Another GTX460 2GB for SLI OR an extra 4 GB RAM for 8 GB

[Tom Knowles]

Hi,

I recently tried to get some suggestions for updating my 3 year old system, but to no avail. Undeterred, I'll give it another go.
I have $300 to improve the system below.
I need this system for running Maya, Mudbox and Photoshop CS4 pretty much. It's underpowered, I know, but it's all I've got right now. I'm going to be a student for a year, so times are tight.

What would give me the biggest improvement in performance: 8GB RAM (I would have to purchase all new as I have 4 x 1 GB currently and only x4 Dimm slots) OR another GTX460 2gb for SLi?

Any suggestions and insights would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.


MOBO - ASUS P5N32-E SLI ACPI BIOS Revision 1903
CPU - intel Q6600 o/c 2.66
GPU - Plait GTX460 2gb
RAM - 4gb corsair xms2 4,4,4,13 @ 1.8V
HD1 - WD Raptor 150 GB @ 10000rpm
HD2 - Seagate Barracuda 500 GB @ 7500rpm
PSU - 750W coolermaster real power
Audio - Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer
CASE - CoolermasterCosmos

 

[hunter315]

If you arent gaming adding a second GTX 460 isnt going to help you out much, Maya and Photoshop will appreciate the extra ram more than the additional graphics power.

 

[Tom Knowles]

Thanks for replying hunter. I'm always up for gaming, but apparently I won't have any time for it. The irony.

I thought Photoshop and Maya benefitted directly from more video ram?

 

[hunter315]

You already have a 2GB one, if you add a second one in SLI they act as two GPUs with the same amount of ram as the first card has so even if it does respond well to VRAM you are still only at 2GB in SLI not 4GB.

 

[Tom Knowles]

Cheers, I appreciate the insight. I wasn't aware that Sli functioned like that with VRam.

Ok, how about upgrading the CPU to the best LGA775 on offer with the $300 instead of upgrading the Ram? I originally wanted to o/c the Q6600 but it's a pain in the a**e to o/c.