Potential upgrade question for gtx280

[LgFriess]

E8400 cpu at 1920x1200.

I'm trying to wait to do a full upgrade until the higher end 7xxx/6xx cards are out with whatever cpu will be appropriate at the time. I'm hoping I can do a minor card upgrade to get me through with games like SWTOR, Skyrim, BF3, Witcher2, DE:HR, etc.

Will the cpu just not be able to keep up with a newer card? What card won't be overkill with that cpu? Or should I just hang onto the 280 and wait it out until the next gen hits.

 

[Puppies04]

I don't think you have a lot of head room on that cpu. I would wait and upgrade the whole system if it was me.

 

[LgFriess]

Ya I was just thinking that I could just put together a 2500k system with a lower end card now and then just upgrade the gpu when the big boys hit. Probably the better way to go.

 

[skipsneeky2]

Ya I was just thinking that I could just put together a 2500k system with a lower end card now and then just upgrade the gpu when the big boys hit. Probably the better way to go.

Your card isn't exactly low end i would call it mid range but low end would be like gts 450/5770 territory .

I know cause i loved my evga gtx280

 

[pauldun170]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card,2964-7.html

I normally recommend replacing a card with something 3 levels above your current card.
Your e8400 is going to bottleneck whatever your buy.

Save up for a full upgrade.

 

[LgFriess]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card,2964-7.html

I normally recommend replacing a card with something 3 levels above your current card.
Your e8400 is going to bottleneck whatever your buy.

Save up for a full upgrade.

Ya thanks Paul. No need to save. Money isn't an issue. I just don't want to waste it on upgrading too soon with all the goodies coming in Q1... but want to have enough oomph to play the good stuff coming in Q4. Looks like going with a 2500k system with a sub $200 gpu is the way to go in my situation. I'll just pick up one of the higher end cards when they release. The 8400/280 combo did me well for a number of years though.

 

[toyota]

yeah better get that 2500k because you will likely see little to no gain with most of those games you listed by getting a faster gpu.