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Time to upgrade

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So its finally time for me to drop some cash into some new components. My current system just can't cut it any more. I don't need a complete machine, just the essentials. I'll be reusing my current drives (HD and opticals), Koolance case, and 550W PS.

So I have been thinking going with

Mobo

ASUS M4A785TD-V EVO AM3 AMD 785G HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard

CPU

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor

RAM

A-DATA Gaming Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model AX3U1600GB2G9-AG

So I am looking for some feedback on these parts. I'm trying to keep it reasonably priced.

My biggest issue is I am trying to decide on a GPU. I was thinking about reusing my 8600GTS or maybe upgrading to a new ati card.

This machine is going to be used for gaming, media streaming and web surfing.
My current monitor is a 19" with 1280x1024 native res.

I have 2 cards in mind. Both ati

XFX HD-489X-ZSFC Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

Or for an extra $100 I could get

XFX HD-585A-ZNFC Radeon HD 5850 (Cypress Pro) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card w/ATI Eyefinity - Retail

Alternative for the $100 would be to buy a new HD or a couple new games. (Dragonage, Dawn of War 2)

My buddy says i should just continue to use my 8600gts and wait ~6 mos until the 58xx series drops in price. I honestly don't think I will be running crossfired cards or need a ton of GPU power due to the monitor res. So I think i'd like to stay with a single card.

Well, I hope that makes sense. Let me know any opinions, suggestions.

Edit* fixed links

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i would get this combo if you want a 5850, or the second one is with a 4890:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...

i have a 4890, and it gets a 5.9 in vista and handles every game handily, including dragon age on max at 1920x1080, but idk what u want it for. depending on if you want usb 3 and sata 6, then get this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

but yours is fine. also, get this ram instead:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

it also has a 1600 MHz version, but it is out of stock, and this one has lower latency, way lower voltage, and can oc to atleast 1800 MHz. the 8600 GTS cant max out those games, but it can marginally play them, but i recommend upgrading now.

Homebuilt system Authority

The 5870s wont likely come down much in price. 5850s quite possibly will drop back to the $260-$275 range IF ATI ever catches supply up to demand. Given they changed their stocking model to be much more lean that may or may not ever happen.

Ahh, I didn't even notice that they were out of stock on the 5850 at the moment. Thanks for the links on the combos. Comes out a little cheaper.

I'll give it a week and see if they get the 5850 in, otherwise i'll just grab the 4890. I'm sure I'll be happy enough with it.
Homebuilt system Authority

I'm running Dragon Age at 1680x1050 on a HD4850; all settings are maxed except 2XAA (haven't tried higher), and it is smooth with no jitters. If you're not going to replace your monitor any time soon, just get a 5750 or 5770. If you will replace it with up to 1680x1050, a 5770 still ought to be the most you'll need.
Alternatively, and cheaper, a HD4670 is a big step up from an 8600GTS and is $65-$70 now. If you're going to replace the monitor, but maybe not for a few months, this will let you spend a little now, and save for future upgrades.
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