New Graphics Card upgrade - please help

[basch99]

Hello, I'm am looking a GPU upgrade and possibly an CPU, motherboard RAM upgrade as well.

I have a old lenovo prebuilt system - 2006 model with an AMD Athlon 64 x2 4000+ Brisbane 95w processor and currently running a Radeon HD 7750 by XFX. I do not like the performance of this particular configuration and it is too late for me to return the HD 7750 and my Antec VP-450 power supply. I'm looking at an upgrade to the Radeon HD 7870 to notch better performance but I'm severly concerned of a cpu bottle-necking problem. Is this a problem?

Thank you very much.

 

[Deemo13]

Your CPU should actually already be bottlenecking the 7750. I wouldn't upgrade that card without upgrading that whole computer to be honest.

What games are you trying to play?

 

[basch99]

That was actually my conjecture - I was playing GW2 and it was horrific - only like 10 fps and my laptop with an i5-2435m can actually run it at 20-25 fps on Intel HD 3000. Also, Skyrim runs pretty smoothly, hovering around 25-30 fps but it's at 1440 x 900 resolution and reviews says it should run that well at full hd! Yeah I think my CPU is even bottle-necking my GPU. Well I play alot of RPGs - Skyrim, ME, Diablo III, Torchlight, as well as fps like dead space and rts like starcraft II. So what should I upgrade my cpu to? I'm thinking a core i3-2100 or an AMD FX-6200 or something like that and I want a good micro-atx motherboard with good reliable ram. Thank you!

 

[Deemo13]

Well, how much are you willing to spend? The i3-2120 is a very strong choice, but I can't recommend anything AMD is making now in terms of processors.

 

[basch99]

well, cpu wise I"m willing to spend is that 120 give or take 10 dollars price point which is why the core i3-2120 is high on my list until Intel releases their ivy bridge variants of the i3.

 

[Deemo13]

Well, like for a whole setup, because you would undoubtedly need a new motherboard and RAM, and with a i3, it runs around $200 with an H61 motherboard.

 

[Unolocogringo]

An Intel CPU will not fit in your motherboard. Don't waste more money.
If you give us your motherboard model we can find out what the fastset processor is compatable.
Although you will probably have to buy a second hand processor, Ebay,craigslist, or hardhare sites such as Toms.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/forum-8-33.html

 

[basch99]

260 max, or about the same price as the GPU would cost alone. and the motherboard has to be an micro-atx motherboard. Thank you so far!

 

[basch99]

and rick I have an am2 based lenovo oem motherboard....I'm okay with upgrading the whole package and I know that my AMD motherboard won't be compatible with an i3. Thank anyways!