How do I know if a GPU will cause a bottleneck?

[Discord]

Got to upgrade.. no point telling you what I've currently got - it only just plays Oblivion and can't even do LOTR on high seettings.

Dilema. I'm going to get a conroe. Probably the E6600. How do I know what the cheapest GPU is that will not affect the CPU performance?

If I do decide on the AMD or Pent D route, how do you work out which GPU to get..?

Clock speeds?

Please help...

 

[Giraffe]

Well first of all u didnt give much info.

u should ALWAYS tell us your system specs and probly also your price range.

If your looking for games performance which i think u r then you want a good graphics card.
A 7900gt is a good choice and if u cant afford that then get a 7600gt maybe.(IDK your budget however)

You don't really need a e6600. U would be better off going with a e6300 or e6400 and spending the extra money on your graphics card.

Also 2GB ram is important for high end gaming

i hope i helped but i had limited info.

If u could post your specs plus your upgrade budget i can help further.

 

[prozac26]

You don't really need a e6600. U would be better off going with a e6300 or e6400 and spending the extra money on your graphics card.

Very true, a better video card will show bigger results in gaming. And like you said, 2gb of RAM is a must for a gaming PC nowadays, as 1gb can bottleneck games.

 

[Discord]

Sorry for the lack of info. The current spec of my PC is pretty irrelevant as I need a complete upgrade.

Suprised by the comments re the e6600. I'm looking to build a high end gaming machine:

Intel e6600 {£250}
2 gig ram {ocz PC2-6400} {£150}
Mb: asus P5WD2 Premium {130}
GFX: Probably a 7900 Gt {£200]
Total: c£750 Can save £100 getting the E6300

Not looking to overclock or run a sli rig.
Budget wise: not really worried as long as I'm getting good 2bang for buck".

By your comments, I'm almost tempted to stick with AMD and get anAM2 5000 @ £200.

 

[Slava]

By your comments, I'm almost tempted to stick with AMD and get anAM2 5000 @ £200.

If you are truly not worried about the cost, get that e6600 for only 50 pounds more... Right? Again, if cost is not a big deal and you wish to build a powerful gaming rig as you said, why build a weak gaming rig? Why no SLI? Why 7900 Gt? It is no longer the number one card. Finally, you must be aware that new generation video cards are only 3-4 months away (unless you are planning to get two new generation video cards for SLI or CrossFire when they come out and move the 7900 Gt to the third slot...) In any case, for now 50-100 pounds should not be the deciding factor in your CPU purchase. Get the best and it will improve your sysem's longevity. While that AM2 5000 may be adequate for some time and unlikely to become a bottleneck for a while, a stronger CPU will take longer to show signs of weakness.