Gaming System Upgrade Suggestions

[Casual Swift]

Hi guys,

So as some of your maybe have already read in a couple previous threads, I’ve acquired myself a new gaming system. From what I’ve done with it so far everything seems to be running pretty well. My specs are…

Intel i5 750 @ 2.67GHz (btw should I look at overclocking this to the said 3.2GHz?)
4GB (2 x 2GB) Corsair XMS3 DDR3
Asus p7p55d Mobo
Nvidia GeForce 9800gt OCX
Rocketfish 550W PSU
Vista 64 right now, but I’m literally on my way to memory express in about 5 minutes to pickup the win7 upgrade.

My main focus would probably be doubling up the ram to 8GB (I like to multi-task)and go the same brand and type. Then I would look at getting an updated VGU and if necessary cooling and bump up the PSU.

Any suggestions that will work well with my current cpu/motherboard combination?

 

[Silenus]

Hi guys,

So as some of your maybe have already read in a couple previous threads, I’ve acquired myself a new gaming system. From what I’ve done with it so far everything seems to be running pretty well. My specs are…

Intel i5 750 @ 2.67GHz (btw should I look at overclocking this to the said 3.2GHz?)
4GB (2 x 2GB) Corsair XMS3 DDR3
Asus p7p55d Mobo
Nvidia GeForce 9800gt OCX
Rocketfish 550W PSU
Vista 64 right now, but I’m literally on my way to memory express in about 5 minutes to pickup the win7 upgrade.

My main focus would probably be doubling up the ram to 8GB (I like to multi-task)and go the same brand and type. Then I would look at getting an updated VGU and if necessary cooling and bump up the PSU.

Any suggestions that will work well with my current cpu/motherboard combination?

If your primary concern is gaming...I would most definitely upgrade your graphics card FIRST....worry about more memory later. More memory is nice for certain applications but 4GB is plenty for any current games. If your running any serious 3D games you shouldn't be running other major applications at the same time anyway.

You didn't mention what resolution your monitor is. (?) That can help determine

Since you have 2 6-pin only PCIe power connectors to work with the two best cards that will work with that right now are the nVidia GTX 460 or Radeon 5850. The GTX 460 is the best bang for the buck right now and will be BIG upgrade over a 9800 GT. Sell the 9800 GT to help fund your new card!

PS- certainly overclock the CPU! If your on stock cooling however you will need to be conservative. I'd keep it at stock voltage and just see how much more you can get out of it.

PSS- if you decide to overclock and upgarde the card....a better quality power supply would likely be in order as well. The power supply is something you do NOT want to be worrying about. It is the foundation of the system.

 

[Casual Swift]

I'm running a samsung 28" LCD TV as my monitor and I believe the resolutions best fit at 1366 x 768

 

[Silenus]

I'm running a samsung 28" LCD TV as my monitor and I believe the resolutions best fit at 1366 x 768

Ah! Ok then I take back what I said! That is a very low res compared to average LCD monitors now. Even a 9800 GT should give decent framerates with almost game at that res. In that case I would not worry about a video card upgrade until you use the system at a higher resolution. So in this case if you use more ram then go ahead with it.

 

[Casual Swift]

Very helpful... thanks for the advice.