Run wow at max fps

[roflcoopter]

Hello, I need some help with figuring out what components I need to improve to give the biggest result in getting a higher overall FPS in World of Warcraft at max video options

Here's my specs
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual CPU E2180 @ 2.00GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.0GHz
Memory: 4096MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 3584MB RAM
Graphic card: NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GSO

My OS is Windows 7 32 bit

If there is anything else you need to know, just ask, thanks

EDIT: I realize now that the info i gave you isnt enough, so just tell me what else is missing.

 

[MockingbirdUK]

I would find out your motherboard model and see whether it can handle a faster processor - there should be some upgrades out there readily available. (If it supports the E8400 or Q6600, either one would be enough for WoW).

The RAM is sufficient (assuming it's something like DDR2 800), but you can't use all of it with win7 32-bit. You shoule be able to install 64-bit from the same disc, aftrer backing up your personal files.

Also, a new graphics card might also help you out - the recently released Radeon HD 6850 is an excellent price/power point, but if you'll never go beyond WoW it may be more power than you need (a similar performance point for a slight increase in money is the Nvidia GTX 460 - I've heard people say WoW performs well with Nvidia cards, and if you can find one cheap this would serve you very well).
In either case, a 1Gb model would be advisable.

 

[roflcoopter]

The motherboard is from Gigabyte Technology and the model is 945GZM-S2

So you'd say that to get the best improvement, i should get a new processor?

 

[davewolfgang]

Really a video card update should get you playing WoW at max, it's not the most intensive CPU game anyway. A GTX460 or even one of the new 68xx cards from AMD will run WoW for at least this entire expansion and probably the next.

 

[roflcoopter]

Thanks Dave, I might even end up upgrading both of them

 

[coldsleep]

What resolution do you game at? That will make a significant difference in how powerful a graphics card you need.

 

[roflcoopter]

What resolution do you game at? That will make a significant difference in how powerful a graphics card you need.

I play at 1920x1080

 

[coldsleep]

Although WoW will consume CPU, I'm not sure it's worth sinking over $150 into a CPU upgrade. I'd probably just upgrade the video card and save the rest to start working on a new build.

What's your budget?

For around $200, you should consider the nVidia 460 and the ATI 6850 or 6870. If your budget is higher, you might consider a 470.

I run max settings at 1920x1200 with a Phenom II X4 965 and an ATI 5870, and I get about 30-35fps in Dalaran at primetime. Usually about 50 fps in raids, though it can depend on the fight, sometimes it dips lower.

 

[roflcoopter]

Im not really willing to pay more than $200 for a graphics card so i think i'll settle with the 460, since im comfortable with nVidia products