Upgrading Time for my PC

Elvenshae · May 2010

So, I'm thinking about upgrading my computer, probably starting with my video cards and adding some additional memory. However, I think I might also be bottlenecked on the processor, and wanted to get some imput before I went all crazy.

Base stats:

AMD Phenom 9600 Quad Core @ 2.3GHz
ASUS M2N-SLI motherboard
3,326MB RAM
2 Nvidia 8800 GTs in SLI mode (512MB each, 1GB total video memory)
2 500GB hard drives
1k powersupply (likely overgunned, but I wanted to be clear to upgrade later; plus, it was on sale, so ...)

DxDiag (minus the last sections), just in case it's interesting or helpful:

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 5/20/2010, 22:00:33
       Machine name: PATRICK-PC
   Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6000) (6000.vista_gdr.100218-0019)
           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: System manufacturer
       System Model: System Product Name
               BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
          Processor: AMD Phenom(tm) 9600 Quad-Core Processor (4 CPUs), ~2.3GHz
             Memory: 3326MB RAM
          Page File: 1852MB used, 4977MB available
        Windows Dir: C:\Windows
    DirectX Version: DirectX 10
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
     DxDiag Version: 6.00.6000.16386 64bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
      Display Tab 1: No problems found.
        Sound Tab 1: The file ctaud2k.sys is not digitally signed, which means that it has not been tested by Microsoft's Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL).  You may be able to get a WHQL logo'd driver from the hardware manufacturer.
        Sound Tab 2: No problems found.
          Input Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D:    0/4 (retail)
DirectDraw:  0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (retail)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (retail)
DirectPlay:  0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow:  0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
        Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT
     Manufacturer: NVIDIA
        Chip type: GeForce 8800 GT
         DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
       Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0611&SUBSYS_053C10DE&REV_A2
   Display Memory: 1904 MB
 Dedicated Memory: 497 MB
    Shared Memory: 1407 MB
     Current Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (60Hz)
          Monitor: Generic PnP Monitor
      Driver Name: nvd3dumx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvd3dum,nvwgf2um,nvwgf2um
   Driver Version: 8.17.0011.9745 (English)
      DDI Version: 9Ex
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
 Driver Date/Size: 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 11906664 bytes
      WHQL Logo'd: Yes
  WHQL Date Stamp: 
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-4551-11CF-7F55-37251CC2C535}
        Vendor ID: 0x10DE
        Device ID: 0x0611
        SubSys ID: 0x053C10DE
      Revision ID: 0x00A2
      Revision ID: 0x00A2
      Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_C ModeVC1_C ModeWMV9_C 
 Deinterlace Caps: [Redacted
     DDraw Status: Enabled
       D3D Status: Enabled
       AGP Status: Enabled

-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
            Description: Speakers (Creative SB X-Fi)
 Default Sound Playback: Yes
 Default Voice Playback: Yes
            Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0005&SUBSYS_00311102&REV_00
        Manufacturer ID: 1
             Product ID: 100
                   Type: WDM
            Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
         Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1373 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
            WHQL Logo'd: No
          Date and Size: 6/4/2009 02:49:08, 684312 bytes
            Other Files: 
        Driver Provider: Creative
         HW Accel Level: Basic
              Cap Flags: 0xF1F
    Min/Max Sample Rate: 100, 200000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 1, 0
 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
              HW Memory: 0
       Voice Management: No
 EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No

            Description: SPDIF Out (Creative SB X-Fi)
 Default Sound Playback: No
 Default Voice Playback: No
            Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0005&SUBSYS_00311102&REV_00
        Manufacturer ID: 
             Product ID: 
                   Type: WDM
            Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
         Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1373 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
            WHQL Logo'd: n/a
          Date and Size: 6/4/2009 02:49:08, 684312 bytes
            Other Files: 
        Driver Provider: Creative
         HW Accel Level: Basic
              Cap Flags: 0x0
    Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0
 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
              HW Memory: 0
       Voice Management: No
 EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No

---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
            Description: Microphone (Creative SB X-Fi)
  Default Sound Capture: Yes
  Default Voice Capture: Yes
            Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
         Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1373 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
          Date and Size: 6/4/2009 02:49:08, 684312 bytes
              Cap Flags: 0x1
           Format Flags: 0xFFFFF

