Shopping for an upgrade..debating between a few options

jlee

Lifer
Sep 12, 2001
48,518
223
106
Now:

Core i5 750
Gigabyte P55M-UD2
2x2Gb G.Skill Ripjaws DDR3 1600
Sapphire Vapor-x Radeon HD4890
Western Digital Caviar Black 1Tb HD
Seagate 7200.something 1.5Tb HD
SAMSUNG EcoGreen F2 1Tb HD
HD-DVD/Blu-ray/DVD-RW combo drive
I can't remember what my power supply is, but it's enough (name brand 720w, IIRC).

I am pretty happy with it now but I'd like to pick something up in the next couple weeks (happy b'day to me)...debating on a 64Gb SSD for an OS drive, another 4-8Gb RAM (now that prices are finally nice and low), or the $200 5870 that's on Newegg right now (then sell the 4890 to offset the cost). I'd like to stay within/around a $100 budget overall.

I'll be playing new games as they're coming out..ME3, Diablo III, etc. 1680x1050 for now, 1920x1080 whenever I upgrade my monitor (or if I play on my TV).

From what I've read it seems the SSD would make the biggest improvement overall, but a really good deal on that 5870 has me thinking about doing video first, then waiting for a deal on a 128-200Gb SSD at some point this summer. I like to run everything max'd out if possible. My current card is doing pretty well, but I noticed occasional (infrequent) slowdowns playing BC2...online will often drop well below 40fps, and I think I hit 20's during portions of the SP campaign.

Thoughts?
 

zCypher

Diamond Member
Aug 18, 2002
6,115
171
116
I say go with the video now and get SSD when there's a good deal.
Your system looks good now. You'll get more bang per buck on the SSD later and you'll be happy about that. I'm sure you will feel the video upgrade right now in your games.
 

zi0n.

Member
Apr 18, 2010
146
0
76
If you are willing to wait on the SSD's till summer, grab a GFX card now since new SSD's will be coming out before summer.
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
66,316
14,723
146
This thread is evidence that our cops are overpaid. :p

JLee, you have a good base system. Upgrading your video card would be an instant boost for gaming...and perhaps the best bang for your buck.
 

jlee

Lifer
Sep 12, 2001
48,518
223
106
This thread is evidence that our cops are overpaid. :p

JLee, you have a good base system. Upgrading your video card would be an instant boost for gaming...and perhaps the best bang for your buck.

Nah if I worked for the city where I live, I'd make another $10k/yr and could just buy whatever. :p

I might spring for a video card, then...any better options than a 5870 for $200? Seems that's the best deal around right now.
 

dpodblood

Diamond Member
May 20, 2010
4,020
1
81
Go for the video card! SSD is supposed to be a big upgrade too, but I'm still waiting for them to be big/cheap enough to install the OS and all my games.