Balancing GPU and CPU for Socket 939 Upgrade

[jisora]

I'm looking to uprgade my son's 3-year old system for better gaming. It currently has an AMD 3000+ with 8600GT and I don't want to get into a full mobo replacement at this point.

Is there a GPU that would offer a nice performance boost without being CPU constrained?

If I went with an X2 3800 upgrade (the fastest readily available 939 CPU) would it make sense to go with a 4850/4870 or 260?

 

[4745454b]

I don't think I'd go with the 4870/260. Assuming he isn't gaming on a huge screen (safe bet if he uses a 3000+ and a 8600GT) the 4850 is more then enough for the 3800x2. You could save even more and just get the 8800GT. An 8800 of some sort should be enough as well.

 

[jisora]

Yes...the other piece of relevant info is that his LCD maxes out at 1650 x 1050.

I notice the 9800GT is more readily available and less expensive than the 8800GT, but the 4850 is only about $25 more with 10.1 support, so that seems like a pretty good option.

 

[r-sky]

cpu will hold your system back but... a 4850 will work and still be a decent card if you decide to upgrade the cpu/motherboard.

8800Gt/9800Gt are fine too.