            Description: Auxiliary (Creative SB X-Fi)
  Default Sound Capture: No
  Default Voice Capture: No
            Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
         Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1373 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
          Date and Size: 6/4/2009 02:49:08, 684312 bytes
              Cap Flags: 0x1
           Format Flags: 0xFFFFF

            Description: "What U Hear" (Creative SB X-Fi)
  Default Sound Capture: No
  Default Voice Capture: No
            Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
         Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1373 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
          Date and Size: 6/4/2009 02:49:08, 684312 bytes
              Cap Flags: 0x1
           Format Flags: 0xFFFFF

            Description: Line-In (Creative SB X-Fi)
  Default Sound Capture: No
  Default Voice Capture: No
            Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys
         Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1373 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
          Date and Size: 6/4/2009 02:49:08, 684312 bytes
              Cap Flags: 0x1
           Format Flags: 0xFFFFF

-------------------
DirectInput Devices
-------------------
      Device Name: Mouse
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: Keyboard
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: Logitech Extreme 3D
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC215
        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: G15 Gaming Keyboard
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC226
        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: G15 Gaming Keyboard
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC226
        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: G15 GamePanel LCD
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC227
        FF Driver: n/a

Poll w/ Interrupt: No

-----------
USB Devices
-----------
+ USB Root Hub
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x10DE, 0x005A
| Matching Device ID: usb\root_hub
| Service: usbhub
| Driver: usbhub.sys, 5/20/2010 03:28:53, 267264 bytes
| Driver: usbd.sys, 5/20/2010 03:28:54, 7552 bytes
| 
+-+ Generic USB Hub
| | Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC223
| | Location: Port_#0002.Hub_#0001
| | Matching Device ID: usb\class_09
| | Service: usbhub
| | Driver: usbhub.sys, 5/20/2010 03:28:53, 267264 bytes
| | 
| +-+ USB Human Interface Device
| | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC215
| | | Location: Port_#0002.Hub_#0003
| | | Matching Device ID: usb\class_03
| | | Service: HidUsb
| | | Driver: hidusb.sys, 11/2/2006 05:43:36, 15872 bytes
| | | Driver: hidclass.sys, 11/2/2006 05:43:36, 48640 bytes
| | | Driver: hidparse.sys, 11/2/2006 05:43:35, 31616 bytes
| | | 
| | +-+ HID-compliant game controller
| | | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC215
| | | | Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_game
| | | 
| +-+ USB Human Interface Device
| | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC227
| | | Location: Port_#0004.Hub_#0003
| | | Matching Device ID: usb\class_03
| | | Service: HidUsb
| | | Driver: hidusb.sys, 11/2/2006 05:43:36, 15872 bytes
| | | Driver: hidclass.sys, 11/2/2006 05:43:36, 48640 bytes
| | | Driver: hidparse.sys, 11/2/2006 05:43:35, 31616 bytes
| | | 
| | +-+ HID-compliant device
| | | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC227
| | | | Matching Device ID: hid_device
| | | | 
| | +-+ HID Keyboard Device
| | | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC227
| | | | Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_keyboard
| | | | Service: kbdhid
| | | | Driver: kbdhid.sys, 5/20/2010 05:23:46, 20480 bytes
| | | | Driver: kbdclass.sys, 5/20/2010 05:23:46, 42040 bytes
| | 
+-+ USB Human Interface Device
| | Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC051
| | Location: Port_#0001.Hub_#0001
| | Matching Device ID: usb\class_03&subclass_01
| | Service: HidUsb
| | Driver: hidusb.sys, 11/2/2006 05:43:36, 15872 bytes
| | Driver: hidclass.sys, 11/2/2006 05:43:36, 48640 bytes
| | Driver: hidparse.sys, 11/2/2006 05:43:35, 31616 bytes
| | 
| +-+ HID-compliant mouse
| | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC051
| | | Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_mouse
| | | Service: mouhid
| | | Driver: mouhid.sys, 5/20/2010 05:23:47, 19968 bytes
| | | Driver: mouclass.sys, 5/20/2010 05:23:47, 39992 bytes

