Upgrade Advice appreciated.

Entropy86 · 5 Nov 2009 at 17:04

Hi, looking to upgrade my system and am unsure whats most cost effective to replace atm.

MB: Abit IP35- pro
Processor E6750 - OC'd to 3.2, zalman 9700 cooler.
GPU - XFX 8800 GTX
Ram - 4gb mixed 667mhz Oc'd to 800mhz
X-Fi gamer sound card.
22'' widescreen monitor at 1680x1050
Windows 7 64bit

So what do you guys think would show the best improvements if replaced. Will mainly be used for gaming and media purposes.
I've been looking at the Ati 4890 cards, but never had Ati before only nvidia so a bit aprehensive.
Got 150 to spend now, could save more if i see much benefit.

Thanks.
John

Plec · 5 Nov 2009 at 17:06

If you're a gamer, and can afford it, i would try and stretch your budget and get a 5850.

EDIT: And don't fear a move to Ati their drivers are great now and updated regularly.

Entropy86 · 5 Nov 2009 at 17:09

Plec said:
If you're a gamer, and can afford it, i would try and stretch your budget and get a 5850.

Does the performance increase justify the extra £50 at 1680x1050?

Plec · 5 Nov 2009 at 17:26

Entropy86 said:
Does the performance increase justify the extra £50 at 1680x1050?

It's more about the added features on the 5850 such as DX11 compatibilty and eyeinfinity.

If you were just to compare the performance alone between the 4890 and the 5850 then the extra £50 probably wouldn't be reason enough. But when combining all of the above together i personally think it's worth the extra £50.