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Solved Forum question
Started by Bonkdoon | | 11 answers
What should I upgrade first GPU or CPU?
Here are my specs....
GTX 480
AMD Phenom II x4 3.2GHz
DDR3, 8Gigs
$300 and less is my price range. I like the the GTX 760, but I'm not sure if my CPU will bottleneck, and I should get a new one before a GPU even though the 480 is so old. This was the first computer I built and I only have small amount of knowledge when it comes to building computers.
Here are my specs....
GTX 480
AMD Phenom II x4 3.2GHz
DDR3, 8Gigs
$300 and less is my price range. I like the the GTX 760, but I'm not sure if my CPU will bottleneck, and I should get a new one before a GPU even though the 480 is so old. This was the first computer I built and I only have small amount of knowledge when it comes to building computers.
Bonkdoon
April 27, 2014 7:11:51 AM
Best solution chosen by Bonkdoon
Calvin3200
April 27, 2014 7:09:53 AM
I have the NZXT Phantom (original) with added and upgraded fans. The pair used to run as high as 92*C in the summer... but these cards run that hot normally, and it's nothing to be concerned about. Right now, under heavy gaming they'll peak around 72*. Top card runs cooler because my H100i is push/pull blowing down on top of it as well.
As for sound, honestly 2 of them isn't much louder than 1 of them. Still on the loud side, but not as bad as you might think.
As for sound, honestly 2 of them isn't much louder than 1 of them. Still on the loud side, but not as bad as you might think.
Calvin3200
April 27, 2014 7:06:25 AM
Bonkdoon
April 27, 2014 7:02:53 AM
Calvin3200 said:
If anything, you can get another 480 on ebay for around $110. New CPU and another 480 = huge upgrade for you... provided your power supply can handle that. Those 480's use 420w+ when under load.
(she thinks it's too loud already) I have a Thermaltake 850W so I think it would be ok with two. Are your 480's pretty loud and hot?
GTX 480 is a little better than a HD6970 http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NVIDIA/GeForce_GTX_7... so it will be around 30% performance upgrade.
Calvin3200
April 27, 2014 7:00:27 AM
Bonkdoon
April 27, 2014 6:59:32 AM
Calvin3200 said:
I have a pair of 480's I'm thinking of upgrading, so I know where you're coming from. But the 760 is not what you're looking for, as it is barely an upgrade to begin with.http://gpuboss.com/gpus/GeForce-GTX-760-vs-GeForce-GTX-...
The 480 even out performs it in a few categories. I'd upgrade your processor.
I was reading another thread about it and everyone was saying it would only get 10 frames better with games. It's tough because the price jumps so drastically on another step up from what I understand....are there any better cards closer to $300?
Get the Cooler master Hyper 212 EVO and you can OC that CPU to its limit. Will fit your budget http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1b5qo
Calvin3200
April 27, 2014 6:54:47 AM
I have a pair of 480's I'm thinking of upgrading, so I know where you're coming from. But the 760 is not what you're looking for, as it is barely an upgrade to begin with.
http://gpuboss.com/gpus/GeForce-GTX-760-vs-GeForce-GTX-...
The 480 even out performs it in a few categories. I'd upgrade your processor.
http://gpuboss.com/gpus/GeForce-GTX-760-vs-GeForce-GTX-...
The 480 even out performs it in a few categories. I'd upgrade your processor.
Bonkdoon
April 27, 2014 6:54:09 AM
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