• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Which parts should I upgrade?

E

ek89027

Junior Member
Hello, I am trying to upgrade my computer to enhance my gaming experience. I am wondering which part/parts I should upgrade(Should I consider buying a brand new computer instead of upgrading individual parts?). I am trying to play demanding games such as Planetside 2, Rome Total War 2, and Witcher 2 on high graphic without suffering lag. The below is the computer spec and my resolution is 1920 x 1080.

------------------
System Information
------------------
Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate K 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.120830-0333)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
System Model: GA-890GPA-UD3H
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 965 Processor (4 CPUs), ~3.4GHz
GPU: AMD Radeon HD 6870
Memory: 8192MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 8188MB RAM
Page File: 4088MB used, 12286MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: 120 DPI (125 percent)
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disable
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 32bit Unicode
 
First off, fill in a couple of answers from the sticky at the top of the forum:
What is your budget?
What country do you purchase from?
Do you need another copy of Windows if you swap out the mobo/cpu/ram?

Finally, for Rome 2 no one can say what you will need, but I would guess that Shogun 2 is a pretty good indicator if you have it now, although obviously Rome 2 is likely to be a bit more intensive.

Are you playing Planetside 2 and Witcher 2 now? If so, what are you unhappy with.

Regardless, need your budget info and where you are buying from with links if another country.
 
Thank you for the reply and sorry for not including some of the important details.

Budget is roughly $500. I am planning on purchasing the parts from newegg/amazon and other internet sources. (In the US most likely or in Canada depending on the price.) No I do not need another copy of windows. I plan to buy the parts relatively soon probably before the end of January. No brand preference and I do not plan on overclocking it. As for the games I have mentioned, the amount of lag makes playing those two games at high graphic or in some cases medium graphic impossible.
 
Last edited:
The course of action I would recommend would be to first buy a higher tier video card from a brick and mortar company like Walmart or Best Buy so you can return it in case you don't get what you desire. The 6870 is below the 69xx, 78xx, and 79xx Radeon cards and it is equivalent to a GTX 560.

Should a higher tier graphics card fail to produce the desired results, then the CPU is a bottleneck and needs to be upgraded. An i5 system would be appropriate should this be necessary.

Whatever upgrade you make will cost and arm and a leg.
 
Starting out with a graphics card sounds like a good plan. At 1920 x 1080 the HD7850, GTX660 or HD7870 are excellent choices.

I'd not upgrade the CPU in that MB. You might look at a new intel CPU and MB.

Intel Core i5-3570K $220
ASRock Z77 Pro3 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 $90
HD 7850 $170

or grab a killer GPU now (like a GTX670 or HD 7970),save some money and upgrade your MB CPU later...
 
Before you buy anything I would do some quick tests.

Run the games you're trying to play at high, medium and low settings (including resolution - turn that down as well) and see if there's a performance difference. If so, a new video card would help. If not, you'll need a CPU upgrade as well.
 
Thank you for all your comments, I will try and run one of the games right now and experiment with the resolutions/graphics and find out if the graphic card is indeed the problem.

Once again, thank you. You guys really helped me out. (Even if the video card is not the problem I will still look at them.)
 
DSF said:
Before you buy anything I would do some quick tests.

Run the games you're trying to play at high, medium and low settings (including resolution - turn that down as well) and see if there's a performance difference. If so, a new video card would help. If not, you'll need a CPU upgrade as well.
Click to expand...

:thumbsup: My guess is that PS 2 is CPU-limited and TW 2 is GPU-limited, but we can find out for sure with this method.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top