----------------
Gameport Devices
----------------

------------
PS/2 Devices
------------
+ HID Keyboard Device
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC226
| Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_keyboard
| Service: kbdhid
| Driver: kbdhid.sys, 5/20/2010 05:23:46, 20480 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 5/20/2010 05:23:46, 42040 bytes
| 
+ HID Keyboard Device
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC232
| Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_keyboard
| Service: kbdhid
| Driver: kbdhid.sys, 5/20/2010 05:23:46, 20480 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 5/20/2010 05:23:46, 42040 bytes
| 
+ Terminal Server Keyboard Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_kbd
| Upper Filters: kbdclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: i8042prt.sys, 5/20/2010 05:23:46, 64512 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 5/20/2010 05:23:46, 42040 bytes
| 
+ HID-compliant mouse
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC231
| Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_mouse
| Service: mouhid
| Driver: mouhid.sys, 5/20/2010 05:23:47, 19968 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 5/20/2010 05:23:47, 39992 bytes
| 
+ Terminal Server Mouse Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_mou
| Upper Filters: mouclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: termdd.sys, 11/2/2006 08:03:15, 60008 bytes
| Driver: sermouse.sys, 5/20/2010 05:23:47, 26624 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 5/20/2010 05:23:47, 39992 bytes

------------------------
Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives
------------------------
      Drive: C:
 Free Space: 231.6 GB
Total Space: 476.9 GB
File System: NTFS
      Model: WDC WD5000AAKS-00YGA0 ATA Device

      Drive: J:
 Free Space: 257.9 GB
Total Space: 476.9 GB
File System: NTFS
      Model: WDC WD5000AAKS-00YGA0 ATA Device

      Drive: D:
      Model: HL-DT-ST DVD-RAM GSA-H55N ATA Device
     Driver: c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, 6.00.6000.16386 (English), 11/2/2006 05:38:24, 79872 bytes

      Drive: E:
      Model: HL-DT-ST DVD-ROM GDR-H30N ATA Device
     Driver: c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, 6.00.6000.16386 (English), 11/2/2006 05:38:24, 79872 bytes

--------------
System Devices
--------------
     Name: Gigabyte GN-WP01GS PCI WLAN Card(Turbo)
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1814&DEV_0301&SUBSYS_E9341458&REV_00\4&15B9AB7D&0&3048
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\netr6164.sys, 2.01.0005.0000 (English), 6/10/2009 06:38:32, 393216 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\RaCoInstx.dll, 1.00.0006.0001 (English), 6/10/2009 06:35:52, 303616 bytes

     Name: VIA OHCI Compliant IEEE 1394 Host Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3044&SUBSYS_81FE1043&REV_C0\4&15B9AB7D&0&0848
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\ohci1394.sys, 6.00.6000.16386 (English), 11/2/2006 05:43:56, 72192 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\1394bus.sys, 6.00.6000.16386 (English), 11/2/2006 05:43:52, 65024 bytes

