New CPU or PC?

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

I have what was a reasonably spec'd computer (when I got it) with a AMD Phenom II X4 840 Processor (3200 Mhz, 4 Core). I have just changed the HD to SSD and it made a dramatic change to the system response, however, with my increased use of video and V-meetings, I am starting to put the processor under a bit of strain.

So, should I:
- change the processor (it is AM3+ socket, so can add something recent)?
- get a new motherboard & processor (I have replaced the MB once in 7 years)?
- get a new computer?

In these tough times, I want to keep costs down and have 16gb of ram which is still adequate but have access to another 16gb from another PC with a shot MB (so maybe a motherboard with 8x ram slots?). Also, but making the hardware changes I do not need to go through the pain of reinstalling the programs I have.

Any suggestions?

 

[dotcomdude]

How long have you had it? If it's over 3 years I'd go for a new one...

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

About 7 years, but MB 3 years and SSD 2 months!!

 

[dotcomdude]

About 7 years, but MB 3 years and SSD 2 months!!

That would be too old for me to invest in. After 3 years I think every day is a bonus!

 

[SteveHa]

Are you sure it's the CPU you are stressing and not the Gfx card?

In any event, I got rid of my Phenom X4 965 18 months ago and jumped to Ryzen. the difference was phenomenal. So I vote replace.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

@SteLacca Replace just the processor?

 

[SteveHa]

@SteLacca Replace just the processor?

Absolutely not. Check your RAM and see if it's up to scratch. Ryzen processors are sensitive, and perform best with good compatible RAM. Also check firmware upgrades on your MB. It is probably fine, but make sure it will support your choice of CPU.

EDIT: If cost is a consideration, take some sympathy from me. My graphics card just died dead on Saturday. I currently have a under-powered loaner from a friend, whilst I'm waiting for TNT to deliver a replacement. Even used, £284 that I didn't expect to be having to spend.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Ok, I have ended up getting a new MB, CPU (Ryzen 9), 32gb Ram (as a built kit) and graphics card!

Loads more than I wanted to spend, but futureproofs me for the next couple months!!

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

I looked - it would have cost a couple hundred pounds more!

BTW, I also got a 1tb SSD!

 

[HW-J]

Ok, I have ended up getting a new MB, CPU (Ryzen 9), 32gb Ram (as a built kit) and graphics card!

Loads more than I wanted to spend, but futureproofs me for the next couple months!!

Sounds like a good buy! How are you getting on with the Ryzen 9 (I know it's early days but what are your first impressions)?

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

I have only just got it up and running today (issue with power to graphics card), so have been updating the HD (not used in a year) and then will clone it to the SSD.

I'll let you know how I get on.

 

[HW-J]

I have only just got it up and running today (issue with power to graphics card), so have been updating the HD (not used in a year) and then will clone it to the SSD.

I'll let you know how I get on.

Great! Be interesting to know. I presume you're using Windows too?

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Yes, W10.

Using something called UserBenchmark, I am in the 92nd percentile!

Sadly, score was really hit by the graphics card, am AMD RX580! (60.9%). To get any decent improvement looks like I would have had to invest over double (£320+) in a different card!!!

 

[Alan]

Fastest way of speeding up a PC is to dump Window, in my opinion.

 

[SteveHa]

Fastest way of speeding up a PC is to dump Window, in my opinion.

Agreed, 100%.

 

[gpietersz]

@Alan not true for gaming - Windows has the most games and gets drivers for new video hardware first.

It also depends on details - Linux with LXQT is going to be much lighter than Linux with KDE (nise currently use the latter).

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

I actually put the kit into an old case so ran the test on the old PC - 39th percentile!

@SteLacca - the graphics card rated crap!!!!!!

 

[SteveHa]

I actually put the kit into an old case so ran the test on the old PC - 39th percentile!

@SteLacca - the graphics card rated crap!!!!!!

There's every chance that was the bottleneck, then. Having said that, the CPU/MB/RAM you have put together should give you a nice boost. Unfortunately, gfx cards don't come cheap (my GTX1060 dies last week, and a used 1070 has cost me just shy of £300), but to get a decently balanced system, it's worth the investment.

You could probably get AMD cheaper, but I use Linux exclusively, and NV drivers are so much better than AMD drivers on Linux.

 

[Armorica]

There's every chance that was the bottleneck, then. Having said that, the CPU/MB/RAM you have put together should give you a nice boost. Unfortunately, gfx cards don't come cheap (my GTX1060 dies last week, and a used 1070 has cost me just shy of £300), but to get a decently balanced system, it's worth the investment.

You could probably get AMD cheaper, but I use Linux exclusively, and NV drivers are so much better than AMD drivers on Linux.

What AMD alternative could you recommend if we are talking about 1070?

 

[SteveHa]

It's been a long time since I used an AMD graphics card, and so have no experience.

Having said that, based on what I've read round and about, the RX580 seems to be quite well respected. (If I was going to get it I'd go for the 8GB rather than 4GB version, but that depends on usage. I do 3D rendering, so more VRAM is better for my use case).

 

[AlexTron]

I think it’s worth preparing yourself to buy a new processor. And when you are ready for this step, you can try using the Software to overclock your old processor. In case of failure, you would not be upset. Or the second option, just sell your old processor.

 

[zigojacko]

Using something called UserBenchmark, I am in the 92nd percentile!

Hadn't come across this before and just checked it out, this is a brilliant tool.

Thanks for mentioning it.

I've got a powerful machine in the office but only in the 36th percentile but then it has been online for two weeks straight, got about hundred programs open and god knows what is clogging up the memory at the moment. Haha. Will run another test after a reboot.