X2 4000+ vs. 8600GT SLI - Upgrade which?

[epchris]

Hi everyone,
I use my computer for mixed purposes, everything from watching videos, to working on code to playing games. I run both Vista 64bit and Linux.

Currently I have an AMD 64 X2 4000+, 4GB of memory and two 8600GT's in SLI. If I'm looking to possibly spend roughly $150 should I go for a faster processor or replace the two 8600's with something like a 8800GT? Primarily I'm looking for better gaming performance in any upgrade.

Thanks

 

[Bored SysAdmin]

for $150 you can get only one 8800GT and It'll be slower than 2x8600gt's...
On your budget I'd do two things: Overclock the CPU from 2.1Ghz (stock) to atleast 2.5 - get a good heatsink - for $40-50
the rest spend on more memory or adding hd space

Or if overclocking it not your game - get x2 6400 for $163 at newegg

 

[epchris]

Right now I have two 8600gt's, not two 8800gt's, so yeah, I'm basically looking at either a 6000+ or upgrading to a single 8800gt, any thoughts?

 

[Denithor]

Originally posted by: Bored SysAdmin
for $150 you can get only one 8800GT and It'll be slower than 2x8800gt's...
On your budget I'd do two things: Overclock the CPU from 2.1Ghz (stock) to atleast 2.5 - get a good heatsink - for $40-50 the rest spend on more memory or adding hd space

Or if overclocking it not your game - get x2 6400 for $163 at newegg

WTF? Why?

You can get a new X2 4800+ (2.5GHz, 65nm) for $60 at newegg (and sell your current chip to get back some cash).

But actually, for gaming performance, don't upgrade the cpu, buy a Radeon 4850 for $170 AR if you can swing the extra few dollars (should be doable after you sell your two current cards). For most games the cpu has minor effect on fps and/or quality, as long as you have a certain minimum (which your X2 4000+ meets).

 

[epchris]

I'm actually quite biased towards nvidia cards because of their ease of use in Linux vs. ATI. But in general you'd say upgrade the video card?

 

[Denithor]

Definitely upgrade the video card before the cpu for gaming performance.

Just for reference:

4850 > 8800GTS 512MB > 8800GT > 3870 = 9600GT > 8800GS >> 8600GTS > 8600GT

Now, if your preference is for nVidia cards, the 8800GTS 512MB is still an awesome card and can be had for $167 after MIR. But make sure you have a solid powersupply because these higher end cards (the 4850 included) have pretty high amp requirements.

EDIT: But if you can wait just a bit, I think prices on a lot of these cards are going to be falling. The 4850/4870 just launched and are already shaking things up (the 9800GTX dropped from $270 to $200 overnight and there's even a PNY card for $180 AR) and the other cards are sure to follow, especially with the 4850 available so cheap.

 

[epchris]

it's not fancy or anything, but I have this power supply:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817189005
XCLIO 500W, has the following output:
+3.3V@30A; +5V@28A; -5V@0.5A; +12V1@16A; +12V2@17A; -12V@0.3A; +5VSB@2.0A

I don't know much about power supplies, but it's been working for me so far.

 

[epchris]

oh, and for some reason, I thought 8800GT > 8800GTS from some benchmarks I saw somewhere, is that not the case?

 

[themisfit610]

The old GTS (320 and 640mb variants) were smacked around handily by the GT, but the new 512MB GTS is a bit better than the GT

~MiSfit

 

[epchris]

Ah, thanks for the clarification. Any thoughts on the powersupply I have? Think it'll be fine for a while?

 

[Killboy123]

As of today, you'll DEFINITELY get better performance by going the route of an ATI 4850, a lot more than changing the CPU.
I know you prefer Nvidia cards, so they are also getting rid of 8800 GTS 512 megs <- Important that you get the 512 meg version, they are faster... AND they have 9800 GTXs on liquidations.

Honestly? The ATI 4850 is much faster for the price 179$-199$ and that's definitely the way to go if you can cope with the drivers.
Otherwise, the 9800 GTX at 190$-210$ is what you want to go for.

 

[epchris]

I'll probably go with the 8800GTS 512MB since it's more in my price range with that rebate. Cheapest I could find the 9800GTX for was like $180

 

[epchris]

Ordered, thanks for the suggestions