20 replies to this topic

[ub3rman123]

So, I recently picked up LA Noire for cheap on Steam, as did my brother. We both tried it out: I get perfect framerates at max settings while he gets an authentic 40's slideshow at the lowest possible setting. Now, I assume that this is partly because LA Noire is an unoptimized console port, but he gets a spot of lag in Skyrim and Borderlands as well.

My question here is, should I continue trying to upgrade his PC one part at a time or just convince him he'll have to get a new one? I've already upgraded his video card and PSU. Specs for his PC are posted below.

Spoiler

Processor: Intel Core i3-530 Processor (2.93GHz, 4MB L2 Cache) with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology
Operating System: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Memory: 6GB 6144MB DDR3 Dual-Channel 1333MHz Memory
Hard Drive: 1TB 1000GB SATA hard drive (Green Product - variable RPM)
Video: Nvidia GTX 550
Available Expansion Slots: 1 - PCI-E x16, 1 - PCI-E x4, 2 - PCI-E x1
Media Card Reader: Multi-in-One Digital Media Card Reader with Photo Frame Button
Memory Capacity: Expandable to 8GB
Motherboard: System board with Intel H57 Express Chipset
Network: 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 port)
Optical Drive: 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive
Power Supply: 500W Power Supply

[Erik005]

I would suggest trying to buy a second hand core i5-760/750 or i7-860/870.

[ub3rman123]

Is a second-hand CPU less likely to be DOA than a videocard/HDD?

[Erik005]

CPU's are very hard to ruin.

I think the easiest is to have a pc assembled at a store without a videocard and then put in a good second hand videocard.

If you don't want to build the most critical parts yourself that is.

[Sarissi]

My desktop, which I built myself, uses the Core i7 860 on an Asus motherboard (P7P55D-E Pro I think).

[ub3rman123]

I'll check out some prices on those, then. Thanks for the advice!

[Acebopata]

GHz, Ram, and hard drive looks fine, I'd guess it's either in the mother broad, power supply, or video card.

Tell me, is the processor in your brother's computer a replacement, or the one that came with the computer?

[ub3rman123]

Processor is stock, the only things I've changed are the PSU and video card.

[Acebopata]

I'm thinking it might be the power supply unit. It might not be able to supply the right power to the computer to reach full computing capacity, perhaps. It is possible for a device to work in part, but not have the recommended power system.

I have a small citiuris 5" TV that could charge with a psp cable, but could not run with one because it required 10 volts where as the PSP charger only had about 5.5 volts. If your computer's power isn't what it needs, a similar thing could happen with it's graphics capability. If that is the case, I'd think you'd only need perhaps about 5-15% more power.

Of course, I'm no expert on this, so it's best to have someone else check into this, but it's a suggestion.

[Erik005]

The monitor is connected to the videocard and not the connectors on the motherboard right?