     Name: Creative SB X-Fi
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0005&SUBSYS_00311102&REV_00\4&15B9AB7D&0&3848
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\ctac32k.sys, 6.00.0001.1361 (English), 6/4/2009 02:49:00, 580632 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\ctaud2k.sys, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 02:49:08, 684312 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\ctoss2k.sys, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 02:49:18, 179224 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\ctprxy2k.sys, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 02:49:26, 15896 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\ctsfm2k.sys, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 02:49:34, 213016 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\emupia2k.sys, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 02:49:42, 118296 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\ha20x2k.sys, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 02:49:58, 1561112 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\pfmodnt.sys, 3.00.0000.0012 (English), 6/4/2009 02:50:06, 16408 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\CTEXFIFX.sys, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 02:48:50, 1417240 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\CT20XUT.sys, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 02:48:30, 202776 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\CTHWIUT.sys, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 02:48:38, 94744 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\ctdlang.dat, 6/4/2009 00:40:44, 321512 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\ctdnlstr.dat, 6/4/2009 00:40:44, 56509 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\CtxfiRes.dll, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 00:55:20, 2560 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\ctzapxx.ini, 6/4/2009 01:37:06, 54 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\instwdm.ini, 6/4/2009 01:37:08, 21093 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\CT1MGM.ROM, 2/25/2000 00:49:36, 1048576 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\CT2MGM.SF2, 9/22/1999 23:18:38, 2167684 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\default4.sfm, 1/3/2002 03:44:16, 59 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\default8.sfm, 1/3/2002 03:44:16, 59 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\default.sfm, 1/3/2002 03:44:16, 59 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\Temp\ctpxst32.exe, 1.01.0000.0059 (English), , 0 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\Temp\cttele32.dll, 1.00.0011.0000 (English), , 0 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\Temp\ctpxst64.exe, 1.01.0009.0059 (English), , 0 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\Temp\cttele64.dll, 1.00.0011.0000 (English), , 0 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\regplib.exe, 6/4/2009 01:57:18, 18432 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\ctpxst64.exe, 1.01.0009.0059 (English), 3/13/2007 10:33:30, 99064 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\sfman32.dll, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 00:36:36, 10240 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\sfms32.dll, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 00:36:36, 113152 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\cts20x.dat, 6/4/2009 00:33:10, 2091 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\ctd20x.dat, 6/4/2009 00:33:10, 26919 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTP0460W.DAT, 6/4/2009 00:36:00, 275836 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTP0466W.DAT, 6/4/2009 00:36:00, 275836 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTP0463W.DAT, 6/4/2009 00:36:02, 276282 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTP0550W.DAT, 6/4/2009 00:36:02, 276094 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTP0678W.DAT, 6/4/2009 00:36:08, 357983 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTP0679W.DAT, 6/4/2009 00:36:00, 357983 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTP0464W.DAT, 6/4/2009 00:36:02, 275836 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTP0468W.DAT, 6/4/2009 00:36:02, 275836 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTP0465W.DAT, 6/4/2009 00:36:02, 275836 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTP0469W.DAT, 6/4/2009 00:36:02, 275836 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTP0730W.DAT, 6/4/2009 00:36:04, 277688 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTP0760W.DAT, 6/4/2009 00:36:04, 275257 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTP046AW.DAT, 6/4/2009 00:36:04, 275508 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTP046BW.DAT, 6/4/2009 00:36:04, 275508 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTP046CW.DAT, 6/4/2009 00:36:04, 275508 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTP0462W.DAT, 6/4/2009 00:36:06, 275836 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTP055AW.DAT, 6/4/2009 00:36:04, 275766 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTP073AW.DAT, 6/4/2009 00:36:06, 277688 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTXFIGM.RFX, 7/27/2006 22:31:44, 41320 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTXFIEM.RFX, 7/27/2006 22:31:42, 41788 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTXFICM.RFX, 7/27/2006 22:31:40, 41624 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\data\CTXFICBM.RFX, 6/22/2005 18:58:50, 7352 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\SBXFi.ico, 2/7/2005 05:45:22, 766 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\XFi.bmp, 2/7/2005 05:45:22, 3128 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\ctcoinst.dll, 3.09.0002.0047 (English), 6/4/2009 02:20:18, 73728 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\ctdvinst.dll, 0.05.0009.0047 (English), 6/4/2009 02:20:18, 217088 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\UDAAPO64.dll, 1.00.0008.0000 (English), 5/12/2009 12:25:32, 651776 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\UDAPLD64.dll, 1.00.0008.0000 (English), 5/12/2009 12:25:54, 57856 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ctdlang.dat, 6/4/2009 00:40:44, 321512 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ctdnlstr.dat, 6/4/2009 00:40:44, 56509 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\CtxfiRes.dll, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 00:55:20, 2560 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ctzapxx.ini, 6/4/2009 01:37:06, 54 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\instwdm.ini, 6/4/2009 01:37:08, 21093 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\CT1MGM.ROM, 2/25/2000 00:49:36, 1048576 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\CT2MGM.SF2, 9/22/1999 23:18:38, 2167684 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\default4.sfm, 1/3/2002 03:44:16, 59 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\default8.sfm, 1/3/2002 03:44:16, 59 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\default.sfm, 1/3/2002 03:44:16, 59 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\a3d.dll, 80.00.0000.0003 (English), 6/4/2009 00:57:38, 60928 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ac3api.dll, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 00:56:36, 48640 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\eaxac3.dll, 1.01.0002.0000 (English), 7/10/2001 22:51:00, 77824 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ctosuser.dll, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 00:36:38, 74752 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ctemupia.dll, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 00:40:12, 114688 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\piaproxy.dll, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 00:36:28, 80896 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ctdproxy.dll, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 00:37:02, 61952 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\devreg.dll, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 00:31:56, 36864 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ctasio.dll, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 00:37:06, 51712 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ct_oal.dll, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 00:37:06, 193024 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\oalinst.exe, 2.00.0006.0000 (English), 4/23/2008 06:07:50, 805400 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ctpxst32.exe, 1.01.0000.0059 (English), 3/13/2007 10:32:14, 89336 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\AddCat.exe, 0.00.0000.0001 (English), 3/5/2007 01:56:52, 48400 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\UDAAPO64.UDA, 5/12/2009 18:46:58, 8886 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\CTMLFX64.UDA, 6/2/2008 11:11:28, 5530 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\UDAAIM64.exe, 2.47.0000.0000 (English), 3/26/2009 16:10:04, 600211 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\AppSetup.exe, 1.00.0018.0005 (English), 5/18/2009 14:34:30, 22691984 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\UDAAPO32.dll, 1.00.0008.0000 (English), 5/12/2009 12:24:44, 511488 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\CTxfiBtn.dll, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 00:55:20, 41472 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\CTxfiSpk.dll, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 00:55:18, 39424 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\Ct20xspi.dll, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 00:50:04, 15360 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\CTxfispi.exe, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 00:49:56, 1213440 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\Ctxfihlp.exe, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 00:55:16, 25600 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\CTxfiReg.exe, 6.00.0001.1373 (English), 6/4/2009 00:50:08, 47104 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\enlocstr.exe, 6/4/2009 00:33:04, 7680 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\killapps.exe, 1.00.0000.0001 (English), 6/4/2009 00:32:54, 12800 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\kill.ini, 5/27/2009 09:49:00, 285 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\data\CTXFIGM.RFX, 7/27/2006 22:31:44, 41320 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\data\CTXFIEM.RFX, 7/27/2006 22:31:42, 41788 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\data\CTXFICM.RFX, 7/27/2006 22:31:40, 41624 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\data\CTXFICBM.RFX, 6/22/2005 18:58:50, 7352 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\CTMLFX64.dll, 1.00.0004.0000 (English), 6/2/2008 09:42:46, 72704 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\drmk.sys, 6.00.6000.16386 (English), 11/2/2006 06:52:47, 120832 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\portcls.sys, 6.00.6000.16386 (English), 11/2/2006 05:43:44, 221696 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\WMALFXGFXDSP.dll, 11.00.6000.6324 (English), 11/2/2006 07:19:10, 1391104 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\SysFxUI.dll, 6.00.6000.16386 (English), 11/2/2006 07:19:09, 376832 bytes

