bealj001

Distinguished
Sep 7, 2009
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Hi All,

Looking at building a new gaming machine also used for media streaming, internet, office, photo editing (small stuff), video, and music.

I currently have an AMD Phenom 9550, 4GB, 512mb ATI 4870, Gigabyte GA-MA790FX-DQ6, 250GB HDD, and 650W PSU.

I am looking to go an Intel Core i5 750, 4GB (to start with), 1GB ATI 4890, GA-P55-UD5, going to use the same box, PSU, and monitor.

Wondering if people could rate this but also point me in the direction of graphics cards that are coming out.

Thanks Yall.
 

FallenSniper

Distinguished
Jun 18, 2007
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Ati is about to release their 5 series of cards, which means you shouldn't upgrade right now. Also, if you already have a 4870 you really don't need to upgrade for awhile. An upgrade to the 4890 wouldn't be much of a difference.
 
^+1
Just a suggestion...your current mobo can support the AM3 CPUs too...So just an upgrade to Phenom II X4 955 will help save money for the ATI 5 series...That would be a better option as you can invest in a more powerful graphics card with the money saved on the mobo...And the performance between the X4 955 and the i5s are pretty close...
But finally its your call...
 
Your GA-MA790FX-DQ6 can support newer AM3 CPUs so just as gkay suggests you should consider upgrading to a Phenom II 955 rather than spending more money on an i5 and new motherboard. A 4890 really isn't that big of an upgrade over a 4870. You are better off getting a second 4870 to use them in crossfire. Of course you could also run a 4890 and a 4870 in crossfire, but using different cards sometimes produces weird results.
 
What model of hard drive do you have? A newer HDD might be a performance boost also.

I also agree with the above that upgrading to a PhenomIIx4 will be almost as good as an i5 and lots cheaper.

For GPU use the 4870 at least for another month while we see what the new 5800 series does to the GPU market.