New hardware: CPU or GPU in your opinion?

Aerensiniac · Jun 24, 2014

Current GPU: AMD Radeon HD 6570 1GB (0x6759)
Current CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 @ 3.16Ghz (LGA 775 - Wolfdale)

So like... i was about to buy myself a new graphic card when one of my friends suggested to forget it because my cpu is too old and it would bottleneck anything i bought.
Both GPU and CPU could use an update since they both lag behind times, but i can afford only to change one. Either i buy some high end GPU between 150-200$ or i get an entry tier i3-4130 and thus change my motherboard/ram/cpu.

The question is, which would be more justified/pressing?
Thank you for any insights/suggestions you can offer.

Scampi · Jun 24, 2014

The other thing to consider is the power supply as well, can your PSU handle a new GPU, or will it mean an added expense. What make/model of PSU do you have ?

Changing the CPU won't get you much improvement with that weak graphics card. ideally you should save up for a quad core i5.

The most powerful card in your budget would be the R9 270X but needs a 500W PSU with at least 24 Amps ont eh 12v rail. Or the GTX 750ti if power is an issue, this is a 60W card that can run on a 300W PSU.

IMO i'd upgrade the GPU(PSU if necessary) now & save up for an i5 in the near future.

avarice · Jun 24, 2014

Honestly - I would suggest the CPU upgrade over the GPU. Unfortunately that will require a new CPU, MB, likely Memory, and potentially a new CPU heatsink (stock is generally not so good) and possibly a new PSU depending on what you have.

However this will bring you up closer to current in the technology - so you should see noticable improvements.

While you are spending the cash - consider a SSD for your boot drive.

At the end of the day - you will have a fundamentally new PC.

C12Friedman · Jun 24, 2014

Although a slightly anemic CPU (by todays gaming standards), it would still benefit from a graphics boost so that's the direction I'd go. The AMD R9-270 or NVidia GTX 750Ti look to viable options in your budget range.

Wisecracker · Jun 24, 2014

Bump the clock on your C2D E8500 and snag an R9 270X --- it will likely peak at 180w (if that helps you any in your power calculations)

In gaming, it's still your video card for the most part, and 2 fast threads will handle most gaming demands.

edit: Here's the Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB for $195 before $10 rebate.

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New hardware: CPU or GPU in your opinion?

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