as put wire#1 in one slot and wire #2 in the other. Or do i have to start soldering stuff together?

For the acctuall upgrade i was thinking about the GT680 in a few months time. The GT690 should be out soon, so the price will probably drop a bit. Then i can live off that for a few years.

Thanks for all the other advice though, i'll consider it.

 

[AWAR]

-snip

Installing a CPU cooler can be a bit tricky for the inexperienced, however there are plenty of video guides in the youtubes. The DeepCool you mentioned looks the same as the much popular hyper 212 evo. Installation can be a little bit trickier for those because of the backplate mounts. You don't really need crazy coolers if you are not overclocking, the hyper tx3 will do just fine.

Before actually buying one you should find out what's wrong with your current setup. Not sure what you have going on (what with the small tray e.t.c.) but you should remove the dust with a compressed air spray and manage your cables for better airflow.

I would advice against a GTX 680 as it will be bottle-necked by your weaker CPU. Also the 680 is strictly an "enthusiast" model, meaning that it will not be of much use to you if you are not into overclocking or playing at extremely high resolutions. A 660ti is a slightly underclocked gtx 670 and it will do just as well for gaming.

 

[Longstreet]

snip

Well, guess i'll let someone install that CPU fan as well. Should i get it. I'll be checking the dust collection out first and remove that, see if that improves the temp.

The deepblue cooler is actually cheaper than the hyper (gotta love sales) so if it's about the same i'll potentially be rolling with that.

Since i'll be running into compatibility problems that i was worried about with the 680. I'll take a look at that 660ti.

 

[Longstreet]

Snip

First off thanks for all the help so far.

Second, cleaned out my case just now, the term "dusty" would be a severe understatement. A clean freak would probably die of an heart attack if he saw it. CPU is between 35 and 45 now.

One final question though, then i'll get off your back. I promise

If the GTX660ti is just and underclocked 670 (and with what i understand about clocking, higher is better. Hence why they overclock if they can) Wouldn't a 670 be a better choice. I assume it would last longer than the 660ti, ie being able to play games at a higher setting, untill it gets outdated. Even though it is a bit more expensive.

Or would i run into compatibility/bottle-neck problems with my CPU just as i would with the 680.

 

[AWAR]

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I'm just recommending what is best for your system, the price difference between those two cards is about 100$ and the performance difference isn't worth it. That being said, the 660ti will already be slightly bottlenecked by your CPU so you should consider something better than that only if you are getting a more substantial update. It's worth noting that someone with a similar setup experienced problems with the 670.

Sure you can get a 680 but most of it's performance will never be utilized in this particular setup with 1080p resolutions. The 660ti is a nice card but I'm leaning more towards the 660 for your system.

What you should be pay attention to is your Power Supply Unit. I forgot to bring that up before but it's important to have a decent one when getting upgrades. You can check it out by opening your case and searching it's markings. You generally want at least a 500w PSU by a reputable brand if you are getting the 660ti.