New GPU for with a Q6600

[master811]

Ok, i've currently got a Q6600 running at stock, and an HD4850.

Looking to upgrade the card for BF3, what's the best you think I could get away with before the CPU becomes an issue with bottlenecking the newer cards?

The CPU has been running at 3.6Ghz as was watercooled (but not anymore), so should be able to get 3.0 easily on air which I guess will help a lot.

 

[Avathar77]

I ran my Q6600 with HD6950(unlocked and overclocked)
But even a GTX570/HD6950 would not be bottlenecked if you over clock the cpu to at least 3.2, which will be easy unless you have a bad chip or a bad mobo.

 

[coupe69]

If it's done 3.6GHz under water there's no reason it can't do it with a decent air cooler. I ran my Q6600 at 3.6GHz on air for years with reasonably low voltages. What sort of voltage did yours need for 3.6?

 

[Marine-RX179]

Depending on your budget.

The MSI GTX560Ti Twin FrozR II OC 2GB is a steal at under £200 at the moment, considering decent branded 6950 2GB has creeped up in price to £215 and above here on OcUK. But it shouldn't matter which you get considering both cards are on par with each other...it depends on your preference really, and what price you can find them at. But if you can afford, you could get the GTX570 2560MB.

But really...you should definitely overclock your Q6600 for the sake of ensuring you are getting the most out of your new graphic card. If you managed 3.6GHz on water before, that would mean your motherboard won't be a limiting factor. Just grab a decent air CPU cooler and you'd be fine. For example, my Q6600 at 3.6GHz on 1.5v vcore is only 68C max in prime95 with my Silver Arrow...pretty sure even other half decent £30 ish CPU cooler can keep it under 75C. What motherboard you got by the way?