     Name: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0611&SUBSYS_053C10DE&REV_A2\4&55B9A7D&0&0068
   Driver: C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\nvmo.inf_e3480c80\NvCplSetupInt.exe, 14.00.0000.0162 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 41139960 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\nvBridge.kmd, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 11240 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\nvlddmkm.sys, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 13807976 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\OpenCL.dll, 1.00.0000.0000 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 64616 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\dpinst.exe, 2.01.0000.0000 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 930272 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvapi64.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 1592936 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvcompiler.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 16061032 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvcuda.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 5444200 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvcuvenc.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 2893416 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvcuvid.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 2106472 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvd3dumx.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 11906664 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvinfo.pb, 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 9832 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvoglv64.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 21005928 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvwgf2umx.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 6279784 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\OpenCL.dll, 1.00.0000.0000 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 56424 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvapi.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 1296488 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvcompiler.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 11647592 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvcuda.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 4029544 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvcuvenc.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 2646632 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvcuvid.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 2009704 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvd3dum.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 9386600 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvoglv32.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 15227496 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvwgf2um.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 4503144 bytes
   Driver: C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\Uninstall\nvdisp.nvu, 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 22936 bytes
   Driver: C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\Uninstall\nvudisp.exe, 1.10.0059.0037 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 658536 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvcod.dll, 1.09.0014.0099 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 254056 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvcod1914.dll, 1.09.0014.0099 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 254056 bytes

