Tom's Hardware > Forum > CPU & Components > CPUs > Need new CPU or video?
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I was looking into upgrading my main PC for a short boost.
Meaning: I am planning on building a completely new system within a year so I don't need to upgrade a whole lot.
I am on a tight budget, but here's my question: should I get a new CPU or a video card?
Mobo: M4N72-E (750a chipset)
CPU: Athlon X2 5600+ (Brisbane)
Video: Nvidia 8800GT
Mem: 4gb DDR2800
Vista 64 Ultimate

I know and fully understand that there are many things that I need to upgrade, but for now only one can be afforded. Maybe I'll do another one in a month or so.

I really can't seem to decide here. I don't want to get a newer video card and my CPU be a bottleneck. But, I don't wanna get a new CPU (Probably go with the AMD Phenom II X2 550) and it not make a noticeable difference for my gaming.

Main purpose for my machine is everyday use, but I play at least 10 hours of games a day on this machine. TF2, WoW, FFXI, Fallout 3.

Which do you think would make a bigger impact on my PC?

Thank you~

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I'd go for a newer video card and transfer it over to your new machine. The 4770 was recommended for around $105 recently in a comparison review.

Reply to o1die

Interesting.

Best bet is to wait longer.

If you upgrade either part, it will bottleneck the other.

Phenom II isn't that big of an upgrade.

Reply to amdfangirl
Tom's Hardware > Forum > CPU & Components > CPUs > Need new CPU or video?
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