When should I upgrade my CPU?

[xnin3]

I am currently running the following specs:

Intel Core i5 650 @ 3.2 GHz
8GB DDR3 RAM
nVidia GeForce GTX 550 Ti
ASRock H55M-LE Mobo

My question is when should I upgrade my CPU? I know my video card will be able to run at least the next generation of games such as AC3, Borderlands 2, Black Ops 2, Dishonored, Etc. But, my CPU is a bit older than my video card and am not sure when to upgrade my CPU, or maybe if I even need to. Can anyone help me out?

 

[Dandalf]

Really it depends on whether the games you want to play are CPU-intensive or GPU-intensive. I'd say though that in any case your CPU is still a very strong contender and I can't see you really needing an upgrade until at LEAST October next year, at which time Haswell will be going strong. Even then...

 

[IntelEnthusiast]

Upgrade your system when you have the need additional processing power. The Intel® Core™ i5-650 is a solid dual core processor and until you reach the point that are finding you need some additional speed you can hold off. If you are really looking for added performance look into adding an SSD as a boot drive.

 

[xnin3]

Upgrade your system when you have the need additional processing power. The Intel® Core™ i5-650 is a solid dual core processor and until you reach the point that are finding you need some additional speed you can hold off. If you are really looking for added performance look into adding an SSD as a boot drive.

Thanks for the help both of you, and I already have an SSD

 

[ryant704]

Your CPU is fine, I would be more concerned about your GPU as it isn't the best.