Upgrade Dillema

[burtonm06]

Hi everyone.

I currently am planning on upgrading my build, which is mainly used for gaming at the minute. Please find my current specs below:

ASUS P5Q motherboard
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4 GHz 8MB Cache
4GB DDR2 memory
HD4850 512MB
Xonar D2 Soundcard

I am using a 23" LCD Monitor which I run at 1920x1080.

It is OK at running most games at medium-high spec, but the more demanding ones will have a drop in framerate at busy moments.

In terms of budget and timescale, I haven't got the cash to splash out on numerous things all at once, I'd say its more like £150-200 ($240-320) now then similar amounts over the next 4/5 months depending on how work comes in! I'd like whatever I get to be fairly future proof. It probably boils down to now either getting a new GFX card or Processor, then getting the remaining bits a few months down the line. What would make the most difference now? I had my eye on a HD6950/ Nvidia GTX 560 but was worried that it would be held back due to my processor. Let me know your thoughts.

Many thanks

 

[eloric]

Keep your processor - it is fine. Instead, get a heat sink like the Cooler Master hyper 212 plus, and overclock that CPU until it almost smokes. I like this chiller because it is inexpensive, and it upgrades to all the current sockets.

Take the rest of your budget and buy that 6950 - 2GB, if possible and make sure that you can unlock it to a 6970. A couple caveats: you did not mention your case: make sure that it will fit the 11 inch length of that huge card. Also, confirm that your power supply has enough capacity - at least 550 watts.

 

[burtonm06]

That's great cheers, I'll get onto it. I've checked the measurements and wattage etc and it all looks fine for the upgrades you mentioned. Any advice on where to look to find out how to unlock the 6950 to a 6970?

 

[eloric]

Here are two references: take your pick: TechPowerUp or Guru3D