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Upgrade core system or graphics card first?

C

CarAnalogy

Junior Member
Just trying to get a second opinion. Below are my main system specs, I'm wondering whether you all think buying a new graphics card first, or new mobo/cpu/ram first would be the better upgrade. Thanks for any input!

CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 @ 2.40GHz 48 °C
Conroe 65nm Technology

RAM
6.00GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 266MHz (4-4-4-12)

Motherboard
MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD MS-7235 (Socket 775) 32 °C

Graphics
W2353 (1920x1080@59Hz)
512MB ATI Radeon HD 4800 Series (Sapphire/PCPartner)
 
My thought is, what is your primary use of the computer? If it's cpu intensive stuff - then upgrade that stuff first. Some games are cpu intensive (some RTS), while others are GPU intensive (FPS). Depending on what you play and how you use your computer will drive your decision. Most games depend on GPU, so I'd guess that would be your best option.
 
there is no real point in upgrading the gpu with that pc. you need to upgrade both the cpu and gpu so just go ahead and upgrade the platform first and then figure out which card you want.
 
I always try to keep my CPU/RAM/SSD (or 10k HDD in oldendays) solid, but I go into a blind rage if my computer hitches on anything. That CPU however is ancient and deserves to be replaced regardless. I was using that like two computer builds ago ~8 years ago.
 
I should have mentioned that I do primarily use it for games. It's snappier than you'd expect because I keep it in good shape software-wise, but I think it is time for a core upgrade. Thanks everyone!
 
If you're on a limited budget, you can upgrade your CPU for a fairly minimal amount of money. A Core 2 Quad Q6600 is $40 and is a great overclocker. Other, faster Core 2 Quads can be had for less than $100.

You'll get lots of people encouraging you to buy a whole new platform, and you'll get MUCH better performance if you do. But it isn't required to spend that much to get significantly better performance.
 
A quad would be a significant improvement, but upgrading from a C2Q to a modern i3 doubled framerates in my wife's computer. I'd consider a 48xx to be adequate for playing modern games on medium to low settings at 1920x1080.

Upgrade the CPU first.
 
ithehappy said:
Undoubtedly the CPU first. If you are 'only' into gaming you might skip the SSD part.
Click to expand...

I could understand when people skipped the 10k HDDs, but it's really hard to pass up at least an 80gig SSD to put windows and a game or two on. Then get HDDs for the bulk crap you don't need speed for.
 
Thanks for the input everyone, you were right. I upgraded to the below specs and everything runs better than I could possibly have imagined. Also got a bonus video card that I wasn't expecting which really helped. Next stop, SSD!

CPU
Intel Core i5 4570 @ 3.20GHz 34 °C
Haswell 22nm Technology

RAM
8.00GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 798MHz (11-11-11-28)

Motherboard
Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. B85M-D2V (SOCKET 0) 28 °C

Graphics
W2353 (1920x1080@59Hz)
Intel HD Graphics 4600 (Gigabyte)
1023MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 (Gigabyte)
 
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