GPU upgrade with Q6600 machine

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BBarnes1

BBarnes1

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Aug 16, 2008
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current computer (2008 build i believe w/GPU upgrade):

Gigabyte GA-X48-DS4
Q6600 G0 at @3.2ghz
Xigmatek HDT-S1283 cooler
4GB OCZ reaper 1066
MSI Cyclone GTX460 1GB
OCZ 600 watt PSU
Acer 21' 1650x1080
Win7, hard drives, optical, case.... etc

Does it make sense to upgrade the GPU on this machine to maybe at 7850? I play, Starcraft 2, Diablo 3, AC2/3, Simcity. Nothing to fancy, just getting worried that when AC4 come out my hardware wont keep up.

Or should I just save for Mobo/CPU/GPU/RAM?
 
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lunyone

lunyone

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Feb 22, 2006
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Yeah that makes sense to me. I have a e6700 w/a AMD 6850 and it works just fine for me. The 7850/GTX 660 or even the 7870 would be fine for your build. I don't know if your going to be throttling the GPU, but any GPU upgrade that you can afford is always a good idea, when gaming is in mind.
 
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Xttony

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Mar 4, 2011
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Won't be any throttling issues tried a 7970 on a q6600 also the guy has lower resolution too.
 
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olin9

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Feb 20, 2008
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To determine if it makes sense to upgrade your GPU.

Just open something like afterburner and task manager. So you can view your CPU and GPU usage while playing your most demanding game.

If your GPU hits around 100% and you still have room on your CPU. Then an upgrade will help. If it is the other way or both are about the same. You will not see much of a boost.

 
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BBarnes1

BBarnes1

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Its been stable at 3.2Ghz at 1.3Vcore for years, i have to increase the Vcore past 3.2ghz
 
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gmkos

gmkos

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Hi,


^This.

I owned a Q6600 (@3.6Ghz) for nearly 5 years. Originally had it set up with an 8800 GTX Ultra and upgraded to a GTX 260 Core 216, running at the same resolution as you, 1680x1050. Almost two years ago, I was contemplating an upgrade to the GPU again, to a GTX 560 Ti and was here asking the same question as you.

In the end I built an Ivy Bridge system with a Kepler GPU and was extremely satisfied with the result by comparison to my old system.

While you could gain a bit with a GPU upgrade, the Q6600 and its chipset architecture will hold you back substantially more than your current GPU, specifically in games that you mentioned, such as SC2 &D3, and particularly at a lower resolution of 1680x1050.

I don't feel solely a GPU upgrade would give you the performance you're looking for in respect to the money you're going to pay, but you could try it and use that as the basis for your new system if you're not happy.

Let us know what you decide and how it goes. Good luck.


Edit: In retrospect, my GTX 260 wasn't an upgrade, but an equal-performing replacement for 8800 GTX Ultra from EVGA after it died.
P.S.A. Don't forget to register your GPUs!








 
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BBarnes1

BBarnes1

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When i went from an HD3870 to the GTX 460, there was virtually no bump in SC2....

Those 8800 Ultras had a quite a shelf life

Actually I'm pretty happy with the computer on the whole, its been rock solid. I'm just trying to plan ahead. My buddy just got an FX6300/990FX/HD7850 combo..... so i might just be itchin for new stuff....

 
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