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I would like to upgrade, but upgrade what?

P

PepperBreath

Senior member
First, my current PC specs:

Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB
Q6600 C2Q (OC'ed to 3 GHz)
2x2GB PC2 6400 DDR2 RAM
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L motherboard
NeoPower 500W PSU
Western Digital WD3200JD 320GB HDD

So basically I'm not really happy with performance with newer games. I'd like to run them at the best setting but at my monitor's native res of 1650x1050 that doesn't seem possible. I had to reduce the resolution in Lost Planet, I had to turn off all MSAA in GRID (or play at a lower res with MSAA 2x on), I had to play Gears of War with all the settings on max except for texture resolution, which was set to medium.

Obviously my video card is a little underpowered and lacking the video memory for the resolution I'm running. I'm also thinking about getting a new HDD. I know that doesn't affect framerates but my HDD is old, slow, and the only component from my previous build.

So what card would be reasonable for my current rig? Would I need a new PSU as well? What are your recommendations guys?
 
GTX 260, or an HD 4870. Your PSU (trip 12V) should be fine for either.

For new hard drive, perhaps a WD or Seagate 640GB drive. Both running ~$85.
 
There's a VisionTek 4870 that's on sale at Newegg. If you're a newsletter subscriber you can use the promo code to make it as low as $235 after rebate.
 
seems like a graphics card is what you need. More storage is always great, but it wont help your frames.
 
Originally posted by: Roguestar
Not huge, but noticeable.
Click to expand...

Benchmarks

The 8800GTS 320 is probably right around the performance of a 2900 Pro or XT.

By looking at the link above, how is that not huge ? Looks to me like it would be over twice the performance.

Of course...if his Q6600 is overclocked.
 
Quick question. I've already ordered a 4870 but would I have been better off with a 9800gx2? It's about the same price without rebate.
 
I think the HD4870 is the better choice. Sometimes the 9800gx2 is faster, but I think the HD4870 is faster then the 9800gx2 overall. Especially when SLI doesn't scale, then there's power/heat and microstuttering, although I believe the latter to be pretty irrelevant ...
 
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