As was foretold, we've added advertisements to the forums! If you have questions, or if you encounter any bugs, please visit this thread: https://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/240191/forum-advertisement-faq-and-reports-thread/
Options
Upgrading my PC to run Diablo 3 better
TeamBelmont404
Registered User new member
Registered User new member
I'm not terribly experienced dealing with the guts of a computer other than changing RAM and just recently upgrading my GPU, so I'm a little lost trying to research a good CPU to upgrade to. So far I've figured out that an i5 or i7 is not an option without also upgrading my motherboard, which I'm not prepared to do at this point due to a limited budget and lack of experience. Baby steps!
My current system specs are as follows:
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Asus P5K-VM mobo (Socket 775)
BIOS Date: 06/07/07 20:42:24 Ver: 08.00.12
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU E4500 @ 2.20GHz
AMD Radeon HD 6750
6GB of RAM (2x2GB and 2x1GB) (I'm assuming it's DDR2 based on mobo specs)
500w PSU (I don't remember the model offhand)
Running in 1440x900 resolution
I upgraded from an AMD Radeon HD 3850 to my currently listed graphics card thinking that was holding the system back, only to realize I mis-read the recommended requirements for the CPU (Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz for Diablo 3.) The graphics are sharper now but I'm still getting single digit framerates when a lot of physics happens in multiplayer. I also have a sneaking suspicion that the Radeon HD 6750 isn't completely an upgrade from a 3850 although I have no idea in what way.
I'm open to other suggestions, but right now I have my eye on an Intel Q8300 Core 2 Quad Processor (2.5GHz.)
So what I'm wondering is this:
Asus lists a required BIOS of 0902. How does that correspond to the version number 08.00.12? Am I comparing the wrong numbers?
Do I need to consider my PSU wattage for this?
If I'm not planning on overclocking do I need to get a new fan or can I reuse my old one?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
My current system specs are as follows:
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Asus P5K-VM mobo (Socket 775)
BIOS Date: 06/07/07 20:42:24 Ver: 08.00.12
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU E4500 @ 2.20GHz
AMD Radeon HD 6750
6GB of RAM (2x2GB and 2x1GB) (I'm assuming it's DDR2 based on mobo specs)
500w PSU (I don't remember the model offhand)
Running in 1440x900 resolution
I upgraded from an AMD Radeon HD 3850 to my currently listed graphics card thinking that was holding the system back, only to realize I mis-read the recommended requirements for the CPU (Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz for Diablo 3.) The graphics are sharper now but I'm still getting single digit framerates when a lot of physics happens in multiplayer. I also have a sneaking suspicion that the Radeon HD 6750 isn't completely an upgrade from a 3850 although I have no idea in what way.
I'm open to other suggestions, but right now I have my eye on an Intel Q8300 Core 2 Quad Processor (2.5GHz.)
So what I'm wondering is this:
Asus lists a required BIOS of 0902. How does that correspond to the version number 08.00.12? Am I comparing the wrong numbers?
Do I need to consider my PSU wattage for this?
If I'm not planning on overclocking do I need to get a new fan or can I reuse my old one?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Does your pest control company have a plan for the undead? Call Team Belmont!
TeamBelmont404 on
0
Posts
I have an Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 and it runs like a champ.
First, we have a general graphics card tier list from Tom's Hardware. Their recommendation is that you not upgrade GPUs unless the new one is two tiers higher than your old one. Based on this, it appears it was time to upgrade for you, which you have done. Your upgrade was the equivalent of 5 tiers.
For actual GPU numbers, take a look at this comparison, also from Tom's Hardware:
Your card will be slightly below the 6770, which is already a champ, and you're running the game at a lower resolution. So by all reports, your GPU is fine.
This leads me to believe that your CPU is the one bringing you down.
As for your other questions, BIOS upgrades are nice, but often not necessary unless they fix a specific problem you were having. Your PSU wattage is fine, you have plenty of headroom. For slight overclocks you should be fine, as the intel fans are generally good coolers, just loud.
