Upgrading cpu,gpu,both, or new comp

[Super3204]

This is my current situation. I am a gamer and I want to play a game called Rift. However my computer is outdated and I get very bad framrates on it. They vary from 10 to 70 depending upon where i am. However, during combat, it averages about 25. This is on all of the lowest settings. These are my specs: e5200@ 2.8Ghz 4gb ram geforce gts 250 1gb video card. I have talked to some people and have received different opinions on what to do. If I wanted to spend about 200 bucks to get me by before I buy a whole new real computer, what would make Rift atleast playable. I was thinking for the gpu a new gtx460 1gb ddr5 for 150 to 200 dollars on newegg. I already have a 650 watt psu. For the cpu, perhaps a new core 2 quad. Rift is both cpu and gpu intensive. Inside the games benchmarks it said my gpu was holding me back more than the cpu. So if Im not going to get a new computer, would an overclocked gtx460 help me out to get by? Also, i was told that despite having the lga socket 775 slot for a core 2 quad that it could be rejected by the manufacturers bios. The system is a gateway. At this point i do not want to by a new computer just yet. Thanks

 

[FinneousPJ]

Hi,

if you're not willing to invest in a new computer, I think the GTX 460 is a nice upgrade on your system. You can then move it over to your new platform once you buy a new computer. I wouldn't invest on a new CPU on a "dead" socket like yours.

 

[Super3204]

Would an ATI Radeon 6850 or 6870 be just as good of an option?

 

[FinneousPJ]

Yes. Get the better deal.

 

[Super3204]

Im probably going to go with the 6870. To assure it works i want to go over some things. I have a pci express 1.1 slot but the card is backwards compatible. I have a 650 watt psu. I have 2 6 pin connectors. I also am assuming that my mobo can take 1gb of ddr5 instead of 1gb ddr3. It is also a big card about 10 inches long correct? Also, is it safe to use catalyst control center auto tune feature or would it be better if I just overclocked manually if I did. Is it safe to have a gpu fan at 100% all the time other than shortening its life?

 

[das_stig]

Checkout ebay and get a Q6600 about £50 and GTX460 or ATI 6850/6870.

 

[Super3204]

If i got a q6600 what would I do about the memory? I currently have 4gb running at 895mhz because of an overclock on the dual core but the new fsb would be 1066.