Comparison of results after upgrade
Comparison of results after upgrade
Assessing the upgrade from Xeon X5650 to X5687 or X5690 for around $90-$100 is a smart move. The performance boost would be noticeable, especially with the 10GB DDR3 RAM and 1070Ti EDIT2 setup. If you upgraded to 12GB Triple Channel, you could expect a significant FPS increase.
That's quite costly. A model X5670 from AliExpress or eBay might cost around $20, if you're lucky. Otherwise, the upgrade seems too pricey. As for RAM, I can't specify an exact figure. However, modern games really gain from increased memory bandwidth, so a triple channel setup is advisable. I suggest starting with the RAM upgrade and then check if it improves performance in your games.
I'm searching for a X5670. What performance boost would I see? Regarding RAM, I'll evaluate my options. Maybe I'll just skip the planning and buy 16GB without-channel right now. I'd have to remove all my RAM modules and install another 12GB kit since my current setup is a mess. I know it's not ideal, but I needed more memory. Since budget matters, mixing RAM sticks might be cheaper—though I'll keep an eye on speeds. I really need a new case, a fixed second monitor, and a fresh mouse.
6x2GB offers a reasonable price, keep the 2GB modules and add more if needed. A single-channel 16GB won’t boost performance unless you’re handling over 10GB, making extra RAM unnecessary unless speed matters. The main benefit comes from using it or needing faster speeds. Same number of cores and architecture, only the clock rates differ. What’s important is your motherboard—X5670 is a solid overclocking platform, but only worth upgrading if your CPU struggles. If it doesn’t overclock, the change will be minimal (just about 0.3 GHz).
I wouldn't upgrade your RAM before your CPU, but the CPU you mentioned isn't a major boost. (You might even attempt to push it to x5690—it handles that well.) Based on that, if you're running low on memory, the priority is upgrading first. RAM speed isn't especially helpful for an older Xeon, though it could matter more for a newer Ryzen. The main change should likely be another CPU, and you may need to switch to DDR4.
I could only squeeze my CPU to 3.4Ghz. The motherboard is an ASUS P6T6 WS Revolution. My RAM runs at 1333Mhz, and I often run low on memory (I multitask a lot). When I play a game and open a browser, RAM usage jumps to 90%, causing slowdowns. For instance, while using Apex on my main screen and Twitch open in another, my RAM hits 85-90%, leading to stutters. Closing the browser eliminates the issue completely, dropping usage to 75-80%. Right now I have a total of 10GB DDR3 memory (4+2+2+2), all at the same 1333Mhz speed, from different brands.
An X5670 could really help you out, many users have reached close to 4GHz. You’ll find plenty of overclocking guides to start with the CPU. For memory, swapping 4GB for 3x2GB would be a solid upgrade, or go for two 4GB sticks in triple channel 1333—this offers better bandwidth than dual channel 1833. Above all, having sufficient RAM tailored to your needs provides the biggest performance gain.
Choosing 3x2GB would leave me with 12GB across all slots... it doesn’t feel right. Using just a 2GB upgrade sounds better. I prefer a mix like 4+4+2+2+2+2 at 1333Mhz. Fill every slot, including a full 6GB upgrade (16GB total). EDIT: just checked the prices—3x2GB is pricier than adding a 4 and a 2GB. 3x2GB costs 30-35$, while 4GB+2GB is 20-25$. Edited March 11, 2021 by AXLP_LaZEReD prices
You might want to aim for 4+4+4+2+2+2 for maximum performance, or try 4+4+4+1+1+1 to reach 15GB. When was the last time you encountered that?
That's actually smart. The total comes to 18GB, which suggests buying two 4GB units would be around 30-35$. I'm not sure if different brands cause issues—only the two 2GB units are from the same brand, while everything else is from different brands.