Upgrade CPU or GPU?

GizmoTheMogwai · 29 Oct 2009 at 12:07

I'm running a 4850 with a E5200 dual core overclocked to 3.2ghz currently.

I was wondering what would be the next upgrade to this system. I was thinking of getting the 5870 when that lowers in price.

blaineoliver · 29 Oct 2009 at 12:15

I would reccomend either a higher overclock on the E5200, or a quad core, unless your near 4ghz, your cpu will bottleneck that 5870.

linktoinsanity · 29 Oct 2009 at 12:18

I would recommend upgrading the cpu to a cheap quad, such as the Q6600/Q6700, maybe 2nd hand as it will be cheaper. Either than or save for i5/i7.

marley82 · 29 Oct 2009 at 12:20

Any core2duo over 3ghz isnt going to bottleneck any gfx card unless you play GTA4.

Personally I'd keep your current CPU and buy a HD5850 then upgrade to i5/i7 in time.

C64 · 29 Oct 2009 at 12:25

I'd sell the 4850 and get a 4890 at a bargain price rather than pay £200 for a 5850.
Or keep what you have or sell it and upgrade to i5/i7.

Simply aren't that many must play games coming that require an upgrade yet imo.

GizmoTheMogwai · 29 Oct 2009 at 12:26

C64 said:
I'd sell the 4850 and get a 4890 at a bargain price rather than pay £200 for a 5850.

Would that really make that much of a difference?

Kennysevenfold · 29 Oct 2009 at 12:27

no point in getting a cheap qaud.!

Sell the 4850, and get a 4890 as C64 says.

You will see a nice boost in games.

Trancer · 29 Oct 2009 at 12:30

Id go GPU

GizmoTheMogwai · 29 Oct 2009 at 12:36

My reason for upgrading is that with games like L4D and Killing floor I see dips in FPS to the low 40's, which is quite distracting if you're playing on a HD-TV like I am...

Hairybudda · 29 Oct 2009 at 12:37

I'm on the cheap quad brigade.

blaineoliver · 29 Oct 2009 at 12:41

I disagree, i get far better performance in all my games with my 720 over my e5200, even stock 720 was a boost.

GizmoTheMogwai · 29 Oct 2009 at 12:51

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-270-IN&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=

Would this CPU reap better performance?

Kennysevenfold · 29 Oct 2009 at 12:51

720 stock and 4850 wouldnt be better than e5200 @ 3.2Ghz and 4980 tbh.

marley82 · 29 Oct 2009 at 13:49

Kennysevenfold said:
720 stock and 4850 wouldnt be better than e5200 @ 3.2Ghz and 4980 tbh.

Couldnt disagree more tbh..

I went from a HD4850 to a HD4890 and noticed a huge difference @ 1920x1080.

I think its pointless spending £150-200 on a CPU on a dieing socket, Save your money for an i5 platform and upgrade your GPU now would be the wiser option IMO.

PermaBanned · 29 Oct 2009 at 13:54

Yeah, see if you can squeeze a bit more out of the E5200, most of them can do 4GHz.

Kennysevenfold · 29 Oct 2009 at 14:36

marley82 said:
Couldnt disagree more tbh..

I went from a HD4850 to a HD4890 and noticed a huge difference @ 1920x1080.

This quote AGREES with me. :confused:

marley82 · 29 Oct 2009 at 15:10

Kennysevenfold said:
This quote AGREES with me.

Ahh sorry, I'm tired and misread it. Thought you said would not wouldnt

my apologies

C64 · 29 Oct 2009 at 17:59

Everyone is missing the picture here wheres all these games that need much over a 4850 to play maxed out barring 1900 res + and full AA ?
I'd only upgrade the gpu if it culd be done for say £50-£70 max outlay like selling your 4850 for £45 and getting a second hand 4890/new 5770.