My main concern right now is making sure whatever CPU I get is compatible with my current setup.
The BIOS didn't come up as a concern for me until I was looking up the specifications for my motherboard here. I noticed a CPU support list and found the Q8300 on that list with the stipulation that it has been supported since BIOS 0902. Incidentally, the E7400 urahonky mentioned also calls for the same BIOS version. I want to avoid doing anything with the BIOS since I've heard it can be pretty hazardous to the motherboard. Is it better to just install the CPU and see if it works fine with the current BIOS before trying to flash it?
But, indeed, if the physics effects in Diablo III are causing major slow-downs, that is a sign that the processor isn't keeping up.
The BIOS flash was simple as pie. I personally had to download the new firmware to an empty USB, then boot into the BIOS setup screen, insert the USB stick, select EZYflash and press enter.
This warms my cold, gnarled heart.
Part of it is the perceived difficulty (which I'm realizing isn't that bad,) but mostly it's the budget. My original budget was spent on the graphics card, and now the CPU that I get is going to be a birthday present. Asking for a mobo on top of that would be too much, not to mention I would possibly have to replace my DDR2 RAM with DDR3. I will have to make do with just this one thing until I have more disposable income.
It's a relief to know that's all it takes.
Be careful that it doesn't overheat! That could be unhealthy.
Thanks again to everyone for the info, you've been a great help! I think that covers all the questions and concerns that I had, at least until I get down to actually installing the CPU.
It's technically free since it's a birthday present, which works because free is the only thing in my budget for now. I've already picked it out and asked for it at this point, so there's that too.
Next time I upgrade I'm going to save my money to build a new system from the ground up. I'll still have this current system as a secondary, which will be that much better for the CPU I'm going to be putting into it soon. That way I'll have two complete systems, whereas if I upgrade the mobo and cpu right now and salvage the rest of the parts, I'll have a better system sooner but only one that's complete. This would prevent me from, for example, borrowing/giving my secondary PC to a friend so they can play a game they normally couldn't.
The closest Microcenter is an hour and a half away. Now that I'm aware of just how awesome their deals are though, I'll definitely make that trip for my next system. Thanks!
Of course, you can just get one of these, and with a decent motherboard and a nice aftermarket cooler, overclock it to somewhere around 3.3GHz (Tom's hardware has a step-by-step guide).
Excellent C2D, and more power per core means more useful in most games. I don't know if D3 gets the extra power from more than 2 cores.
XFX 780i mobo
E8400 @ 3.0ghz
2gb DDR2 RAM
8800 GT
D3 has been running pretty choppy and I'd like to upgrade my RAM, processor, mobo and video card. I'd like to future-proof myself somewhat (2-3 years) with these upgrades. In terms of budget, I'd like to spend no more than $500-600. Any ideas?
You'd probably be better off going to the general "computer build thread" at the top of the forum. Generally, the recommendation is going be an ASUS P67 mobo + i5-2500K + 8GB of DDR3, though.
I don't know who you are, but you're quite clearly trying to get these forums put under NSA surveillance.
I have some bad news for you, they already are. The old anime threads saw to that...
- Intel Celeron Dual Core E1600 @ 2.4GHz
- Intel DG41RQ Motherboard (Intel G41 chipset)
- 4GB (2x2GB) dual-channel DDR2
- XFX Geforce 8600GTS DDR3
- Antec True430 430W low-noise power supply
Again, not trying to hijack the thread, just don't want to make a new thread for this. Does anyone know if D3 would be playable on that computer and if so how well?
PSN: rlinkmanl
PSN: rlinkmanl
That one is $100. I have an old cooler master case with a better power supply I will probably transfer it into. My first upgrade would probably be the CPU. If you think you can build me a better one, I've got roughly $400 to spend on a computer right now, I'm not looking for anything amazing though, just something that is reasonably quick and can run Diablo 3 and maybe some CS: Source.
PSN: rlinkmanl
PSN: rlinkmanl