I think I need a Graphics Card upgrade

Baysic · May 9, 2013

Hello forum,

I have posted before but I cannot find my old login. I have a rig built in 2009 that I have somewhat steadily upgraded, however I have maintained the same MOBO/GPU/CPU. Below are my specs:

Sapphire Radeon HD 5750 1GB GDDR5 PCI
ASUS M4A79XTD EVO AM3 AMD 790X ATX AMD MOBO
AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition Callisto 3.1 AM3 80W Dual unlocked and OC to Quad Core at 3.5 or 3.6
Rosewill Xtreme RX750-D-B 750W PSU
Intel X25-M SSD 80GB SATA II MLC for Windows and current programs/games
[2TB WD Green and 750GB WD Black for bulk files]
8GB RAM (Honestly do not remember brand, new in 2011)

I ran into Frame rate drop in Bioshock Infinite. It is the first time I have not been able to play on max settings (I am surprised) which I attribute to my SSD.

My question is I know that I will need to upgrade my MOBO soon, but is a GPU the right next step?

I would get a decent card that can carry over to the next MOBO. I feel my CPU is still good. I am just concerned that my MOBO may limit what I can do.

Do new GPUs work fine with a 4 year old MOBO? Will it limit performance too much that it isn't worth it?

Thanks for all the help!

vehlor · May 9, 2013

Hi
Your graphic card definitively needs to be upgraded. This is the first step you should make.
Your motherboard is good. I don't recommend getting any other AMD cpu or mobo. A new motherboard will not improve for fps. And a new AMD cpu will not give you a big increase in fps either. I you want to upgrade save money and get new mobo and cpu from intel.

patrick47018 · May 9, 2013

What is your budget for a new Graphics Card?

axehead15 · May 9, 2013

Your mobo isn't THAT bad. You can still put a couple newer processors in there. They still sell AM3 processors on newegg, but you can'ty put an AM3+ in there.

The newer video cards should work just fine.

patrick47018 · May 9, 2013

I would recommend upgrading to this processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727

And if you want a really good Graphics Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161420

Or if your tighter on cash: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121651

If you have any questions or need other suggestions just ask

Baysic · May 9, 2013

vehlor :

You do not recommend AMD as a whole or that my CPU/MOBO is sufficient? Just to clarify.

@Patrick I am fairly open to anything; I am not the biggest PC gamer but I do play games occasionally. Only Online is MMOs here or there but mainly single player PC games (Bioshock, Dishonored). I am not looking for top of the line, but something like the 5750 got me; top performance in games for 3+ years. I am interested in spending a little more this time around. Lets say would like 150-200 but willing to budge a little.

@axehead: I would likely live out with MOBO/CPU then upgrade both at the same time, and likely get better RAM. Seems a good idea I think. Thoughts?

Thanks for all the help guys. Very appreciative here!

patrick47018 · May 9, 2013

Well if you want top performance in games for 3+ years I would say you'd want a 7950, and I really like that one because it pushes the hot air out of the case, and if you find yourself with your CPU bottlenecking you, then you can upgrade to the CPU I pointed out.

Intervenator · May 9, 2013

New GPU will be fine with your motherboard, although it MAY be held back by its PCI 2.0 interface... I am not an expert on PCI.

Be warned, you WILL be bottlenecked in many of the newer and future games by your CPU if you buy a decent GPU. Just know that your CPU WILL have to go soon...

How much do you plan on spending on your upgrades?

patrick47018 · May 9, 2013

The differences between PCI 2.0 vs 3.0 for graphics cards are very slim if any, http://www.hardocp.com/article/2012/07/18/pci_express_20_vs_30_gpu_gaming_performance_review/5#.UYufL7XWQ4o

patrick47018 · May 9, 2013

Intervenator :

He said 150 to 200 or so on budget, which in my opinion won't get him what he wants, 3+ years of top performance in games.

Intervenator · May 9, 2013

Here's what I would do if I were in your position...

1. Buy an upgraded CPU. This one is best: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727

2. Save $50. Buy a GTX 650 Ti... Something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130839

GTX 650 Ti versus HD 5750: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/537?vs=680

Baysic · May 9, 2013

patrick47018 :

The 5750 has lasted me since 2009 with 35-40+ FPS max settings for what I play (more recently, 60+ before this past summer). I got that for ~150. 200 is negotiable but I'd like to stay below 250. That's more my high point. We can disregard the 3 year goal; Maybe I am just lucky or my FPS goal is lower than most.

Intervenator · May 9, 2013

If you can't stretch for the 650 Ti, an HD 7770 GHz will do just fine.

Baysic · May 9, 2013

Intervenator :

I think I will be going 7770 or 7850. I have to look into the 650 Ti as I am not as familiar with them. Thanks for all the help people! Further advice/opinions always appreciated!

Baysic · May 9, 2013

Oh I do have to ask:

Why is my OC BE not as good as the 3.4 Quad suggested by Intervenator. I am not as savvy as others, and do not pretend to be, but I know I am Quad 3.5 or 3.6 and that is Quad 3.4. I know there are other variables I just never learned what they were for comparison purposes. Thanks.

Intervenator · May 9, 2013

It's Dual versus Quad. The Quad wins because your game has more cores to utilize, and your CPU has more processing power.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/97?vs=102

Scroll down for gaming benchmarks.

Baysic · May 9, 2013

My BE is unlocked to quad core though. Does the new one have virtual cores (another thing I am not overly familiar with)

I think I need a Graphics Card upgrade

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