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Tom's Hardware > Forum > Systems > Homebuilt > Computer Upgrade Advice

Computer Upgrade Advice

Forum Systems : Homebuilt Computer Upgrade Advice

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Hi all,

It's been a few years since I've upgraded my PC. I've been satisfied with it, but when Witcher 2 came out and I have to play it on low settings, it's disappointing. So here I am looking for advice on optimal upgrades so I can play games like Witcher 2 on the highest of settings.

Here's what I've got:

Mobo: ASUS P5N-D
CPU: Intel Core2 Duo E8400 @ 3.00 GHz (2 CPUs)
RAM: 4GB OCZ Gold (2x2)
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GTX+
Monitor: ASUS VW246H HDMI 24"
Case: Apevia (not sure on exact model, but pretty roomy)

Please let me know if you need anything further. I appreciate the help!

Reply to UncleGluelap
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Well this depends on your budget, your CPU and GPU are holding you back. So if your budget is ~$250 i would pick up a used Q6600 and a HD 5770/HD 6850/GTX 460 1GB. If it's more than say $600-800 i would build an entirely new PC. If it's less than that then do a slight overclock on the CPU and get the HD 5770.


Message edited by jmsellars1 on 05-30-2011 at 07:38:40 PM
------------------------------ Intel Core i5-760 @ 3.4Ghz / Noctua NH-D14 / Corsair Vengeance LP 2x4GB 1600Mhz / Palit GTX 460 1GB / ASRock P55 Deluxe / Fractal R3 / Samsung 830 128GB / Seagate Barracuda 500GB / Seasonic X-560
Reply to jmsellars1

I think you should try upgrading the graphics card .

Check the charts section of this site but in general the Radeon 6850 or 6870
or
nVidia GTX 560 or 460
will not be limited by the rest of your system and should allow much better quality settings .

Reply to Outlander_04

You dont think a GTX 460 or HD 6850 will be limited by a core 2 duo?

------------------------------ Intel Core i5-760 @ 3.4Ghz / Noctua NH-D14 / Corsair Vengeance LP 2x4GB 1600Mhz / Palit GTX 460 1GB / ASRock P55 Deluxe / Fractal R3 / Samsung 830 128GB / Seagate Barracuda 500GB / Seasonic X-560
Reply to jmsellars1

Nope . I have an e7300 clocked to 3.33 GHz [ benches the same as a stock e8400 ]and a 6870 and it works well on a 24 inch 1080p screen .

Im sure it wouldn't run a low resolution screen at the huge frame rates that the latest cpu's would , but at 1080p you are more gpu limited than cpu limited .

And if it didnt solve your problem you can always buy the rest of the new computer and put your shiny new graphics card in it

Reply to Outlander_04

Thanks, guys!

I appreciate the responses. I opted for the Radeon 6870 because for $187 with Shogun 2 thrown into the mix for free from Newegg, it seemed like a lot of bang for the buck. I'll let you know how it goes once I get it, if you're interested.

Thanks again

Reply to UncleGluelap
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