upgrade hardware on a Gigabyte GA-MA790GP-DS4H mobo

[Iowabucks]

 Hey everyone, I am running a 4 year old computer at the moment and would like to upgrade CPU. memory, and video card, rather than build another one right now. It has a Gigabyte GA-MA790GP-DS4H mobo that i would like to continue to use.

I'm hoping someone with a similar mobo can shed some light on a better CPU, and memory that can be used with this motherboard without breaking the bank.

Thanks. Jerry.

[absic]

Not sure what is available in your part of the world, with regard to AMD processors but if you check here: http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=2887 you will find a list of supported CPU's.

You will probably need to update to the latest BIOS before installing a different processor so bear that in mind before swapping CPU's.

[MarkJohnson]

What exactly do you mainly use your system for?  You have a fairly nice system and it should handle most tast without issue.

Have you been having issues lately?  system slow downs?  crashes?

Maybe you have software issues?

be as descriptive as possible so we can better offer advice for your specific needs.

luck
-=Mark=-

[Iowabucks]

No issues at all with the system. I do like to game some, surf the web, and watch videos, even edit my own HD hunting videos.

I have just been seeing a slowdown in FPS in my games, few slight freezes at the beginning of games. Mostly multiplayer FPS's.

Just had the urge to add memory and get a better video card. I already have the CPU OC'd to 3.0Ghz. Not sure if a better CPU would be in order. But i believe i need a newer CPU to take advantage of all 4 Ram slots.

[Dark Mantis]

More to the point is that you will probably need to upgrade your operating system to be able to use all your memory slots. Unless you are running a 64 bit OS you will be limited to roughly 3.4GB of usable RAM.

If it is something that has only started to happen recently it is probably due to the system getting clogged up with rubbish. The registry and other places tend to get full of old data and it slows the system down just wading through it. Try a clean install first and see if that cures your problems. It is free and doesn't take long. You can always add the upgrades afterwards if you still want to.

[absic]

Not sure if a better CPU would be in order. But i believe i need a newer CPU to take advantage of all 4 Ram slots.

As far as I know there is no reason why you can't use this CPU with all four RAM Slots on your motherboard. The only thing I would say is make sure you purchase a matched kit of RAM rather than trying to add new modules to your existing setup.

In your situation I wouldn't be throwing money at a new CPU unless you are going to also invest in a new motherboard and RAM, as the issues you are describing are more likely to be due to the age of the hardware and its ability to handle newer games.