Upgrade graphics or CPU?

[doomsdaydave11]

Hey, I've got a AMD 3500+ and a 7900 GS (rest of specs in sig). Obviously these are both pretty weak units for modern gaming. I think it's time for an upgrade, but I don't know which one to upgrade. From a pure gaming perspective (even though i do alot of video encoding, 3D graphics, etc.) what would be a better option. I know that a new CPU would probably be better for all that other stuff, but would a new GPU be better for gaming? I would get a 8800 GTS 512MB. If it was the CPU I would most likely get a e8400 (seeing that they are supposed to be at $185 US by the beginning of May)

 

[imrul]

if you upgrade cpu, u also hav to get a new mobo as well

 

[aznstriker92]

well IF you get anything else you might bottleneck your graphics card.
I say get a proccessor (with a new mobo) and grab a 9600GT or a 8800GT.
A moderate cpu and high end gpu is much better than a high end cpu and mid range gpu.
Keep in mind a 8800GT would be more future proof than a 9600GT.
8800GT $189 AFR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127329
9600GT $155 AFR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127333

I can't find anything thats much better than a 3500+ in socket 939.
You should get a 780G(AMD) or 580i sli or 680i sli mobo and get a cheap intel or amd processor and OC.


Getting ready for SC2 I see.

 

[rolli59]

For your processor I would go with HD3850 or 8800GS. But if you had a dual core 8800GT

 

[dos1986]

Doesnt have to cost much...

E 2180 $80

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116052

ASUS P5N-E SLI $120

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131142

G.SKILL 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 $45

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231121

XFX GeForce 9600GT $150

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150277

Works out about $400, you can overclock that cpu to 2.7ghz easy and the 9600gt is an awesome little and you can always get another one when the prices come down to $100 in a few months..

 

[doomsdaydave11]

Getting ready for SC2 I see.

Right you are ken. (If you know what that's from, you win a cookie)

Hmmm.. It's really tough to decide though. I do a ton of video encoding. I encode a ton DVDs in Linux, and fast system reboots after I'm finished with Linux, and fast encoding would really be nice. Though, don't RTS games take up a lot more CPU then an FPS would? Ugh. I guess I'm just sick of waiting for the e8400 to get back in stock. Last I heard it was going to be late this month. Is this true? And does anyone know what the price is supposed to be? I freaked out after I saw on newegg the price went up from $240 to $250, thinking that I would stay that way (It was still set to out of stock; I was told that it was supposed to retail at $185).

 

[FrozenGpu]

From MXC that uses the voice over of the Japanese game show Takeshi's castle, it's said when host Vic Romano agrees with other host, Kenny Blankenship. ?

Where's my cookie?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

[ogsnet] + [:thegreatgrapeape:7] [:wr2:2] [:xkm1948] or [:kentuckyranger:1]

 

[doomsdaydave11]

 

[ohiou_grad_06]

Honestly man, I think your card for your system now is a decent match. You might consider the mobo and chip now, hold onto your card a little while longer wait for prices to drop.

 

[doomsdaydave11]

Honestly man, I think your card for your system now is a decent match. You might consider the mobo and chip now, hold onto your card a little while longer wait for prices to drop.

I agree. That is why I am hesitant to get rid of it. I think that's how I am going to do it. Thanks for your advice everyone!

 

[FrozenGpu]

i was about to eat my cookie, but the [:kentuckyranger:1] ate it first now he turned into [:labbai:2] and wants what [:labbai] this guy is holding, what should I do?

 

[Zenthar]

I know the E8400 are backordered until about april everywhere in North America for now, but when were you planning to make this upgrade, in one of your post, you mentioned may?

 

[aznstriker92]

Right you are ken. (If you know what that's from, you win a cookie)

Hmmm.. It's really tough to decide though. I do a ton of video encoding. I encode a ton DVDs in Linux, and fast system reboots after I'm finished with Linux, and fast encoding would really be nice. Though, don't RTS games take up a lot more CPU then an FPS would? Ugh. I guess I'm just sick of waiting for the e8400 to get back in stock. Last I heard it was going to be late this month. Is this true? And does anyone know what the price is supposed to be? I freaked out after I saw on newegg the price went up from $240 to $250, thinking that I would stay that way (It was still set to out of stock; I was told that it was supposed to retail at $185).

Well you'll never get your E8400 because its like the 8800GT situation. Intel cannot switch from 65nm to 45nm that fast. So just get a cheap sli mobo, 8800GT and a E2160 or E2400. Those are both way faster then your old processor. I don't know about SC2 but I think it should be similar to World in Conflict graphic wise. It should be like Sup commander where it depends on a super fast cpu.
I can't wait for it either. Im Korean by the way if that gives you any clues. :lol:

 

[FrozenGpu]

i was about to eat my cookie, but the [:kentuckyranger:1] ate it first now he turned into [:labbai:2] and wants what [:labbai] this guy is holding, what should I do?

I think this guy has a real issue that needs to be addressed...