New build or new GPU

[Gaw]

Contemplating about whether to just get a GTX 570, or to try and build a budget PC.

Already bought an XFX 650w core edition PSU a few weeks ago, so that is no issue.

I've put together a system that consists of:

MSI 790XT-G45 mobo, with BIOS update it will take AMD Phenom II x4+x6 cpus
CoolerMaster 920 II advanced dominator case
any of these ATI 5770's (feel free to tell me which one is best)

I would then put in my old RAM, my old CPU, and the new PSU I recently got.

Now, I could do that, or I could just get a gtx 570.

So:

Rig I made (or suggest new one)
OR
GTX 570

 

[Gaw]

Whats your budget and what will the system be used for?

Budget is strictly €350 (£298). Would be using the build for gaming (on source, Civ 5, maybe Just Cause 2.) Nothing too heavy. Pretty much just gaming.

Overclocking your current CPU and getting a 570 would give the biggest boost in performance for the budget.

However if you did get a new system, get the GTX 460 instead of the 5770, you can get 460's for 111 now too.

You're right - I could just about fit in a gtx 460.

The thing is though, my current build is a prebuilt. BIOS is entirely locked, can't overclock or unlock core.

So the question is what would give me the biggest boost in performance - a gtx 570, or a gtx 460 + moderate unlock + possible core unlock.

 

[Gaw]

thought it was a pre biuld looking at the specs. I would say go with new build as the 65nm phenoms are pretty rubbish clockers.

edit: just realised your new build doesnt have a new cpu.

It doesn't have a new cpu no - but it would allow me to upgrade to a phenom II x4 970 or so in the future (I will probably be able to get some money ready around the release of bulldozer - since the price of phenom II would likely decrease).

 

[Gaw]

That mobo won't work with that CPU it appears

 

[Gaw]

i think theres only one AM3 motherboard in existance that supports SLI (ASUS M4N98TD EVO) and only a handful of AM2+ boards. when the time comes i would say sell the 460 and put the money towards a faster single card (ie the gtx570)

I was just saying that it is an option - the mobo I listed earlier does support 16/0 + 8/8 setups.

(OCUK do not have any AM2+ motherboards for sale at all)

What sort of improvement would I get from a gtx 460 + maybe slight overclock of my CPU? Could I max source? All I want is to max source, run Civ 5 DECENTLY, and run just cause 2 at all, can't run it at all right now.

 

[Gaw]

aye, but that is for crossfire only. You'd be limited to ATI cards if you want to go multi GPU (not that thats a bad thing...)

I thought crossfire and sli were the same thing?

by soucre i take it you mean valve source games? If so then just about anything midrange and new would play those easily.

Alright, great

Also, what screen resolution are we talking here?

1680x1050, I didn't specify as the speccy said that.

 

[Gaw]

Alright, there's £125 exactly left to get a GPU - what's the best one I can get for that price? (On OCUK).

Thanks.

 

[Gaw]

Going for a different motherboard so have some extra cash for the GPU.

My price point is *strictly* £150 (a little less than that, taking into account Irish VAT) - trying to decide between this and this, finding it hard to decide.. My new mobo does not have support for SLI or CF so forget about that

 

[Gaw]

Going for a different motherboard so have some extra cash for the GPU.

My price point is *strictly* £150 (a little less than that, taking into account Irish VAT) - trying to decide between this and this, finding it hard to decide.. My new mobo does not have support for SLI or CF so forget about that