CPU or GPU Upgrade

[Alexu]

Hi guys, i have this rig:

AMD Phenom II X4 980 @3.7
Asus M5A97 PRO AM3+
GTX 560 DCU II
Kingston HyperX Blue 4 GB DDR 3 1600
Corsair VX 550W

I'm planning to get a new HD monitor (right now i'm using 19'' 1440x900 one), and also i want to do an upgrade to GPU (660Ti or 7870), or CPU (I5 3570K), the question is, which of these parts will give me more boost? i can't afford both..thanks!

 

[DJDeCiBeL]

Definitely GPU.

The 3570K wouldn't help nearly as much at the higher res as a better GPU will.

 

[SoneeOO7]

Definitely GPU.

The 3570K wouldn't help nearly as much at the higher res as a better GPU will.

Conformed!

 

[mocchan]

Definitely GPU.

The 3570K wouldn't help nearly as much at the higher res as a better GPU will.

Agreed.

@ OP

You may want to take a look at the Radeon HD7950. They're closing the $300 price point at the moment, especially if you factor in rebates. They'll perform better than the HD7870 AND GTX660 Ti, would be the route I would personally take

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102991 <- $309.99 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125414 <- $309.99 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102989 <- $299.99 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150616 <- $289.99 after rebate

 

[vickus420]

If you go with the 7970 OC that phenom to 4GHZ I would anyway.

 

[mocchan]

If you go with the 7970 OC that phenom to 4GHZ I would anyway.

Assuming OP is on a budget of around $300, that'll bring him way over budget

 

[unreal9400]

GPU Upgrade

 

[swifty_morgan]

OP/ you can't put the Intel processor on that board. you are aware aren't you.

 

[Alexu]

OP/ you can't put the Intel processor on that board. you are aware aren't you.

of course i'am

 

[esrever]

GPU. a 7870 level card will do great for 1080p.