     Name: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0611&SUBSYS_053C10DE&REV_A2\4&243D7BD0&0&0070
   Driver: C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\nvmo.inf_e3480c80\NvCplSetupInt.exe, 14.00.0000.0162 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 41139960 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\nvBridge.kmd, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 11240 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\nvlddmkm.sys, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 13807976 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\OpenCL.dll, 1.00.0000.0000 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 64616 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\dpinst.exe, 2.01.0000.0000 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 930272 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvapi64.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 1592936 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvcompiler.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 16061032 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvcuda.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 5444200 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvcuvenc.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 2893416 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvcuvid.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 2106472 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvd3dumx.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 11906664 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvinfo.pb, 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 9832 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvoglv64.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 21005928 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvwgf2umx.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 6279784 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\OpenCL.dll, 1.00.0000.0000 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 56424 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvapi.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 1296488 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvcompiler.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 11647592 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvcuda.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 4029544 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvcuvenc.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 2646632 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvcuvid.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 2009704 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvd3dum.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 9386600 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvoglv32.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 15227496 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvwgf2um.dll, 8.17.0011.9745 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 4503144 bytes
   Driver: C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\Uninstall\nvdisp.nvu, 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 22936 bytes
   Driver: C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\Uninstall\nvudisp.exe, 1.10.0059.0037 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 658536 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvcod.dll, 1.09.0014.0099 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 254056 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvcod1914.dll, 1.09.0014.0099 (English), 4/3/2010 22:55:32, 254056 bytes

     Name: nForce HyperTransport Bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005E&SUBSYS_815A1043&REV_A3\3&2411E6FE&0&00
   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005D&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_F3\3&2411E6FE&0&68
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.00.6000.16386 (English), 11/2/2006 07:51:14, 167016 bytes

     Name: PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005D&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_F3\3&2411E6FE&0&60
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.00.6000.16386 (English), 11/2/2006 07:51:14, 167016 bytes

     Name: PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005D&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_F3\3&2411E6FE&0&58
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.00.6000.16386 (English), 11/2/2006 07:51:14, 167016 bytes

     Name: PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005D&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A3\3&2411E6FE&0&70
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.00.6000.16386 (English), 11/2/2006 07:51:14, 167016 bytes

     Name: PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005C&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_F2\3&2411E6FE&0&48
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.00.6000.16386 (English), 11/2/2006 07:51:14, 167016 bytes

     Name: Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005B&SUBSYS_815A1043&REV_A3\3&2411E6FE&0&11
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbehci.sys, 6.00.6000.16553 (English), 5/20/2010 03:28:54, 48128 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbport.sys, 6.00.6000.16553 (English), 5/20/2010 03:28:53, 258048 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbhub.sys, 6.00.6000.16553 (English), 5/20/2010 03:28:53, 267264 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\hccoin.dll, 6.00.6000.16553 (English), 5/20/2010 03:28:54, 10752 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\hcrstco.dll, 6.00.6000.16553 (English), 5/20/2010 03:28:54, 10240 bytes

     Name: Standard OpenHCD USB Host Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005A&SUBSYS_815A1043&REV_A2\3&2411E6FE&0&10
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbohci.sys, 6.00.6000.16553 (English), 5/20/2010 03:28:54, 24064 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbport.sys, 6.00.6000.16553 (English), 5/20/2010 03:28:53, 258048 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbhub.sys, 6.00.6000.16553 (English), 5/20/2010 03:28:53, 267264 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\hcrstco.dll, 6.00.6000.16553 (English), 5/20/2010 03:28:54, 10240 bytes

