CPU or Video Card upgrade

[howyoudoin956]

Basically I got a AMD Phenom X3 8650 and a Radeon 4850 512mb. I overclocked the 8650 to 2.73ghz. 4gb of RAM as well.

What I'm wondering is which would benefit me the most if I upgraded in the near future. I play world of warcraft the most but do play all types of games on the computer.

Is the processor holding me back or is it mainly the video card? Also would it be a good idea to add another 4850 (i have a crossfire motherboard) with the same processor?

Sorry lots of questions. This is my first built PC so i'm learning the ways (was a exclusive mac user so its all new to me)

thanks in advance.



p.s. Long time reader of Anandtech but this is my first time posting in the forum

 

[polarbear6]

i have a feeling in my heart that ur pc can do better with a new processor say a phenom 2
they are monstrous at overclocking

 

[AznSensation]

add in 4870. i believe Ati crossfire doesn't require you to have same cards unlike nvidia's sli. I may be wrong tho

 

[howyoudoin956]

I believe I read that on Ati's site that as long as they are a 4800 series it works in crossfire mode. I'll look into that

 

[theAnimal]

What resolution?

 

[Denithor]

Originally posted by: AznSensation
add in 4870. i believe Ati crossfire doesn't require you to have same cards unlike nvidia's sli. I may be wrong tho

You're right - with that second comment. You gotta have the same card for crossfire.

Originally posted by: ganesh1
i have a feeling in my heart that ur pc can do better with a new processor say a phenom 2
they are monstrous at overclocking

Right concept if worded a bit strange. What particular motherboard do you have? Need to check for compatibility with the new PhII X3 chips, a 710 or 720 would be an excellent upgrade if it works on your board.

Originally posted by: theAnimal
What resolution?

That's a crucial question - need to know if more GPU power would do you any good. If you're gaming at 1680x1050 or lower, probably not much need to upgrade GPU.

 

[howyoudoin956]

Running at 1440x900 on a 19 inch lcd. My motherboard does support the new PhII chips. I was looking at the new ones such as the 710 or 720. So it appears those overclock very well (3.3 or so would be a safe bet it seems). Would I notice a pretty big increase with that?

 

[theAnimal]

If your mobo is compatible with the X3 7X0, that is the best upgrade for you. Your video card is plenty for that low resolution.

And welcome to the forums. 🙂