Is a new MB worth it?

Zonly1 · December 4th, 2007, 03:30 AM

I have a Dell GX280 with 1GB of RAM, P4 3.0Ghz Prescott DT, and XFG 7600GT 256. I'm currently trying to play S.T.A.L.K.E.R. on this computer and while it works, it is not the best. I'm wondering if replacing the MB is worthwhile or if I should do a major overhaul. All thoughts appreciated!

Bill

Mac Daddy · December 4th, 2007, 03:44 AM

This your Mobo Bro ?

Y5638 K5146 G5611 U4100 | Dell Optiplex Gx280 Motherboard G5611

For that platform of CPU seems your mobo has a fair number of options. and room for expansion What did you have in mind for an upgrade ?

Dyre Straits · December 4th, 2007, 04:01 AM

If that is the motherboard that Mac linked to, the specs limit it to Pentium 4 processors....even though it's a 775 architecture motherboard. That's going to greatly limit the possible upgrades you may have in mind. Example: While you could likely put the latest PCIe video card in it with some really nice RAM, the CPU is going to be a huge bottleneck.

I'd check to see if any BIOS update will allow for a Core2Duo processor. If not, consider that mobo on its last legs.

Mac Daddy · December 4th, 2007, 04:10 AM

Yes Dyre but I think what he was asking is if upgrading his mobo utilizing his current CPU and RAM , etc would be worth it.

The answer would be no unless he does a major upgrade as he also mentioned .. you reading along here Bro ?

Zonly1 · December 4th, 2007, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac Daddy

This your Mobo Bro ?

Y5638 K5146 G5611 U4100 | Dell Optiplex Gx280 Motherboard G5611

For that platform of CPU seems your mobo has a fair number of options. and room for expansion What did you have in mind for an upgrade ?

Thanks for the replies!

To be honest, I'm not too sure if that is it or not. None of those codes appear on my Sys Config screen from Dell. How would I tell? I was just thinking about getting an Asus or MSI board and putting it in the case with the current RAM, CPU, and graphics card. I assume after that I'd be able to at least mess with OCiing...bad idea?

As far as Dyre Straits' question...it appears that there is no support for C2D on this board.

Mac Daddy · December 4th, 2007, 04:18 AM

On your last comment thats what I thought you meant and plugging the rest of your existing hardware into another Mobo I don't feel will make a huge difference ...

On the Mobo do you have a service tag number from Dell ?
It should give you more info on the site.

Zonly1 · December 4th, 2007, 04:34 AM

I'll have to check on the Mobo. If you don't think it will help, I'll probably just replace everything and go C2D.

Dyre Straits · December 4th, 2007, 08:39 AM

You can download Belarc Advisor and it will give you about everything you could ever want to know about what's in your system:

Belarc - System Management For The Internet Age

Good luck!

Mac Daddy · December 4th, 2007, 12:38 PM

Cool proggy Dyre

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zonly1

I'll have to check on the Mobo. If you don't think it will help, I'll probably just replace everything and go C2D.

If your changing the Mobo you might as well go with something that will support a dual core at least. Here the Intel E2180 is under 100 bucks and decent Mobo's that support Duo and quads are 200 and under. The only reason I upgraded my 478 board is because I needed the PCI-E slot which you already have and upgrading myself in the New Year.

Now if that is your mobo something that you might want to consider to gain a bit of performance for now. You will most likely be using DDR2 RAM on a new mobo if you upgrade as DDR3 won't be cost effective for another year or 2 yet. It shows 4G expansion for RAM on your current board that would improve performance quite a bit from the 1G you currently have. Anything else you buy for that system make sure you can use it for an upgrade thats what I have been doing here.

Hope that helps and good luck

IModIntel · December 4th, 2007, 01:56 PM

Like the others said, I think that it would be a minimal difference if you just change the motherboard. However, if you get something really kick ass, you might get a considerable difference in performance. For example, back the in day where I had a socket 775, i went from an Intel 925XE chipset motherboard to something with an Intel 965P motherboard and I had noticed a considerable difference in performance. But like I said that might not be your case.