Need help! Considering upgrading my CPU / Motherboard

[JohnnyC]

Hey guys, loving D3 so far, but the games is running a bit on the choppy side at 1920 *1080 (even when running everything else on low). Needless to say, it's disappointing. Furthermore, I didn't want to buy another computer this summer since I'm heading in my last stage year in university, thus I was planning to built my own new rig next summer when I graduate. I would just want to upgrade my old computer I have now... and it's not so much of a waste since I'll just give this computer to my parents when I built my new one next summer (the one they're using now is even older!). I strongly suspect that my CPU is what's holding me down, and since my Motherboard is also old, I'd need to change that.

Now I'm not an expert in building computers (next summer will be my first one), and I've only changed the GPU and Soundcard on a computer, but I'm looking forward to learn to change the Motherboard / CPU. But I want to make sure that what I get is indeed compatible with the rest of my computer. I also want to make sure that the CPU I get is good enough to play D3 at 1920*1080 with a good fps.

Now, I have a pretty old computer: an Dell XPS 600. The good news is that I have an updated GPU, and a power supply of 650W, so I don't need to worry to much about frying my machine (right?). Here are my current main specs:

-CPU: Intel Pentium D 830 3000 MHz (yeah... those old D processors...)

-Motherboard: Not sure, maybe a Dell OXH241?

-RAM: 2Gb DDR-2 (probably will have to change it to DDR3 if I change the Motherboard)
-GPU: GeForce GTS 250 OC (got it for 30$, so I can't complain... and I OC'd it, so it's not extremely overclocked...)
-Soundcard: SB Audigy 2 ZS (This won't be compatible with a new Motherboard, will it ... but since onboard sound is getting better I hear, is it really an issue?)
-All of this running on XP (would probably buy Windows 7 since I can get the student discount)

Now, looking at Tom's Hardware and their D3 benchmark, I don't need too much of a beast, which is good. But... would a Pentium G630 or G860 be enough? I can get the G630 for 70$ Can, which isn't bad I guess. So, would this Motherboard be a good fit? http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...192&CatId=7162



If yes, then I guess I'll get these 2 items, some 4Gb DDR3 RAM somewhere and W7. Around 250$ for a temporary D3 fix, and for a computer that will last my parents a good 5-10 more years. Considering that last part, it's not that bad, right? Right?!

Thanks for the help guys, I really appreciate it!!

[Sniggles]

What is your budget?

Do you have a stock case?

[JohnnyC]

Around 250$ lol... Really, I'm just wondering if

1) If the setup I said earlier compatible with my previous parts
2) Is this processor good enough to play D3 at 1080p

But yes, the case is the stock Dell XPS 600 case.

[Penncrow]

Around 250$ lol... Really, I'm just wondering if

1) If the setup I said earlier compatible with my previous parts
2) Is this processor good enough to play D3 at 1080p

But yes, the case is the stock Dell XPS 600 case.

Don't upgrade your CPU to a dual core. If you are going to upgrade, you might as well upgrade to a better CPU/mobo. Honestly, I don't think your CPU is the bottleneck. It is probably the RAM or the GPU. GTX250 probably can't run well in high-rez situations.

Best option for you is to dish out the dough and build it now. No point in upgrading something that you will replace in a few months.

If you are set on your ways, I am curious to see if there is a microcenter around you. They sell i5-2500k for $180. You can get a mobo for $70. Thats your $250 budget. and the i5-2500k is probably one of the best gaming cpu for the money right now on the market.

I oc'd my 2500k to 4.5ghz, equally a i7 cpu. (with aftermarket heatsink). If you cannot get it for $250, it is still worth the extra money you spend now, because you can take the CPU/mobo when you build your rig next semester.