Originally posted by: vj8usa
Originally posted by: mazeroth
I'm currently running an E3110 (Xeon version of E8400) @ 3.6 ghz. with a GTX 260 192 and GTA 4 isn't playing how I would like it to. I run at 1920x1200 and it's playable but there are slowdowns all the time. I have a local Microcenter that has the Q9550 in stock for $169.99. I could probably get $100 for my E3110 that has a brand new HS+F so I'd only be out around $80 after paying tax. Do you think this is a wise move or should I wait a few months to get an i7 setup? Thanks.
If I were you, I wouldn't bother. You're essentially spending $80 for a single game, which to me doesn't seem like it'd be worth it. I want to upgrade to a quad as well, but I'm going to wait until more than a tiny handful of games actually need it.
By the way, I played through all of GTA4 on my much weaker rig. It slowed down a good deal at times, especially in the rain, but it was completely playable by my standards.
edit: I just did an ebay search, and it looks like quite a few people managed to sell their E8400s for $140 or more. If you can upgrade to a Q9550 for only $30 out of your pocket, I'd go for it.