Upgrade GTX 480 or AMD Phenom II x4 3.2GHz?

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Bonkdoon

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Apr 27, 2014
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What should I upgrade first GPU or CPU?
Here are my specs....

GTX 480
AMD Phenom II x4 3.2GHz
DDR3, 8Gigs


$300 and less is my price range. I like the the GTX 760, but I'm not sure if my CPU will bottleneck, and I should get a new one before a GPU even though the 480 is so old. This was the first computer I built and I only have small amount of knowledge when it comes to building computers.
 
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Calvin3200
I have the NZXT Phantom (original) with added and upgraded fans. The pair used to run as high as 92*C in the summer... but these cards run that hot normally, and it's nothing to be concerned about. Right now, under heavy gaming they'll peak around 72*. Top card runs cooler because my H100i is push/pull blowing down on top of it as well.

As for sound, honestly 2 of them isn't much louder than 1 of them. Still on the loud side, but not as bad as you might think.

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Bonkdoon

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Apr 27, 2014
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I just have the stock cooler on it, but aftermarket ones can be pretty cheap right? Maybe if I pick up the 760 and a $20 cooler I could try overclocking...
 
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Bonkdoon

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Apr 27, 2014
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I was reading another thread about it and everyone was saying it would only get 10 frames better with games. It's tough because the price jumps so drastically on another step up from what I understand....are there any better cards closer to $300?
 
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Calvin3200

Calvin3200

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Mar 10, 2014
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If anything, you can get another 480 on ebay for around $110. New CPU and another 480 = huge upgrade for you... provided your power supply can handle that. Those 480's use 420w+ when under load.
 
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Bonkdoon

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Apr 27, 2014
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Yeah that's an idea, but it might not be so popular with the wife :) (she thinks it's too loud already) I have a Thermaltake 850W so I think it would be ok with two. Are your 480's pretty loud and hot?

 
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Calvin3200

Calvin3200

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Mar 10, 2014
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4,860
I have the NZXT Phantom (original) with added and upgraded fans. The pair used to run as high as 92*C in the summer... but these cards run that hot normally, and it's nothing to be concerned about. Right now, under heavy gaming they'll peak around 72*. Top card runs cooler because my H100i is push/pull blowing down on top of it as well.

As for sound, honestly 2 of them isn't much louder than 1 of them. Still on the loud side, but not as bad as you might think.

 
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