GPU or Monitor (or both)

Gimli

Gimli

Gimli

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Joined
17 Jun 2012
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448
Location
Yorkshire
Hey guys,

Right, I have pretty much got everything for my PC. The only essential that I have left to order is my CPU (Intel i5 3570k) which I shall be ordering in the next few weeks. If I got the GPU first I would probably have to use my TV as my display for a while.

I am wondering whether I should get a GPU or Monitor over Christmas (I have £300). Potentially I could probably get both in the budget, but I'm not sure whether too. I do a lot of Graphic Design work and I intend to do a lot of gaming on the side, so I think a decent IPS monitor would be best for me. I was thinking along the line of the Dell U2412M. GPU wise I am considering one of the 7950 cards, plans would be to play FPS (CoD, BF3, CS etc.), racing games (Dirt, NFS), games like Batman, GTA and Hitman and games like LoL. I'll basically play anything worth playing!

So back to my question. Should I get the monitor or GPU first, or could I fit both into the £300? I think Graphic Design is my priority as it will be a way for me to earn money, practice and get through my college work. I'm struggling to make the decision myself, so I was hoping you guys could talk some sense into me as I'm just driving myself mad!

Cheers!
 
IMO I'd go for the GPU first 7950 is a great card. I gamed on a 7850 on my TV for while (Mainly Dirt3) which was fine on my 27" TV. I'm unsure about the FPS like BF3 and COD as I havent played them.

The only problem with that would be i found working on the TV was a bit more of a struggle when i was trying to use Adobe CS6 and MS office so that could be a downside. If you wouldnt mind a slight struggle when working then personally I'd go for GPU first and then save up and get the monitor after.
 
Cheers Kidge, is there any reason you'd choose the GPU first? I presume it has something to do with allowing me to immediately take full advantage of gaming?
 
Yep exactly that unless you already have a half decent dedicated GPU which I just made the assumption you didnt haha sorry, what's your specs?
 
Kidge said:
Yep exactly that unless you already have a half decent dedicated GPU which I just made the assumption you didnt haha sorry, what's your specs?
Click to expand...

Haha, my current specs is my laptop (HP G56), though I do have access to two PS3s. I wish I had access to a half decent GPU! What I was thinking is while if I get the Monitor first and wait to get the GPU, the onboard GPU on the CPU (HD 4000) may suffice.
 
The onboard would probably be ok for light gaming on low settings until you get a GPU whether that would handle FPS like COD and BF I doubt but im unsure. Unfortunately I don't really know enough on what will and won't be suitable for gaming to advise but i'm sure a guru on here could help :).

Might be worth checking this out to see if the onboard will work for gaming

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/GPU12/372
 
Yes, I think the onboard would be okay as a temporary thing. Think I'm going to get the monitor first, I think work has to come before gaming sadly.

Cheers!
 
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