I have a spare £300

RedTop89 · 28 Dec 2011 at 14:07

So i have a spare £300 to spend and i am looking at an upgrade but there is plenty to upgrade on my rig and i need help to decide.

My current rig is,
PhenomII 955BE (stock clocks)
4GB 1333MHz RAM
Sapphire HD5850 Xtreme
500GB HD
500w Xigmatek PSU
Monitor:
Lenovo 1440x900
Generic mouse and keyboard.

I have looked at a GTX570 and was thinking about getting it but then i realise there is no point for that with a 1440x900 res.

I have looked at replacing the CPU for an i5 2500k but i can't decide.

I have looked at a new monitor but i will take a good performance hit with my card, at 1440x900 my card can handle 60fps on high with BF3, so i am in two minds.

I have been looking at a RAT7 mouse and a few backlit keyboards because i use a generic cheap set of logitech gear so i was looking to upgrade them but i really don't know.

If you could help, it would be a big help, and please don't just say what i should upgrade i would like an explanation of why and how it will affect my performance. thanks.

NinetyOne · 28 Dec 2011 at 14:31

I would update your monitor for sure. The rest of your rig is pretty decent.

StonedPenguin · 28 Dec 2011 at 14:35

Agree on the monitor, Maybe something like this

Then save the rest of your cash for the new AMD series due in jan.

Threepwood · 28 Dec 2011 at 14:36

I think I would get a better monitor, a 64GB SSD and a second 5850. Unless you cannot run sli on your motherboard, in which case I would get a better GPU and monitor, then sell your current GPU and use that money on the SSD drive.

Then save the rest of your cash for the new AMD series due in jan.

I doubt his budget would strech that far, have you seen how much they are going to cost?

Deleted member 77746 · 28 Dec 2011 at 14:38

The rig you have is good, put your money away for a rainy day

NinetyOne · 28 Dec 2011 at 14:40

ps. There is no such thing as a "spare" £300 in these times.

GTO656 · 28 Dec 2011 at 14:43

Yes I'd save up what you have for something else, Your rig is very good as its capable at running most things.

RedTop89 · 28 Dec 2011 at 14:57

maybe i should just wait, and save up some more for a monitor and a GPU as when the new 7 series is out the 6970 should come down in price shouldn't they?

NinetyOne · 28 Dec 2011 at 15:06

Of course.

Threepwood · 28 Dec 2011 at 15:10

^^ except Gibbo has stated that the 7 series will not affect the 6 series prices simply because the 7 series versins released in jan are in a higher price bracket.

Prices for the 6 series might come down when they release the budget 7 series cards tho, but that's months away :'(

m3csl2004 · 28 Dec 2011 at 15:12

A decent monitor makes the world of difference!

Idleman · 28 Dec 2011 at 15:14

What size monitor and price you looking at?

fowler002 · 28 Dec 2011 at 15:21

no one mentioned the psu? I'd say get a better one especially if you're looking at newer graphics cards

get a decent(not cheap as most cheap ones aren't much better than the stock cooler)) 3rd party cpu cooler if you don't have on and overclock the cou.

IvanDobskey · 28 Dec 2011 at 15:22

Definitely a new monitor. Maybe an SSD as well?

RedTop89 · 28 Dec 2011 at 15:24

Idleman said:
What size monitor and price you looking at?

I was looking at the 22" models 1920x1080p, anything bigger would be unnecessary for me as i honestly think my 19"widescreen at the moment is big enough. I know i will be playing BF3 on Medium settings if i do buy a monitor though and it will kill me.

I really want an i5 2500k too

i have been playing skyrim and when is towns my frames drop to the 30's because its supposedly a "CPU demanding area" but my GPU is only using 40% which is weird, so i am thinking would an i5 be a noticable advantage to all my games?. i will get a monitor too.

Aid4nTheNoob · 28 Dec 2011 at 15:30

If I were you, I would keep hold of your money for a little while longer. See what new stuff comes out. Dont be so eager to spend it ;P

IvanDobskey · 28 Dec 2011 at 15:40

Aid4nTheNoob said:
If I were you, I would keep hold of your money for a few more months. See what new stuff comes out. Dont be so eager to spend it ;P

If you always have this philosophy you will never buy anything though

Aid4nTheNoob · 28 Dec 2011 at 15:47

IvanDobskey said:
If you always have this philosophy you will never buy anything though

Lol true!

But still, I said wait a little while, then spend it. I mean like, you got the January sales coming up, could get a good deal somewhere on a monitor

RedTop89 · 28 Dec 2011 at 15:57

Aid4nTheNoob said:
Lol true!

But still, I said wait a little while, then spend it. I mean like, you got the January sales coming up, could get a good deal somewhere on a monitor

This is true. although i didn't actually say i would spend it now i just asked what i should upgrade and then i will keep an eye out for some deals.

RedTop89 · 28 Dec 2011 at 16:02

Been looking at this
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-008-SP&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1906

with obviously an i5. And can i use my RAM i have in my current rig or will i need to buy new? I chose this as i may in future find a cheap 5850 and crossfire it, when i have gotten a monitor and new PSU.