CPU and Video card match up

dcgoff

Junior Member
Dec 11, 2004
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It?s past time to upgrade my system and I need some help. I play FPS?s and was thinking of upgrading my video card to the 8800 GT with 512mb so here is the question. What would be a good match as far as a CPU and ram to be able to get the most out of the card yet not have too much wasted horse power?
 

angry hampster

Diamond Member
Dec 15, 2007
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www.lexaphoto.com
Are you AMD or Intel?

Get 2-4GB of DDR2 800mhz RAM -- pretty much any brand is fine, though I prefer G.Skill because the heat spreaders are gorgeous :D

If you're going intel and you're on a budget, get an E2160, a cheap P35 motherboard, and an arctic freezer 7 for cooling. Overclock it to 3GHz and call it a day. If you can spend an extra $100, get an E8400 and a P35 board with some better overclocking options (Abit P35-Pro or Gigabyte P35-DS3R). The E8400 runs 3GHz stock, but can be overclocked to 4GHz with something like a Xigmatek 120mm cooler or a Zerotherm Nirvana (which I love).

The AMD route is a better bet if you don't want to mess with overclocking. Budget: Get a 4800+ (Brisbane core) and a Gigabyte MA78GM board. If you can spend more, get a 6400+ with the same board. The above coolers can be used on AMD as well.


As far as wasted horsepower goes -- it's really a non-issue assuming you game at 1440x900 or higher.