Upgrade advice please.

[RobG]

Hi.

I could do with some advice on the best path for an upgrade. My current system is:

i5 2500k @ 4Ghz
MSI GD65
8GB RAM
1Gb 5850 (MSI)
Screen - either 1080p projector or 1920x1200 monitor

I built this rig a few weeks back and have just started to have the time to use it in anger. I am very happy with how older games run (HL2 EP2, Just Cause 2, Sup Com 2 etc) but was dispaointed to see both Crysis Warhead and GTA 4 Episodes..... running less than stellar at the resolutions stated above. My aim is to have the ability to play all games at native res at med/high setting with some AA etc with v-sync on.

When I specified the Sandy bridge upgrade I made sure that I got an SLI/x-fire capable board. From looking at Anandtech's benchmark database I think the best upgrade I could make would be to grab another 5850 and go for crossfire. Does this sound about right?

Also, will this setup give me the performance that I'm looking for? I don't feel a million limes away with what I have now so I hope so.

Thanks for your time.

Cheers

Rob

 

[SeeknDestroy]

another 5850 is probably the best since their price has dropped considerably. Or if you want to make a bit bigger investment the gigabyte gtx 480 soc has now an irresistible price

 

[Quixote]

Well, you could drop a couple of levels of AA (remember, only nerds can see AA above 2X) but if you must have more performance, I agree, sell the 5850 & buy the 480 is probably the most cost effective path. I'm no fan of Dual cards either SLI or Crossfire, just inefficient & problematic.
You might also consider a 560 (slower but much better power consumption & noise) or 6950 > 6970 (similar).

 

[tommybhoy]

another 5850 is probably the best since their price has dropped considerably. Or if you want to make a bit bigger investment the gigabyte gtx 480 soc has now an irresistible price

+1
480 v's 5850 xfire comparison(although the 480 soc will give a few more fps):
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/303?vs=309
Both cards are great overclockers, but before you hear the shouts of '480's oc'd give 580 performance', remember the 5850 xfire oc'd would then give you 5870 xfire performance!

If you don't want xfire, then you will have some hassle of selling on your 5850, but if it's the best bang for buck single card you wan't then it would be the gtx 480 soc all the way at current pricing at OC(as usually I would have suggested the 6950 and unlock it).
Take into account I have 6950>70 x-fire just now as I don't care for brand loyalty it's the best bang for buck for me that wins every time!