Removing Bottleneck From GPU

[spikoman69]

I cheaped out alot on the processor when I built this rig. Right now i pull about a 10k even in 3dmark06 with everything overclocked to the max. I definately know that the GPU is being bottlenecked, because I have seen several benchmarks with it pulling 11.5k stock on a non overclocked system. Would upgrading to a 6400+ x2, or even a 6000+ x2, overclocking it, pull the bottleneck off the gpu? Havent seen any benchmark around with any of those 2 processors and an 8800gs, but ive seen on ORB someone with a 6400+ and an 8800gt getting a 14k 3dmark06, and the 8800gs is slightly lower in performence then the 8800gt, so according to that, unbottlenecked I could probably get it up to atleast a 13k 3dmark06 with everything overclocked to the max.

Any input? Would it be worth it to spend ~120 on a processor upgrade? Or should i just wait and save up a few more bucks and buy a new motherboard and buy a q6600?

 

[veg1992]

How about a 5000+ Black Edition @ 3.2ghz (it hits there by increasing the multiplier just once) [reuse the AF7]

 

[spikoman69]

6400+ runs at 3.2 stock. Could probably get it up to 3.5 with some good cooling and decent ram. Also, the 6000 and 6400 are windsor cores, and i believe they have more cache.

Edit - 6000+ AND 6400+ have 2x1mb l2 cache, well most other athlon x2s only have 2x512kb.

 

[veg1992]

They also run hotter and consume more power

Cache isn't that vital when it comes to gaming

 

[spikoman69]

Well, Power consumption isnt really an issue with me. As for heat, I know it will run hotter, but I can only get the 5000+ black up to about 3.3ghz max, and I could possibly get a 6400+ to 3.5, or the 6000+ to 3.4ghz, all well producing nearly the same amount of heat.

 

[veg1992]

Actually 6000+ don't have that much overclocking headroom... even with Water Cooling Apokalipse had a bit of a time getting past 3.5ghz of the original 3.0ghz

 

[spikoman69]

Does he has the 89w version? or the 125w? I take it the 89w produces less heat? Also, its only 8 dollars more on the egg. Otherwise, what about a higher speed 5000, such as a 5600+?

 

[veg1992]

I think he got the first one that came out (the 125w TDP one).

But erm check the 5800+, its pretty new (1mb cache total though).

Check out the Opteron Santa Ana's but they are 90nm. However they have a lot of OC'ing headroom.

 

[spikoman69]

I guess it is new, I havent seen it yet. Runs at same speed at 6000+, less L2 cache, but its 65nm, which is good, and 89w and cheaper. I think about that one definately.

 

[Puddle Jumper]

Were did you see a 8800gs pulling 11.5k without overclocking? That would put it above a stock E7200 and HD4850.

What temps are your 8800gs getting at 720mhz?