CPU vs GPU: which do I upgrade for TF2?

whiplash000

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Mar 19, 2010
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...wow that was kinda poetic :D

So I posted a thread here asking for advice on which GPU to upgrade my system to. I mentioned that EVGA would replace my 8800gt later on in the thread. That got me thinking... Since I no longer HAVE to replace my GPU, should I upgrade my CPU instead? Here's my current specs:

Motherboard: ASUS p5n-d
CPU: Intel Pentium Dual-core e2140 (currently OC'd to 2.8ghz, gone as high as 3.2 stable)
RAM: 4GB G.Skill ram
GPU: EVGA 8800GT
Monitor: SCEPTRE 24" monitor (1920x1200) (drool)
PSU: Thermaltake 430w power supply

Look at the thread I linked to before to see that I decided if I'm gonna upgrade my GPU, it's gonna be a Radeon HD 5850. That, plus a new power supply, will cost me around $350 to $400.

On the CPU side, I have my eye on either a Core 2 Duo e8200, or one of the Core 2 Quads (model suggestions?)

Remember that my primary game is TF2, which I heard was very CPU dependent. So... CPU or GPU?
 

whiplash000

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The reason I can't upgrade both is because I'm poor... :( I have to upgrade stuff one thing at a time. So what quad core has the best price/overclocking potental ratio right now?