Upgrade my 460gtx or i3-2100?

[pest947]

Originally built this as a budget build but find I am doing more gaming on it then expected.

Currently it is:
SB i3-2100
ECS H61h2-m3(Yeah I know but was orginally a budget build 🙂 )
460gtx 768MB Twin Frozr

4GB decent RAM
7200 Hitachi drive

While still trying to stay somewhat budget minded I wanted to upgrade for more power. I currently play allot of Crysis 2 and Rift and plan on picking up COD Black Ops.

I was looking at up grading to a i5-2500k or a 560gtx, what do you thing would be my best Bang for buck upgrade? This or something else I'm not even looking at currently.

Thank You

 

[hawtdawg]

Since you have an H67, getting a 2500k would be pointless since you can't overclock it. Unless you plan on getting a P or Z series mobo down the road, just get a regular 2500, or a 2400 maybe. The i3 isn't even really that bad, since most games dont even use 4 cores.

I think getting something like a 6950 1 gig would be the best way to go.

 

[toyota]

what is wrong with your current setup? both your cpu and gpu are pretty strong. what res are you actually playing at because that will determine if a stronger gpu would be worth it?

doing a budget build that does not even meet your immediate needs costs more money than just spending a bit more and doing it right to begin with.

 

[pest947]

yes so far it preforms surprisingly well for the cost, I do use Mezzmo to stream HD to a ps3 in my living room, that seems to drag the system down a little when I try to do both, have to give media streamer High priority of video is %$#%$.

Also looking down the road to Battlefield 3, Diablo 3, New Republic, etc

definitely not apposed to buying a new MB when I find a good deal on a P or Z series MOBO

 

[Arachnotronic]

I wouldn't waste money on a new mobo -- I'd just pick up an i5-2400 if I were you. Then if you *really* feel the itch, get a GTX 570 or Radeon 6970.

 

[betasub]

What monitor/res are you using? Is the 768MB on the card limiting you?

 

[pest947]

1920x1080 on a 24 Toshiba LED TV

 

[cusideabelincoln]

yes so far it preforms surprisingly well for the cost, I do use Mezzmo to stream HD to a ps3 in my living room,

Sounds like the CPU and maybe even hard drive is getting resources taken away from it. For the games you mentioned, the GTX 460 should be enough. I would suggest upgrading the CPU first, make sure your media files are on a different hard drive than your installed game files, and when those upcoming games release then upgrade the video card.

 

[RussianSensation]

1920x1080 on a 24 Toshiba LED TV

Your CPU is faster than a Phenom II 955 and even trades blows with a Core i5 750. Therefore, you are more GPU limited at your resolution. My advice is to upgrade the GPU when those games you mentioned are actually released. There is no point of upgrading to "future proof" since GPU prices continue to fall, games may get delayed and new generation of cards will likely arrive in 2011 (i.e., HD7000 and GTX600 series may be released by the time BF3 is ships).

Here is another review of the i3-2100. It has no problems breaking 60 fps (outside of Civilization V).

 

[mclaren777]

I would keep both components and then start thinking about upgrades next year.

 

[fffblackmage]

If you really want to upgrade something, upgrade the graphics card first.

 

[infoiltrator]

For multitasking you want the I5, the I5 2400 is $190, The I5 2500K is $225. Haven't seen more than $10 off where I can reach.
If you can get the 2500K for future possibilities, at most $35 wasted and peace of mind. Are you streaming over cat6 cables? Might make a difference.

 

[toyota]

For multitasking you want the I5, the I5 2400 is $190, The I5 2500K is $225. Haven't seen more than $10 off where I can reach.
If you can get the 2500K for future possibilities, at most $35 wasted and peace of mind. Are you streaming over cat6 cables? Might make a difference.

$35 wasted altogether since he has H67 mobo