New GPU or CPU?

[mataus]

Hi,

I want to upgrade my system to improve FPS for gaming (mainly Flightsim X). I can’t afford a full upgrade, so it’s either a new motherboard/CPU or a new graphics card. Looking at my current system, would I benefit more from a new card, keeping my current CPU/motherboard, or would it be better to do the reverse? If I upgrade my card, I don’t mind paying a bit extra so I can keep it and upgrade my CPU/motherboard at a later date.

Asus P5-LD2 Deluxe
Duo E6600 2.4Ghz
ATi XT 1950 XTX 512mb
OCZ DDR2-667 PC2-5400 (2 x 1Gb)
2x 150Gb SATA (standard 7200rpm)
WinXPro

Many thanks in advance
Mataus

 

[powerbaselx]

I want to upgrade my system to improve FPS for gaming (mainly Flightsim X). I can’t afford a full upgrade, so it’s either a new motherboard/CPU or a new graphics card. Looking at my current system, would I benefit more from a new card, keeping my current CPU/motherboard, or would it be better to do the reverse? If I upgrade my card, I don’t mind paying a bit extra so I can keep it and upgrade my CPU/motherboard at a later date.

Asus P5-LD2 Deluxe
Duo E6600 2.4Ghz
ATi XT 1950 XTX 512mb
OCZ DDR2-667 PC2-5400 (2 x 1Gb)
2x 150Gb SATA (standard 7200rpm)
WinXPro

If you're objective is to play better Flight Simulator i'd say you should do 2 things:
- upgrade RAM to 4GB DDR2 667 (probably DDR2-800 will work also downclocked to 667).
- buy a new graphic card, probably NVidia (better with that game). Take a look at:

http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/gaming-graphics-charts-q3-2008/Microsoft-Flight-Simulator-X-SP2,784.html

Your CPU it's not that old and it's still ok for gaming and general purpose.

 

[rangers]

dont put much faith in tome gpu charts, Flight Sim love's a high speed CPU and unfortunately toms charts dont have that, thats why a 8800gtx outperforms a 280, overclock your CPU and get more memory 2x2gig

 

[mataus]

I would prefer not to overclock, don't have the best knowledge to do that without breaking something! ;-) If splitting money between another 2Gb of memory and a new card is the best option, then thats what i will do. Want to try and avoid a bottleneck as much as possible.

I always use ATi cards, so based on my system, what would be the best option?
Is this too extreme: - Sapphire HD 4850 X2 2GB GDDR3 Quad DVI HDTV Out PCI-E Graphics Card - £250 ?

many thanks
Mataus

 

[powerbaselx]

I always use ATi cards, so based on my system, what would be the best option?
Is this too extreme: - Sapphire HD 4850 X2 2GB GDDR3 Quad DVI HDTV Out PCI-E Graphics Card - £250 ?

IMO it is a bit extreme, yes. Before you buy any new graphic card you must check your PSU (power supply unit).
For HD4850 X2 you must have at least a good 800W PSU with 2 PCI-E power connectors. For a unique card (no Xfire or SLI) you must have a 600W PSU. Both should have good amp on 12v.
Check also HD4870...

 

[mataus]

I have an Antec PSU which is only 12months old, 750w. My setup includes 2 HDD's and 2 DVD's.

Would having alot of GPU memory help, or does it matter more if its GDDR3 or GDDR5? I want to get the best possible to suit my current setup and give the best overall output.

Maybe more like this then - XFX HD 4870 XXX Edition 1GB GDDR5 Dual DVI HDTV Out PCI-E Graphics Card - £250 ?


Many thanks
Mataus

 

[mactronix]

That looks like a better match up, seriously though look at some rweviews or guides about overclocking. Its so easy even i can do it. Your CPU is very popular and over on the Overclocking they could probably tell you exactly which settings to set to where for your board and CPU. That game really does want as much CPU power as you can throw at it. If you really dont fancy it fair enough, just seems a shame to let the extra performance go begging.