Alright guys, I've got quite a few questions and this seems to be the correct place. Any help or opinions are greatly appreciated, so here we go!
I've currently got a pre-built system:
HP Pavilion Elite HPE-110F
AMD Phenom II X4 925(2.8GHz)
8GB DDR3 1333
ATI Radeon HD 4350
etc.
Everything in this is stock, running on a 32inch TV via HDMI.
What I'm looking to do is make the decision on whether I want to upgrade this rig (and the best way to go about it) or build from scratch.
I'm an avid gamer and am gearing up for games like Guild Wars 2.
I'd love to get my system running the game at 1920x1080 smoothly with respectable quality settings. My budget ranges, for upgrading I'd be looking under 500 CAD preferably, anything higher than that and I'd probably end up looking into building from scratch at a slightly higher price-point.
I have noticed some of the biggest hits to my gaming come from the video card in the rig so I was looking around and saw a lot of recommendations pointing toward the Radeon HD 7850.
My question here would be, am I looking into the right place to put more power into my pre-built system by targeting the video card?
Will upgrading ONLY the graphics card/psu(stock is only 300w) cause any severe bottle-necking due to the CPU or will it provide me with a significant boost to my performance on games? What PSU should I replace this stock with if I do decide on an HD 7850?
It doesn't feel like it's quite the time to go full on and build a new system , but what do you guys think? How would you go about getting more out of this system for a reasonable price? Is it even worth doing over a completely new build from an efficiency and monetary standpoint?
Sorry for the barrage of questions guys, and thanks in advance for any answers. I can provide any additional information required as well.
EDIT: Adding link to spec-sheet of pre-built I've got.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883147087
I've currently got a pre-built system:
HP Pavilion Elite HPE-110F
AMD Phenom II X4 925(2.8GHz)
8GB DDR3 1333
ATI Radeon HD 4350
etc.
Everything in this is stock, running on a 32inch TV via HDMI.
What I'm looking to do is make the decision on whether I want to upgrade this rig (and the best way to go about it) or build from scratch.
I'm an avid gamer and am gearing up for games like Guild Wars 2.
I'd love to get my system running the game at 1920x1080 smoothly with respectable quality settings. My budget ranges, for upgrading I'd be looking under 500 CAD preferably, anything higher than that and I'd probably end up looking into building from scratch at a slightly higher price-point.
I have noticed some of the biggest hits to my gaming come from the video card in the rig so I was looking around and saw a lot of recommendations pointing toward the Radeon HD 7850.
My question here would be, am I looking into the right place to put more power into my pre-built system by targeting the video card?
Will upgrading ONLY the graphics card/psu(stock is only 300w) cause any severe bottle-necking due to the CPU or will it provide me with a significant boost to my performance on games? What PSU should I replace this stock with if I do decide on an HD 7850?
It doesn't feel like it's quite the time to go full on and build a new system , but what do you guys think? How would you go about getting more out of this system for a reasonable price? Is it even worth doing over a completely new build from an efficiency and monetary standpoint?
Sorry for the barrage of questions guys, and thanks in advance for any answers. I can provide any additional information required as well.
EDIT: Adding link to spec-sheet of pre-built I've got.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883147087