Upgrade GPU vs CPU on my old system for gaming

davidtranby

Distinguished
Dec 31, 2007
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I am looking for the most bang for my buck in order to get my old system playable on a few games list below. I realize it might be best to just drop everything and rebuild but don't have the extra money for another 9 months to make a new system. Therefore I am look for advice on best options, was guessing GPU but wanted others inputs. When gaming the GPU fan sounds like a jet (cleaned it up and everything- still the same).

Approximate Purchase Date:within the next month

Budget Range: $300

System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming

Are you buying a monitor: No

Parts to Upgrade/Current:

This is my current system:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6750
Gigabyte P35-DS3L (socket 775)
4GB DDR2 Corsair/Crucial mix
Radeon HD 4850 (512 MD version)
Dual Raptor RAID 0 hard drives.
PSW is Antec True Power Trio-650

Do you need to buy OS: Like my old XP, however if the best option is more RAM then I'll update.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts:Newegg

Parts Preferences: None

Overclocking: Not preferred

SLI or Crossfire: Not preferred

Your Monitor Resolution:, 1920x1080,

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: games are dropping below 15 fps (like Path of Exile, League of Legends, Starcraft II, Diablo III)
 

chrisso

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Nov 17, 2013
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Moving to a quad core like a used Q6600 will be the first option, as you have a reasonable gpu there. Q6600's go for $30, or £20. ish.
Next would be a dx11 graphics card like a used gtx460, but if you are starting fresh in 9 months you may be better to save the wedge and make do. If the board cant run a q6600 (U need to check) I would leave the system as it is.