Time to upgrade...and I need some help!

Coult17

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So, I'm looking into getting a new graphics card around the holidays... and after lots of research, I think I've narrowed it down the the Radeon 4890, 5770, or 5850. But I have some questions, mainly, which card would be best for me (more on that in a bit) and whether or not I should just upgrade my whole system (not sure if my processor will hamper a powerful graphics card).

My current system is:

CPU: Intel E2160 dual core 1.8 ghz
MoBo: PCI-Express, 2 slots for RAM
RAM: 2 GB
Video Card: ATI X1650 ( <---- I'm right in believing this is ancient, right? :p )

My monitor is a 25.5" Samsung, and I want to run games at 1900 x 1200.

Games I would play include Modern Warfare 2, World of Warcraft, Grand Theft Atuo IV, Borderlands, Mass Effect and Dragon Age. But, I'd also like to prepare for the future (Starcraft 2, Diablo 3, Star Wars: The Old Republic, etc) so would investing in DX11 be the way to go?

I'm leaning towards the 5850, as I figure the extra money is worth the extra performance. Plus DX11. Or will the 5770 be good enough for games at 1900 x 1200?

Or, would the rest of my comp hamper such a powerful card? Should I just upgrade everything? Maybe a motherboard with two PCI-E 2.0 slots for crossfire capability...or more RAM slots. Also, is my processor really bad? I haven't really researched them much... most of my time has been dedicated to video cards. It is a 1.8 ghz dual core... so does that mean technically it is a 3.6 ghz? I've seen specs for 2.6ghz quad cores... does that mean they are essentially 10.4 ghz?!?

Plus, I plan to get windows 7 (still running XP), plus I MAY need a new power supply, I haven't popped it out yet to check the wattage, but it may not be enough for a new graphics card. So maybe I should just start over?

Any help/opinions would be greatly appreciated. My computer's future is in all of your hands!! :D
 

A 1.8ghz CPU is technically a 1.8ghz CPU end, you don't add the cores together. It's still a weak CPU though.
 
If u want a 5850 then u must upgrade your CPU too, that's a weak CPU like Mod said..

Honestly, u aren't listed your system completely, Mobo-what brand? PSU??

My old HIS X1650 Pro is served me well in past 2 years, now he can Rest In Peace on his box... :)
 
E8500 or X6800 are the highest CPU that your mobo can support, u can't upgrade your CPU with Core 2 Quad (which is requirement for playing GTA IV).
Still, like Mod said, it's a weak CPU (E2160).

These are some examples of 5850:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=40000048&Description=HD%205850&name=Desktop%20Graphics%20%2f%20Video%20Cards

And i'm not sure about your PSU, 5850 need 500W minimum...
You must upgrade your PSU too with high end PSU like Corsair, PCP&C, Antec, ect.
 

Coult17

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K well then I guess I'd be better pressed to get a new motherboard and cpu as well, eh? Any recommendations for a good motherboard that supports an affordable, powerful quad 2 core processor (if such a thing exists :p )?
 

Coult17

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Hopefully nothing over 1000. A friend recommended this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128401 Gigabyte UD3R

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115215 i5 750

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-857-_-Product 5850

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-316-_-Product 4GB DDR3

But I'd probably switch out the 5850 for a 5770, since that mobo is crossfire compatible, so i could just get another 5770 when I got the money. This set up would cost me $668, plus id need a new PSU. Any thoughts/opinions?
 

Coult17

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Yeah that's what I'm thinking... the 5770 can run games comfortably at 1900 x 1200 right? The problems with Benchmarks are they are usually for games like Crysis...but I'm more interested in games like Borderlands or Dragon Age :p
 

technuttso

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The setup off you're get 'in now is good, maybe a psu from corsair 750 or 850w is more adequate for u,on a future proof point of view,for a possible cf if needed. ATI 5850 is a better choice on a 1000 buck's budget and offer a full cover for the immediate future on gaming. Just go as u plan lately and u will be satisfied :D .