New system or just GPU ?

[QUIXOS]

Hi all,

I have been thinking of a new system for a while but am thinking I might be able to get away with a new card. The thing is , the games I like to play are more CPU than GPU dependent.

I have a 'old' I7 2.67 stock with 4GB RAM and a GTS250 card. It plays ARMA 2 OA @ around 25-40fps and GTAIV at approx 28-35/36 fps . Both games on medium settings.

I were to buy a GTX670 for example, will I be seeing much of an improvement on those figures ? I appreciate there are many variables to include, but do games that are more CPU dependent nevertheless improve somewhat when powered by a good card ?

In regards to installing said card, I have never installed anything myself before. There is a spare GPU power cord within the tower, the other connected to the GTS250 at the mo. Can I assume that the presence of that 2nd cord will mean my PSU is powerful enough for a card like the 670 ?

( I have a Packard Bell Ipower 98XX ( its the I7 version) from Jan 2009.

Thanks...

 

[Bromhead]

i7 is still plenty powerful enough. The card could do with upgrading, if you haven't already I'd take a look at the 7850 or 7950.

Additionally you can always read up on the forums, or ask for advise and overclock your i7. That would keep you going for a few more years I would think.

Don't think you would see much performance improvement though over your current i7, even a first gen once you overclock it.

 

[Bromhead]

I meant to say - I don't think you would see much performance improvement with an ivybridge i5/i7 over your current i7 in games specifically.

 

[QUIXOS]

Ah that is the clincher. I would have overclocked years ago but my BIOS is locked. Thats wat you get with a off the shelf machine. I am just not sure of what actual gains fps wise I might see 30, 40 50 % ?..

Thanks for quick replies.

 

[CaptainRAVE]

Your CPU is still plenty powerful enough if gaming is what you use your PC for. GPU upgrade would give you the biggest boost in performance.

 

[Fire_fly]

Before adding a new GPU I would first check the PSU. Just because it has the extra power connector does not mean it will be up to the task of powering a new GPU and OCed CPU.

Does it have any stickers on it that look like it could be a model number that will let you find the PSU module and manufacturer?

 

[QUIXOS]

OK thanks.. If I could get away with £300 on a card I would be very pleased rather than another K on a system. Thing is , the computer is 4 years old now and wether the HD and other components will hold up for a few more years is another matter. Saying that , *touch wood* no problems so far.
You cant return a GPU can you once opened I guess ...

 

[honosuseri]

Upgrading OEM machines can be a REAL headache. THe PSUs are generally crap, the mobos can be odd sizes, making the cases useless for adding in a replacement.

I would suggest you measure the dimensions of the PSU to make sure you can fit in a replacement. 500W is all you need, modular will be a god send too.

Measure the case (and mobo a pic posted would be nice too) to check what sized GPUs you can fit. You'll kick yourself if the GPU you buy doesnt fit.

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Your setup may well infact bottleneck the GPU (if it even fits) but it comes with three free decent games to help sweeten the deal. No point adding more DDR2 RAM to your setup, might as well look to up the mobo bundle once Haswell lands

 

[QUIXOS]

Thanks for the advice all.

Its the same old story with me, for 10 plus years I have bought a OEM system , which although expensive (£1k plus) I think, ah well, I can always upgrade X part or Y part. It gets to the point Im at now 4 years later or maybe a 'tock' on the intel line and Im intrigued as to what the next gen will bring.

With the potential bottlenecks Il probably just limp on until Haswell. Not that performance is going to be that much over current I7s ...purely for the Ghz, a stock 3.something Ghz will be a nice upgrade over my unoverclockable 2.67

 

[weehamish]

Next time dont buy a full system without customising it, i customise all my parts on my system so they all work well together, id keep the i7 and just grab a 7850 this will keep you happy for atleast another year, but make sure your PSU like someone said can handle it.

Haswell will be around 10% up and not noticable as its the same size chip. 2014 will bring smaller chips so thats better time to swap CPUs.

So for £160-180 you can get a 660 or a 7850/7870 and this will be a huge upgrade from the GTS250, and i mean huge that card is not even good for gaming.