     Name: NVIDIA nForce Networking Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0057&SUBSYS_812A1043&REV_F3\3&2411E6FE&0&50
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\nvmfdx64.sys, 1.00.0001.6574 (English), 5/3/2007 06:29:10, 1487784 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\fdco1.dll, 1.00.0000.6574 (English), 5/3/2007 05:37:14, 203264 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvconrm.dll, 1.00.0000.0035 (English), 4/30/2007 20:11:50, 44544 bytes

     Name: Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0055&SUBSYS_815A1043&REV_F3\3&2411E6FE&0&40
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pciide.sys, 6.00.6000.16632 (English), 5/20/2010 03:11:40, 15928 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pciidex.sys, 6.00.6000.16632 (English), 5/20/2010 03:11:40, 51256 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\atapi.sys, 6.00.6000.16632 (English), 5/20/2010 03:11:41, 22584 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\ataport.sys, 6.00.6000.16632 (English), 5/20/2010 03:11:40, 123960 bytes

     Name: Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0054&SUBSYS_815A1043&REV_F3\3&2411E6FE&0&38
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pciide.sys, 6.00.6000.16632 (English), 5/20/2010 03:11:40, 15928 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pciidex.sys, 6.00.6000.16632 (English), 5/20/2010 03:11:40, 51256 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\atapi.sys, 6.00.6000.16632 (English), 5/20/2010 03:11:41, 22584 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\ataport.sys, 6.00.6000.16632 (English), 5/20/2010 03:11:40, 123960 bytes

     Name: Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0053&SUBSYS_815A1043&REV_F2\3&2411E6FE&0&30
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pciide.sys, 6.00.6000.16632 (English), 5/20/2010 03:11:40, 15928 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pciidex.sys, 6.00.6000.16632 (English), 5/20/2010 03:11:40, 51256 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\atapi.sys, 6.00.6000.16632 (English), 5/20/2010 03:11:41, 22584 bytes
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\ataport.sys, 6.00.6000.16632 (English), 5/20/2010 03:11:40, 123960 bytes

     Name: NVIDIA nForce System Management
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0052&SUBSYS_815A1043&REV_A2\3&2411E6FE&0&09
   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard ISA bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0050&SUBSYS_815A1043&REV_F3\3&2411E6FE&0&08
   Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\msisadrv.sys, 6.00.6000.16386 (English), 11/2/2006 08:00:21, 15464 bytes

So, like I said, I'm thinking of starting with my video cards and memory. I've done the memory upgrade thing before, so that's not a big issue - going to 8GB.

With the video cards, though, their past performance has been good, but they seem to be falling behind the power curve.

Ferinstance, I have trouble cranking Borderlands to max settings (which surprises me, actually), and have to drop it pretty substantially to get stable, acceptable framerates.

Similarly, in X3:TC, I've got to turn down the AA to off, let alone the anisotropic filtering, to keep things running smoothly (even though I can otherwise get it running alright in my native desktop resolution of 1680x1050).

I've got a couple hundred dollars to spend ex-memory, so how would y'all recommend I spend it?

Thanks for your help!

lowlylowlycook · May 2010

Are you only worried about gaming performance?

Elvenshae · May 2010

lowlylowlycook wrote: »

Are you only worried about gaming performance?

Largely.

I've never had any issues with the work / spreadsheets side of things (though the 4 cores do help with some Excel / Access based models I run for work from time to time), and I don't really do all that much heavy lifting in graphics programs (though I do use GIMP extensively and am teaching myself 3d modeling and animation, but I'm definitely at the interested hobbyist level there).

lowlylowlycook · May 2010

Well, 8 gigs or RAM won't help your gaming experience since almost no games are 64 bit aps. And the extra $100 or so might come in handy since a good CPU and video card might come to, say, $300 combined.

[edit]

I couldn't find that exact board on Asus's website. You'll want to find out exactly which CPUs are compatible. The latest AM3 chips should work in an AM2 board but the details depend on the BIOS and maybe how much power the MB can deliver.

Stormwatcher · May 2010

I would put a 3GHz CPU there, too. Helps a lot with games that only see one or 2 cores.

Elvenshae · May 2010

lowlylowlycook wrote: »

Well, 8 gigs or RAM won't help your gaming experience since almost no games are 64 bit aps. And the extra $100 or so might come in handy since a good CPU and video card might come to, say, $300 combined.

