$150 upgrade: new CPU/RAM/Mobo/Soul? Or new GPU?...

[hobojoe58]

Hey so I wrote a post a couple of weeks ago assuming I would have $300 to upgrade my PC as it turns out I really only have $150 to spend on upgrades. So with that said what would be the best bang for my buck performance wise? Can it be done with a dash of future proof?!
I am currently gaming @ 1078x768 and 1360x768 on this build:

X2 5600+, ocz 2GB ram, 8800 GTS 320, 650 psu, 300gb raptor.

I can adequately play modern games but I would like to play MORE than just adequately @ cool temps under load.
I have been intrigued with the possibility of an APU solution like an A6-3670K Unlocked or would it make more sense to stick a $100 GPU in this rig and call it a day? What would you do for the money? Any ideas or experience welcome!

 

[QuietPC]

A few more details please:
DDR2 or 3?
How many ram slots open?
Brand of psu?

Without any details I would get to 4gb of ram and put a better video card in and call it a day.

 

[hobojoe58]

Yea its DDR2 I have 2 slots open, and the psu is BFG.

 

[QuietPC]

Then the recommendation stands. Add 2gb of ram that matches and upgrade the gpu for the money those are the most bang for the buck.

 

[hobojoe58]

So what would even be a substantial upgrade from my 8800? Keepin in mind Im running an older AM2 Dual core I dont want to bottleneck the GPU too badly....

Any opinions on the new AMD APUs? I could couple my cpu and gpu needs? Are there any valid reasons not to game this way? drivers too early to tell?

 

[QuietPC]

So what would even be a substantial upgrade from my 8800? Keepin in mind Im running an older AM2 Dual core I dont want to bottleneck the GPU too badly....

Any opinions on the new AMD APUs? I could couple my cpu and gpu needs? Are there any valid reasons not to game this way? drivers too early to tell?

How much do you have left after upgrading the ram another 2gb? Assuming it's around $100 a 6670 or 6770 and it should work ok with your present system. Here is a link to the Feb Toms Gpu report: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-3.html

 

[hobojoe58]

I have $120 left after the RAM, would the 6670 or 6770 still the best bang for the buck or should I save $30 more and get a 6850? Or would a 6850 be bottled necked too badly?

 

[QuietPC]

A 6850 would be a nice upgrade and is, in my opinion, worth the cost.

 

[termhn]

It might be bottlenecked right now, but it'll be able to stick around for a while so that when you have the money to upgrade the CPU, the CPU won't be bottlenecked by the GPU, and you'll still see performance increases right now.

So: 2 more GB RAM
6870 if you want to spend the extra $30 or 6850 at $20 over or $6790 at $10 over. Anything below, I would just wait for another $10-$20 in the budget then upgrade or just buy ram for now and wait for another $10-$20.

 

[hobojoe58]

Hell yes great advice I am soooo getting a 6850! Thankyou termhn (you da mhn) and Quiet stay loud! Will update with gains and stains. Toms fans = DEEP FRIED ORGASM.

 

[hobojoe58]

Just unboxed and installed my new Sapphire 6850!!! This card is incredible!!! @ full load batman/crysis/skyrim 60fps+ never reaches above 45C underload! Wow. Thats with my old X2 dualcore, sooo impressed! Great bang for buck @ $140!! cant stop smiling!!! thanks again!