What do i need to upgrade next?

[r0bc]

You can get CPU motherboard and memory for a couple hundred pounds, at least where I live you can.

[Dave3317]

Just been looking for quad core bundles and it appears i can fit the later am3 cpu's to my am2+ motherboard, awesome! Can i just take the old one out and put the new one in? Will i need to do anything to the bios?

[NedLynch]

Check your bios version and then go on the mobo's manufacturer's website and check if your bios version supports the desired processor.
If not check if they have a new bios that will support your new processor.
Update the bios according to the manufacturer's instructions.

I have an Asus mobo and they let you flash the bios from the windows environment after downloading it with their bios updater that came with the mobo cd, more than easy. I would imagine that other manufacturers have similar applications.

The path I would choose for upgrading your system little by little is:
new processor (am3/am2+) socket (that is what you are doing now)
new mobo (am3+ socket, your just purchased processor should fit on that one without any problems) and new ddr3 ram (no way around that for the new mobo)
you then will be even ready to get one of the new FX/Bulldozer processors once they hit the market.

Honestly the video card should be good for a while, I think you did make a good purchase there.

[NedLynch]

Sorry, forgot, though maybe not absolutely necessary at the moment, I would look into your powersupply, I am not sure what your video card needs at the minimum, but maybe in order to even out the investments you are going to make, if possible you could get the processor and a good new powersupply now and then be set with that, and then plan on the new mobo and ram.

[SQB]

whilst on the topic of upgrades, I am wondering which of this should be replaced, I can only run Clod at ~20-30fps with huge stutters.

ATI RADEON 68701gb
Q8400
4gb ram
500W homebuilt power supply

[Vengeanze]

Originally Posted by SQB

whilst on the topic of upgrades, I am wondering which of this should be replaced, I can only run Clod at ~20-30fps with huge stutters.

ATI RADEON 68701gb
Q8400
4gb ram
500W homebuilt power supply

Hmm, you should get more frames out of that system. The Q8400 is quadcore at stock 2,66GHz. You should be able to overclock well over 3 GHz.
Your g-card and ram is sufficient for max settings.

You're running XP? At what resolution?

[SQB]

Originally Posted by Vengeanze

Hmm, you should get more frames out of that system. The Q8400 is quadcore at stock 2,66GHz. You should be able to overclock well over 3 GHz.
Your g-card and ram is sufficient for max settings.

You're running XP? At what resolution?

Running win7 x64, unable to overclock (possibly due to bad motherboard? It was fairly cheap) past 2.67 .

I don't know what to do, it avgs around 25 and often goes lower!

[SPUDLEY1977]

Dave,
I don't recall the tdp of that cpu, however likely that your pc only draws 300 - 400 watts max, max!

How mush was the ps, where did you buy it, who is the manufacturer and model number?

If one assumes that your ps is a quality/reliable manufacturer one it should not be a limiting factor. However most ps that the average joe buys at best buy and the like are junk if they are priced under $100+ FOR THAT WATTAGE - PS are not created equal, of significant importance is the actual manufacturer and the reliability, voltage control of the ps.

Never cheep on the ps, and do the research before you buy.

Others may differ, but my recommendation without further info on your ps, is that >> if << you cannot drop a quad in your existing mobo, you would need a new mobo. Never just replace mobo, i always recommend reinstall of os.

[Dave3317]

Right i've just picked up a phenom 2 quad core and have updated the bios to accept am3 cpu's. If you don't hear from me again, it's all gone horribly wrong.

[Vengeanze]

Originally Posted by Dave3317

Right i've just picked up a phenom 2 quad core and have updated the bios to accept am3 cpu's. If you don't hear from me again, it's all gone horribly wrong.

Or you're in aw over the beautiful game and fps over 60 avg.