best gpu for a core 2 duo 1.86ghz

[neonfire19]

Hey everyone,
I've got a core 2 duo 1.86ghz. Unfortunately I'm unable to overclock it as it's an HP Box with a bios that won't let me adjust Anything. Aside from setting up a brand new system, in which case I would just be better using a more modern platform, what GPU should I pair up with the 1.86ghz cpu ?

I've been told that all new games are GPU bound, meaning that provided the same gpu is used, an athlon x2 will mirror the results of a core i7 6 core. Therefore, the bottleneck is almost always gpu, rarely cpu. So i've been told. But yet, I don't see how pairing up a GTX 480 with my 1.86ghz cpu isn't going to cause a massive cpu bottleneck.

I've been told also, that a Radeon 5770 is a good DirectX 11 gpu balance for my 1.86ghz cpu. Sort of the DirectX 11 equivilent of a 4850. I want the best I can get without creating a CPU bottleneck. Any suggestions ? Thanks !

 

[KeypoX]

I've been told that all new games are GPU bound, meaning that provided the same gpu is used, an athlon x2 will mirror the results of a core i7 6 core.

You have been told wrong.

I am so surprised how much better all my games run after going from a c2d 3ghz to a athlon x4 at 3ghz. Both overclocked

I remeber seeing games taking up 90+ % of both cpus on the c2d, and many times near 100%, but now all four cores are working at around 90 or less.

From here on out games will benefit from more cores, and as always higher clock speed. No clue on the gpu btw. I just buy whats fairly good and a great price. Check the hot deals forum i guess.

 

[adlep]

Hey everyone,
I've got a core 2 duo 1.86ghz. Unfortunately I'm unable to overclock it as it's an HP Box with a bios that won't let me adjust Anything. Aside from setting up a brand new system, in which case I would just be better using a more modern platform, what GPU should I pair up with the 1.86ghz cpu ?

I've been told that all new games are GPU bound, meaning that provided the same gpu is used, an athlon x2 will mirror the results of a core i7 6 core. Therefore, the bottleneck is almost always gpu, rarely cpu. So i've been told. But yet, I don't see how pairing up a GTX 480 with my 1.86ghz cpu isn't going to cause a massive cpu bottleneck.

I've been told also, that a Radeon 5770 is a good DirectX 11 gpu balance for my 1.86ghz cpu. Sort of the DirectX 11 equivilent of a 4850. I want the best I can get without creating a CPU bottleneck. Any suggestions ? Thanks !

Find out what other CPUs are supported by the BIOS.
1.86 GHZ says: 1066MHz to me. meaning that you may be able to pickup a high end Conroe like E6600 or E6750 for dirt cheap - like $50.00 or less on Ebay or here...

Also, because this is HP, it comes with crappy power supply. Because of that you want a GPU that does not require an external power connector AND is very energy efficient.
IMO, ATI HD 5670 fits that bill...
E6600 + ATI HD 5670 == decent gaming PC

 

[Acanthus]

It depends entirely on the games you wish to play and the graphics card.

I would do some research on "CPU scaling" for the graphics cards in your price range on the games you wish to play.

 

[Termie]

5770 is a bit strong for that CPU. I'd stick with a 5750, especially if you can get it for $100. It's equivalent to a 4850 but with dx11. You could also get a 5670, which has just about the right amount of capability for your system, sips power, and can be had for about $75: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102870.

 

[LoneNinja]

Personally I think anything above a 4670 will be bottlenecked. I'm saying this from personal experience, using a 4670 I went from an Athlon X2 5000 @ 3.0Ghz to a Phenom 9850 @ 3.0Ghz and saw a decent fps gain in a handful of my games.