System Longevity...

[trekkie00]

So, I have a somewhat old desktop computer that I built awhile ago.

Important Stuff:
Athlon X2 4000+ (running at 2.7ghz) in this motherboard
4gb DDR2 RAM
GeForce 9800GT
550W Rosewill power supply
1920x1200 res Monitor

It'll play Crysis at..um...adequate settings, but I'm fairly sure I hear it crying if I turn up the res to 1920x1200.

I know it's not the fastest thing in the world anymore, and I'm alright with that for now - I'm just curious as to how long you all think it will be remotely competent for. Any ideas how Bioshock 2 or Mass Effect 2 will run on it?

Also, I'm fairly sure the processor is what's really limiting it, but the documentation on supported processors is fairly limited. Think I could get away with just upgrading the chip to a new AM2+ (maybe AM3?) one? Only problem with buying a new motherboard is that (AFAIK) I have to get new memory, and that's expensive now.

 

[rattleguy]

Your computer seems fine. The only thing that will be needed for change is processor. Maye check for intel i-7 serie. You'll surelly be pleased with them. For the rest, your comp is great.

 

[Druid]

You don't need a new mobo for a new cpu. I believe all the the new am3 socket cpu's from amd are backward compatible to am2+.

Regardless, your current system should be fine for about another 2 or so years if you don't mind turning the settings down. Games aren't going to get a huge performance req hike until new consoles come out. Unfortunately pc gamers are limited by the console market. Its what makes the money.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about Crysis. It is one game. If it is that important to you, wait until Crysis 2 comes out and then upgrade your pc. Prices on stuff should be a tad better by fall.

 

[Muffin Man]

^ am3 cpus should be compatible with most am2+ mobos with a bios update, but his does not seem to be one of those mobos.

ASRock > Products > ALiveNF6G-VSTA > CPU Support List
his mobos cpu support list doesnt list compatibility with any am3 cpus.

 

[Druid]

Well that's unfortunate. Regardless, I wouldn't upgrade before Crysis 2 come out.

 

[Sean W.]

mi getting my computer together so i can handle crysis 2 when it comes out!

gunna be awesome!

 

[Druid]

so you haven't built the one in your sig yet?

 

[Sean W.]

no, yea i have, im on it now... but im getting the overclocking squared away and more ram and probably another 5870 so when crysis 2 comes out ill be able to play it handily

 

[Druid]

You know its supposed to be less demanding than the original, right? You don't need that extra stuff, especially the ram. Imo, this is a lot of money to spend for one game when your rig is already amazing. Why don't you wait until your performance slows in all games as a general trend?

 

[95BlackGA]

I would upgrade to a AM2+ based board that will support AM3 CPUs. That way, you don't have to worry about buying new RAM, and you'll be able to do a nice upgrade. My cheap board, can support almost all AM3 CPU's, while still using DDR2. You should be able to find one for around $50-$80, and then a new CPU for anywhere from $70-$160. If you are going to upgrade your CPU, I highly suggest either a triple core, or quad core.