One final graphics card upgrade for current system?

[gupott]

Hi there,

I have an ageing overclocked system that is probably about a year away from retirement, it still plays most modern games on pretty good settings but I wondered whether it was worth one final graphics card change for a bit shinier graphics prior to retirement (possibly to a media machine or something like).

So, current specs are

Intel Core 2 Quad 9300 2.5G @3.3Ghz
4GB Corsair DDR2 XMS2 Dominator Ram
Creative SB X-FI Fatal1ty Pro sound card
XFX Radeon HD 6950 1GB sound card
Asus P5K Premium Mono
HP LP2475W Monitor (1900x1200 resolution)
Win 8

It may just be I have the upgrade itch........

Is it worth changing graphics card and what to? Will anything bottleneck any new card? Should I wait and do the whole system in a year or so?

I have had a few recommendations that seem to centre on getting a second hand GTX 570. Or should I spend a bit extra and get a 660ti. I was thinking around the £150 mark but might be able to stretch to £220 but that much may not be worth it if something will bottle neck the card.

Thanks

Rossco

 

[gupott]

ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, more choices...........

Thanks for the replies guys.

ThaReaperGuy, I think the 7850 would be an improvement but possibly not worth spending the extra. I could get a 2nd hand 570 for around the same money and I think its a bit better still.

Nickolp1974, *must resist evil temptations* I had a look at both your suggestions, I could get a 3570k+z77 mobo for around £230 but then I would probably want an SSD and quickly my mind collapses and I want to buy a whole new system..... If my GFX card may be capable of more, which component might bottleneck it, the cpu?

 

[gupott]

Thanks guys,

I am having a good think about upgrading the other bits and pieces of my pc now. Although technically I don't have the money. But I do have some bits and pieces to sell on ebay, so I was thinking about doing some DIY on my system.... so

Keep the

6950
PSU (corsair 750w)
2xsata HDD's
Case
monitor
mouse
keyboard

Sell or at least remove

CPU
Mobo
ram

Buy

CPU - I5 - 3570k (Ivy) - £179.99
MOBO - Gigabyte Z77-B3H - £79.99
RAM - Patriot Viper 2x4gb 1600mhz - £35.99
CPU Cooler - Cooler Master Hyper 212 - £26.99

Price £322.96

What do you think? Should I do anything different? What about getting an SSD? Should I go the whole hog and sell the 6950 as well, if so, what else should I get?

Thanks Guys - much appreciated.

 

[gupott]

I thought the ram was dirt cheap. The last lot i bought in 2008 - see top post cost in the hundreds!