Does a good GPU balance out a bad CPU?

[valcore]

Simple question that needs to be answered. I have a GT-220 right now and a AMD Athlox 64 X2 4400+ 2.3GHZ and it runs game pretty badly. Because of my ancient motherboard, I can not upgrade to a better CPU (MCP61PM-GM).

I am thinking about buying a better Graphics card to game on but I do not know for sure if a Better Graphics card will balance out my Bad CPU so I can play games much smoother.

My budget is $110. Please link me the BEST Card I can get.

I only play games like WoW, Tf2, CSS, Etc.

I play on a 1440x90 resolution.

 

[Dominaz1]

With your CPU, you could buy a better gpu, without having trouble with bottlenecking.
The best card to use with your CPU would be the following:


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102870 (could be bottlenecked by your CPU, but not much)

Could you tell us more details about your PSU ? (name, amps in 12 V...)

I will save the other 50 $ to buy a good PSU, that you could even use in a new computer when you decide to change your rig in a year or two.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256061

 

[valcore]

With your CPU, you could buy a better gpu, without having trouble with bottlenecking.
The best card to use with your CPU would be the following:


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102870 (could be bottlenecked by your CPU, but not much)

http://tpucdn.com/reviews/Axle/Radeon_HD_5670/images/perfrel.gif

Could you tell us more details about your PSU ? (name, amps in 12 V...)

I will save the other 50 $ to buy a good PSU, that you could even use in a new computer when you decide to change your rig in a year or two.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256061

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817103483 is my PSU I believe. Is there a even better GPU I can use that requires lower than 500W

 

[Dominaz1]

Ok your PSU is old, you have to buy a new one.
A better gpu, that would work with any of the PSU i mentioned before:


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102873&cm_re=5770-_-14-102-873-_-Product

But in your PC, this GPU will have almost the same performance as a 5670, due to bottlenecking issues.

 

[k1114]

I would not go higher than a 5670. A computer is only as good as its weakest link. Having a powerful gpu will not make it better, as it will be limited by a weak cpu.

 

[Dominaz1]

I would not go higher than a 5670. A computer is only as good as its weakest link. Having a powerful gpu will not make it better, as it will be limited by a weak cpu.

+1

 

[bak0n]

If you are running that 300 watt sparkle power supply I would keep the GPU low powered.

First, its less than 14 amps on your 12V rails. The last thing you want to do is overload it with a high powered gpu, causing system stability issues.

Secondly, because of your resolution you are running, you don't need as much power in the GPU as some are suggesting, its essentially overkill. I will say however that the 5670 with 1GB ddr3 memory plays well IF you disable alot of in game shading and don't turn up the AA. If you want some of those extra features, your really best off just saving your money till you can afford a new power supply along with the GPU.

I'm currently looking at the 6670 and 6570's to throw in an ITX system I just put together. If you really want to get the most bang for buck and have the space for it, go with a 6670 with gddr5 memory (however it will require 2 slots in your case). It has the benefit of not requiring a 6 pin power connector, which will be kind to your power supply.

 

[Onus]

The HD5670 he linked uses GDDR5. That is a decent card, especially since the price leaves enough in the budget to replace the PSU.
The EA-380D has been my "goto" PSU for the last few years now. I have not had one fail yet. It will run a HD5770 if you ever wanted a further GPU upgrade, although I agree that it would be bottlenecked by your current CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371033 for $48 shipped.