Q: I've got a ati 3870, intel 6320 @stock due cheap mobo, 2gb ddr2 (667), and an asrock dual vsta mobo. not sure I'd get any gain from gfx upgrade as is probably bottlenecking right now, but would a q6600 see gains?? just to be clear.. i don't want a new rig, I'm just looking for advice on sensible upgrade path. the mobo is no good for o/c..
A: Is this the board? http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=775Dual-vsta If so look at what it runs on the PCI-Express slot---X4. Theres your bottleneck. You can also see it wont run a quad. Baddest cpus you can run are the E6600 and X6800. If you want an inexpensive upgrade and dont need CF or Raid trash the board and get one of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128337 Then you can use the Q6600 for a multipurpose rig or a Wolfdale Core 2 Duo if youre a gamer.