Thread: Which processor to select for my computer?

I need some advice regarding which processor to select for my computer. I want to build a gaming computer which can run high-end games such as Crysis, GTA4 and so on with high details. I have a BenQ V2400 LCD monitor connected using an HDMI cable. I have a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 CPU overclocked to 3.10 GHz, an eVGA nForce 780i SLI 775 Al (l32-CK-NF78-Al) motherboard, Antec 650 Watt PSU, Antec P182 cabinet, 1 TB Seagate HOD, 8 GB of Corsair DDR2 800 MHz RAM (4 x 2 GB), and 2x Nvidia 9800 GT (Palit 1 GB) graphics cards in SLI mode. I am running Genuine Windows Vista x64 SP1. All the drivers are updated.

Actually, my problem begins here. I have just purchased GTA4. When I play this game on High resolution it doesn't run smoothly and after one minute, the computer hangs. Right now I am running this game at a 1024 x 768 and it is running smoothly but with very bad graphics even though I have a 24-inch monitor (resolutions of 1920 x 1200 supported). So I am planning to build a new rig.

My options are as follows:
Processor: AMD Phenom X4 9950 (2.6 GHz) or Intel Core 2 duo E8400 (3.0 GHz); Motherboard: MSI K9A2 Platinum V2 (AMD) or EVGA nForce 780i SLI 775 Al (AM D); Graphics cards: 2 Palit Radeon HD 4870 1 GB DDR5 in CrossFire or 2x Zotac GeForce 9800 GTX 512 MB DDR3 in SLI; RAM: 4x OCZ DDR2 PC2-6400 Value Series 2 GB (total 8 GB); Cabinet: Antec Nine hundred Gaming; PSU: TruePower Quattro 1000 Watts; (or cabinet + PSU:
Antec Sonata III Lifestyle and 500 Watt PSU); Monitor: BenQ V2400W 24-inch LCD Monitor, HOD: Seagate 1 TB, Keyboard: Logitech G15, Mouse: Logitech G9, Speakers: Logitech Z-5500 digital speakers, Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer.

Please help me selecting the best CPU and GPU for my gaming experience. Thank You.

Hello.

Going in for a whole new rig would not increase your gaming performance that much, since the configuration you have mentioned is sufficient enough for today's games. If you really want to upgrade, then wait for the Intel Core i7 series CPUs and enough supporting motherboards to gain a foothold in the market and then opt for an upgrade. To take care of your problem with GTA4, I suggest you try these steps:
Reset the overclocked components to their factory settings and run the machine at stock speed.
Run the computer on only 2 GB RAM.

Disable SLI and try the individual graphics cards one after the other.

Use a better cabinet and a higher rated PSU (Opting for that gaming cabinet with a 1000Watt power supply . would give you the best upgrade).

Check the erformance with another operating system. Try Windows XP for a change (if you have it). You don't need to buy Windows XP, you can borrow a CD from a friend and try using it for a maximum of 30 days. You will not be able to activate it, but this will give you a clearer picture of whether Windows Vista is the problem.

Check if there are any viruses or other programs occupying the RAM and reducing the speed of the system.

Check the temperatures inside the cabinet. Check the BIOS readings of the temperatures immediately after the machine hangs and reboots. If the temperature is too high (usually up to 50 degrees is bearable enough under non-overclocking conditions) then you may have to clean the CPU fan and change the CPU coolant paste, or opt for a better CPU cooling fan or a water cooling kit if necessary. The two graphics cards could also be the cause for overheating, because when you increase the resolution for the game or overclock the GPUs. the cards are stressed and generate more heat.

Also, the current 650 Watt power supply is not able to supply enough power to the machine. so the system can overheat and become erratic.

You will have to check the system at every stage. Simply spending money on new components will not be the final solution.