CPU Vs. Videocard

[Darthvan]

hey guys,
OK guys i'm thinking about upgrading my rig AGAIN,lol
the only problem is that I can't decide on which on to go with first. should I upgrade my CPU to the Intel Q6600 or should I upgrade my videocard with EVGA 8800GTS(512mb). I use my rig for games and for my daily work.and overclocking is the norm for me. thanks

 

[Cheex]

Based on your current specs, and the fact that you game...

Your video card will ALWAYS be more important than your CPU.

Get your new GPU!!

:thumbsup:

 

[clickynext]

Video card. Your CPU is just fine, I think.

 

[zeroburrito]

you will notice zero performance increase in games with a new cpu...but you will notice a huge difference with a new videocard. your cpu is perfect.

 

[Darthvan]

Thanks guys, I see your point,I just have to get my butt up and go get it,lol

 

[darkxknight]

ur cpu is perfect.

 

[palladium]

definately your GPU.

Just a quick question, how much RAM can your OS address ( with your current specs)?

 

[Syntax Error]

GPU would be the first thing to upgrade when wanting to get better performance.

I have that exact same CPU, and I will tell you that an 8800GT is NOT CPU limited. The bottleneck remains the GPU when it comes to higher possible performance.

 

[swtethan]

BOTH, DO BOTH BE LIKE ME!!!!

 

[LOUISSSSS]

go for at least an 3870, if u got some cash left over get a q6600 after selling ur current CPU

 

[JBT]

GPU no questions asked. You will barely notice a difference in the CPU change.

 

[chizow]

Ya definitely go with a new GPU first. I'm actually looking to get a Q6600 when Penryn hits in January (should result in a slight price drop) but not for single-game performance, more for multiple games simultaneously and recording with FRAPs. I am pretty confident I will see an increase in performance in those cases since my C2D does get pegged at 100% resulting in a slight decrease in performance as a result.

 

[Darthvan]

Originally posted by: palladium
definately your GPU.

Just a quick question, how much RAM can your OS address ( with your current specs)?

Mine is seeing 2.9 gig so far

 

[Darthvan]

Thank you guys for all of your input,I just got myself a Christmas gift (EVGA 8800GTS 512Mb). and as soon as I get my case cleaned out I will start to OC.

BTW. what is the best way to overclock the 8800? in my old ATI had a utility that allowed for overclocking,does Nvidia have such a thing?

 

[Xatrix]

Ntuner for nvidia cards.

 

[Tempered81]

rivatuner can do core/mem/shader sepeartely

 

[Cheex]

Originally posted by: Darthvan
Thank you guys for all of your input,I just got myself a Christmas gift (EVGA 8800GTS 512Mb). and as soon as I get my case cleaned out I will start to OC.

BTW. what is the best way to overclock the 8800? in my old ATI had a utility that allowed for overclocking,does Nvidia have such a thing?

Forget nTune all together. RivaTuner is the best way to OC Nvidia cards.

As jaredpace said, it can do Core/Shader/Memory separately (which can be VERY handy).