GPU vs. CPU Upgrade: Extensive Tests

Overall Performance and Price Comparison

The overall results serve as a means of orientation and there is no weighting between benchmarks. The frame rates are simply added together; as a result, games with high fps results may balance out weaker resolutions.

The upgrade table shows the performance increase when changing from one combination to another. The individual benchmark results have been converted to percentages, but there is no weighting for extremely high fps rates.

Here is how to read the table: the vertical combinations in the column on the left are the starting points "from", while the upper combinations of graphics cards and CPUs are the upgrade "to". Where the two lines meet, you will find the value that represents the performance gained or lost, in percent.

The loss of performance can be at most -99.9%; otherwise the frame rate would be 0. The performance gain can be well over 100%, if for example, a frame rate rises from 1 to 10 or from 40 to 100 fps.

For between $464 and $541 (300 and 350 Euros), you can purchase a very fast combination of CPU and graphics card. Since the Q6600 at 3200 MHz is less than suitable for the boxed cooler, the price comparison has been calculated using a G0 stepping and Xigmatek HDT-S1283 costing $46 (30 Euros).

The E2160 and E6750 with the Geforce 8800 GT or 8800 GTS 512 is the best option, purely from a price point of view.

The extra cost for the Geforce 8800 GTS 512 is often acceptable, due to its better two-slot cooler. The Geforce 9600 GT with 512 MB is a better value for money, and very popular for those working with a budget of up to $186 (120 Euros).