Should I go all the way?

[ender11122]

Current System:
x2 3800+
2gig ram
x850xt PE


I was thinking about going and grabbing a 8800GT cuz my performance in COD4 is kinda sketchy at times. I dont need everything cranked up all the way but I do prefer to game at 1650x1050 res and the 850 just doesnt have the guts for it anymore. My question is, will there be a bottleneck anywhere else if I just upgrade my vid card and leave the rest alone? I would prefer not to do a complete overhaul. Thanks for your help

 

[Arkaign]

Have you Overclocked yet?

If not, then learn and try it, along with new video card (3850/3870/8800)

 

[ender11122]

yea im running it at 2.3ghz (woo woo right )

 

[Arkaign]

Heh, well. Going to 2.5-2.8Ghz (the average high OCs for that cpu) wouldn't gain you much more. I'd say grab the new video card first, and if things haven't improved quite enough, look at maybe a 2160+DDR2+P35.

 

[ender11122]

ok another question, when i go to install the new card, do i need to run driver cleaner or something to clean out the old stuff (mind you im running vista) or is it done automatically now.

 

[Arkaign]

Ah it's good to uninstall the old drivers first. I've never had to use anything like driver cleaner, but it's available in case you need it. Happy gaming! Even a 3850 ($149 or so) will easily give you 2-4x performance of the 850, depending on game/res/settings.

 

[daveybrat]

There's some video cards that won't go all the way on the first date. Just gotta find the right one.