Looking for system upgrading advice: GTX580 or mobo/CPU/RAM?

ryryryan

ryryryan

ryryryan

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Okay, so right now my PC is in a wierd situation. I have some rather dated parts, but replacing these means an overhaul on my PC. And to be honest it runs fast right now anyway.

So first off - Specs:
AMD Phenom II X4 - 3.0 Ghz (or OC'd to 3.4)
ATI HD 5870
4GB RAM DDR2
750GB HDD 7200 RPM
Mobo only has one GPU slot.

So if I wanted a new CPU, I'd also need a new mobo and RAM on top of it, and quite frankly at this time I can't afford that (I think... as I'd want an i7, fast RAM and decent mobo).
Alternatively, I just upgrade my 5870 to a GTX580 where I see a boost in gaming perfomance, which matters most to me anyway.

I'm thinking the GPU upgrade would be the wiser move, but second opinions are really appreciated :) Plus, with that GPU I can take advantage of my 3D monitor.

Otherwise, my other option is to wait for the GTX600 series, but that seems like it could be some way off still :S But my 5870 doesn't exactly lag behind tons, but Battlefield 3 is making me want to upgrade! :P

I only run a single monitor set-up at 1920x1080.

Many thanks for any suggestions.
 
I think you should wait for the next gen cards. Then after that consider a CPU/Mobo/RAM upgrade.

What PSU do you have?
 
I believe it's a 750W (maybe 850 but don't think so) one, but I can't really remember as I ordered it a few years back as build to my spec computer from ************. Doesn't actually say on the PSU itself either which is a bummer. But if I got a new mobo, I'd also upgrade to a modular PSU while I'm at it. (thinking about it, I'd then want a new CPU cooler and a case... oh dear, it basically is a new PC).

I only have about £400 to spend atm on what I want, so that certainly won't happen till a few more paychecks.
 
If it doesnt have a manufacturer sticker etc on the side of the unit then you should worry when trying to ask it to power a high end power hungry GPU.

All the good PSU manufacturers will have labels on their units.
 
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Thing is, there's ALWAYS something newer on the horizon, if we always waited for the next generation or revision we'd never buy anything :)

If you're eager to get a boost right now, especially with BF3 coming out, I'd go for the GFX over the other parts. Your PC ain't too bad, and BF3 looks to be graphics card heavy.
 
if your thinking about getting a similar level psu (wattage wise) then the ocz 850w z-series would be a good bet.

is the i7 a must ?, going with a 2500K, gigabyte mobo (z68xp-ud3) and 8gb of corsair xms3 memory & the ocz psu, set you back about 435 all in.
 
Oh dear. So I've been researching into my PSU, and it's an FSP group one. I believe it's the 700W one, but it could also be the 600W one as I can't really tell. Bit worried, so I'm thinking of upgrading my PSU asap. The only tinkering I've done in my PC is installing some PCI net/sound cards, GPU swapping and RAM, but I'm guessing installing a new PSU isn't too hard? Would I have to take out my mobo to do it? Also PSU recommendations would be great! Looking into the ocz 850w z-series one now :)

Still thinking about getting the GTX580 at the same time, but I can be patient... hmm.

EDIT: I'm quite sure it's the 700W one. WIll check out the code on it later.
 
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Fitting a new PSU involves four screws and just plugging the connectors into the right slots, its not hard.

PSU choice depends on the number of GPU's you want (1 or 2 etc) and what GPU's you are looking at.

There is also the small matter of the next gen GPU's maybe using less/same or more power than their equivalent today counterparts.

I would wait till the cards are released and a better idea of power usade can be made than buy a PSU now that may be overkill/not good enough etc.
 
You should be able to replace the PSU without having to take the motherboard out, can't bsee it being a problem. HOWEVER, if you want to do a super neat job then you might want to consider, it, routing power cables behind the motherboard is normally a great way of hding them and keeping everthing looking nice. Improves air flow too.
 
mp260767 said:
if your thinking about getting a similar level psu (wattage wise) then the ocz 850w z-series would be a good bet.

is the i7 a must ?, going with a 2500K, gigabyte mobo (z68xp-ud3) and 8gb of corsair xms3 memory & the ocz psu, set you back about 435 all in.
Click to expand...

It's not a must, but I always think it's better to save and wait for the better thing in the long run. Saying that, I'm surprised at how good a price that is for the i5, mobo, RAM and PSU. Would my Antec 900 case still be alright though? I'm thinking a full tower may be in order. Plus, need a new CPU cooler as I have a A.L.C. Domino Coolit liquid cooler, and I'm a bit worried with some horror stories I've heard so I want to get rid of it when I upgrade. (plus - not sure if it fits on i5?).

Another question on such a matter too with upgrading all this. Would I need to install windows again as it's a new mobo? I'm guessing I can't just use my hard drive and carry on like normal.

stulid said:
Fitting a new PSU involves four screws and just plugging the connectors into the right slots, its not hard.

PSU choice depends on the number of GPU's you want (1 or 2 etc) and what GPU's you are looking at.

There is also the small matter of the next gen GPU's maybe using less/same or more power than their equivalent today counterparts.

I would wait till the cards are released and a better idea of power usade can be made than buy a PSU now that may be overkill/not good enough etc.
Click to expand...

It would only be for single GPU, though I'd like it to be future proof a bit for when I upgrade mobo and all that. A second GPU could then be a possibility, but that is certainly not for a long time anyway.
 
I really think you should just wait, BF3 isnt even out yet. Buy the new graphics card and PSU together when the next gen is released or you may see a killer deal on a GTX570/580/6970 etc
 
stulid said:
I really think you should just wait, BF3 isnt even out yet. Buy the new graphics card and PSU together when the next gen is released or you may see a killer deal on a GTX570/580/6970 etc
Click to expand...

Yeah, I still get good performance on almost all my games so I can be patient enough. Will see what the BF3 beta is like too.
We haven't heard much recently on the GTX600's though I think? Thought it was supposed to be this year.
 
That's cool. Seeing how my patience goes, or how many good deals appear I'll play it by ear. I'm leaning towards nvidia more because I'd like to try out the 3D on my monitor, despite it not really being the reason i got it anyway.
 
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