Upgrade for BF3

[SteeL]

I have : Intel Q9550 2.8Ghz, 3GB RAM, ATI 4850, Win 7 32bit and ASUS Intel G40 motherboard.

Is it ok if I only upgrade my Graphics card to any ATI HD 6xxx series ? And will it run on my Cooler Master 460W power ?

 

[hell_storm2004]

Replace that PSU and then think about getting a new card. That is one of the crappiest CPU's ever. Get a Corsair VX550W and an HD6950.

 

[SteeL]

Thanks for reply.

But will that graphics card Run on my motherboard ? Im trying to put budget under $300

 

[hell_storm2004]

Yes it should. It has a PCIe 2.0 slot and the card should work.

Your processor is quite good for gaming still now.
At what resolution do you game at?

 

[SteeL]

Currently playing BF3 with medium-low settings @ res 1024px

 

[hell_storm2004]

17 inch monitor?? For that a HD 6850 should be enough to churn out healthy FPS. or a GTX460!

 

[SteeL]

Actually a 15inch monitor since 2004

 

[hell_storm2004]

Even a 6770 should be enough i think!

 

[SteeL]

Thanks hell_storm

I will go for 6850 I think.. dun wana buy card for next 3yrs

 

[lunyone]

I agree with Hell_storm2004. You need to have a better PSU for your setup. The PSU might be fine now, but might be an issue later (when you have more expensive parts running). I like Antec/Corsair/PCP&C/Seasonic PSU's for my preferred choices. I'd look for at least 400-500w PSU's from one of the brands I listed previously. If you get around 500w, you'll have more upgrade room later. Don't forget to get a PSU with at least 1-2 PCI-e power connectors too. That way if you get a higher end GPU that requires 2 x PCI-e power connectors, your covered.

If you are staying with a 1280 x 1024 resolution, the 4850 GPU should be just fine. If you upgrade your monitor to 1650 x 1080 or larger, than you should upgrade the PSU and GPU to accomodate the bigger resolution.

Here's an example of a decent PSU for the $: $58 shipped!
Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W Continuous Power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply

 

[SteeL]

Best answer selected by SteeL.