The $300 combined ex-memory is within my price range - I could even go another couple hundred beyond that.

X3:TC is (or, at least, can currently be made to be and will be in the future) a large address-aware game - and there's a couple others coming down the pipe that should work similarly. Plus, the memory upgrade was pretty cheap, and it will help with work stuff.

I couldn't find that exact board on Asus's website. You'll want to find out exactly which CPUs are compatible. The latest AM3 chips should work in an AM2 board but the details depend on the BIOS and maybe how much power the MB can deliver.

The board is located here: Asus M2N-SLI MoBo

The best chip it looks like it supports, based on the list on the Asus website, is this one: AMD Phenom II X4 945, @ 3GHz

CPU replacement is actually one of the upgrade steps I've never done on my own. Presumably, it's also the most challenging and easiest to mess up.

Thanks, all, for your help so far.

Stormwatcher · May 2010

well, Heat Sink attachment aside (it's always a fucking hassle), swapping CPUs is the single easiest thing you can do inside a PC. You lift the lever, gently put down the CPU over the socket with the pins aligned (it's very easy to see what's the right alignment) to the holes, lower the lever. There is NO force in any part of the process, unlike RAM sticks.

Messing with the various heatsink attachment systems is much more complicated.

Elvenshae · May 2010

Stormwatcher wrote: »

well, Heat Sink attachment aside (it's always a fucking hassle), swapping CPUs is the single easiest thing you can do inside a PC. You lift the lever, gently put down the CPU over the socket with the pins aligned (it's very easy to see what's the right alignment) to the holes, lower the lever. There is NO force in any part of the process, unlike RAM sticks.

Messing with the various heatsink attachment systems is much more complicated.

So, I'm going to pick up the 3.0GHz CPU.

Having never replaced a CPU, what other things do I need to buy in order to be able to do this myself?

E.g., I should be able to reuse my old heatsink / use the one in the box, but do I need to buy thermal compound, etc.?

Total newbie at this part. There's probably a good guide somewhere around here, huh?

Also, looking at nVidia cards - I like PhysX acceleration, and I'm happy with my current cards' performance (but am, obviously, looking to upgrade them). The Computer Build thread isn't too happy about them, though, and I've never been able to figure out video card naming schemes.

Thoughts?

Stormwatcher · May 2010

Well, if you have the heatsink figured, then the cpu itself is ridiculously easy, as I mentioned previously.
Assuming that the new CPU is the same socket type as the previous one, then after removing the HS you just lift the little lever, take the cpu off the socket then put the new one (very gently) and lower the lever. After that, apply thermal paste and reattach the HS.

Once again: There is ZERO force involved in removing the old CPU and installing the new one. It's called a Zero Insertion Force socket for a reason.

Just pay attention to the triangular notch in both the socket and the CPU:

(that's actually 2 cpus, but it's not very different. The socket is a grid of pinholes with a triangular un-holed corner, and the CPU is a grid of pins with a triangular un-pinned corner. Just match those 2 corners.)

the cpu just won't fit if it's not right. It's actually very hard to break something if you're paying the least bit of attention.

Actually, no single step in the PC building process is really complicated. It's all well designed enough that each individual task is comprised of very simple mechanical actions.

Now swapping a Motherboard and/or PSU on a working PC is freaking annoying as hell. It's not hard, but it's a LOT of work. and many stupid details like those front panel wires. I hate them.

EDIT: Well, I love my ATI Radeon HD4850, still kicking serious graphic ass after 2 years, and drivers are good. Can't say anything about Nvidia cards, I used to pick them most of the time, but the ATI 48XX series was just too amazingly good bang for buck to ignore.

Mugsley · May 2010

nVidia was having driver issues for a short while, and the ATI cards are kicking ass in the price-to-performance ratio. 5870's are even giving new nVidia cards a run for their money.

I suggest you YouTube up a few computer build vids to get an idea of what you're going to face, but really it's not too difficult to swap out a processor -- as detailed above. Make sure you update the motherboard's BIOS before swapping processors.

If you have other questions, let us know.

Penny Arcade

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