In my case, should I spend more on a gpu or cpu initially?

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Khranos

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Feb 14, 2014
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To begin, I WILL be upgrading the choice I don't start large with now, I just need to know what will be more effective.

I cannot supply a parts list, since I'm building this desktop based upon deals that come up. It will generally look like this -

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 Extreme3 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston XMP Blu Red Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB DirectCU II Video Card ($259.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master HAF XB EVO ATX Desktop Case ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($88.99 @ SuperBiiz)

I may be changing the seen mobo to a G1.SNIPER 5, or a GA-Z87X-OC (or similar in quality and price of these), my memory to 2x8 chips, and a more highly certified psu.

I do a wide variety of things, but I mostly work in Photoshop, FlashDevelop, and gaming (Minecraft, Dragon Age, and hopefully soon to be more highly spec-based games).

Looking at the mobos in question, I noticed they've got multiple graphics slots in question. I'm currently on a strict budget, and plan on upgrading in the near future (2-6 months). Would it be better for me to spend $300 or so on a processor with a cheap graphics card which is better than onboard, or get that card with a cheap processor (around $50)?
 
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There is no need for a 4GB 760 if you are running single monitor. The card simply cannot fully utilise the 4GB VRAM thus its a waste of money when it will perform the same as the 2GB version.
If you play a heavy modded Skyrim with ultra high resolution mods, then the VRAM comes into play but not as much.
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XtremeAero426

XtremeAero426

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Jan 4, 2014
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Although you did specify your occupations, it was a little unclear which one you do more of; gaming or Adobe products. If you use the Adobe products much more than the CPU is a clearer choice. However, if gaming is more of a priority the GPU is a better choice. Also, if you're going multi-monitor, upgrading the GPU is a must.


Personally, I'd upgrade the CPU, sell the current GPU and get a 4GB edition of the GTX760 instead. I recommend these three if you take this route:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-video-card-gvn760oc4gd
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-04gp42768kr
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-video-card-gvn760oc4gdrev20

These GPU's currently cost around $30-$40 more than what you spent on your current GPU. I saw that the ASUS card had Direct CU II so I'm getting the impression that you might have water cooling. If you do, I can guarantee that these cards have performance and cooling sufficient enough for you. The only exception would be in overclocking in which water cooling is simply a must-have.
 
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Khranos

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Feb 14, 2014
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Oh, I have yet to buy much (storage, case, optical drive), and am still trying to figure out what will be the best set-up for the more expensive parts. I don't want to get anything else until the dilema with the gpu/cpu is figured out.

I can see where it was a bit unclear. Applications like Photoshop, cad, and similar would be about 55% of the computers use. Though, cad is all about 3D rendering, in case you're unfamiliar with the program. About 35% would be for gaming. The rest would be tasks most computers could do (browsing the web, foruming, et cetera). Balancing it all out, graphics and processing power seem to be mostly just as important. (Also, these programs aren't my sole source of income and aren't direly needed; they are mostly hobby with an occasional side job)

I appreciate the tips on the gpu however; I wasn't aware 2gb to 4gb was such a small pricing jump. I'll definitely grab one of those instead.

I've dabbled with the idea of water cooling, but that's one of my weakest -- if not my weakest -- subject on PC building. I've not really planned on it, but I did plan on over clocking as a given (hence the case and AMD FX line CPU). I'll definitely read a bit more about it in that case.
 
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Suztera

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Mar 18, 2014
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There is no need for a 4GB 760 if you are running single monitor. The card simply cannot fully utilise the 4GB VRAM thus its a waste of money when it will perform the same as the 2GB version.
If you play a heavy modded Skyrim with ultra high resolution mods, then the VRAM comes into play but not as much.
 
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