Need new GPU but want feedback on rest of current spec

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GDP

GDP

GDP

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Hello all - long time OCuk purchaser, first time poster.

My graphics card recently bit the dust - it didn't stop working completely but I suddenly started getting blocky glitches and lines appear on the screen, and have since gone back to an older card which works fine.

Previous card was: Point Of View 8800GT 512MB GDDR3
and am now using this old thing: Sapphire HD 2600XT

I decided it would be a good time to audit my current system, which I've had running for a couple of years, and see what potential bottle-necks I might have before buying a new GPU.

  • Mobo: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L iP35
  • CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 1.86ghz Socket 775 FSB800 2MB Cache
  • RAM: 4x Kingston 1GB DDR2 667MHz / PC2-5300 MEMORY
  • PSU: Hiper 530W Black Type-R Modular PSU - SLI Certified with Active PFC
  • HD: Seagate ST3250820AS 250GB 7200RPM SATA300 8MB Cache as well as an external Seagate USB drive.

Running Windows 7, dual screen on Samsung SM2343NW 23" TFT Monitor 2048x1152, and a cheap 19" Acer.

I use my PC for graphic design work and gaming - currently everything is running fine (aside from noticing slower gaming performance from old GPU) and I'm not hugely desperate for more hugely more performance than I had with my 8800GT but I am concerned about a couple of things:

Is my processor likely to be the weakest component and potentially stop me getting the most of out a new & better GPU? Is my power supply sufficient? I tend to have a lot of USB-powered stuff plugged in (Wacom Tablet, ext. drive, keyboard with 2 additional USB slots, iPhone charger, etc.) and am a bit concerned that all of that is pushing the PSU...!

Ideally, if everything looks fine, I'd just like to spend around £150 on a new GPU, possibly a GTX 460.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
Two things I would do,

Sell your current CPU and get a second hand Q6600.

Stick a GTX460 in it.
 
As above, though I'd also be tempted to get a new psu if you can, not for the power draw, should be ok, but those hyper models have awful reputation for going bang, last thing you want to do is plug in new hardware n have psu go n possibly take things with it
 
If you can't afford a new cpu as well then get that E4300 clocked. Most will hit 3 Ghz and i had one that did 3.4Ghz. It's not a bad cpu when overclocked.
 
Thanks for the advice, all.

Wow, I had no idea the Hiper's had a bad rep -- when I bought that about 3 years ago, I'm sure I remember it being really recommended...!

I do have the budget to replace all three components, so will endeavour to sell my CPU and pick up the suggested upgrades.

Any recommendations on PSU? I presume everything available from the OCuk store is of decent quality?

Cheers again.
 
GDP said:
Thanks for the advice, all.

Wow, I had no idea the Hiper's had a bad rep -- when I bought that about 3 years ago, I'm sure I remember it being really recommended...!

I do have the budget to replace all three components, so will endeavour to sell my CPU and pick up the suggested upgrades.

Any recommendations on PSU? I presume everything available from the OCuk store is of decent quality?

Cheers again.
Click to expand...

OCUK aims to offer all high-quality parts, however, PSUs we'd typically recommend include Seasonic, Corsair and XFX. Aim for about 500W and you should be fine.
 
Theres always exceptions, I still have my Hyper 550 (in an awesome metalic blue) still running without problem after 5 years. But i shifted it out of my main rig when i heard about the problems many people have had.
 
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