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Which GPU is tops for my ageing system?

mithrandir

mithrandir

mithrandir

Soldato
Joined
25 Sep 2005
Posts
2,870
I would like to find out which graphics card would be the most powerful for my system below taking into account the other components as possible bottleneck/s?

Current specs:

CPU: Q6600 @ 3.3Ghz
Ram: 4gb @ 489Mhz
MB: MSI P45 Platinum/Zilent
PSU: Corsair HX450

GPU: MSI GTX 460 Hawx


Budget: As cheaps as poss but want to know whether an upgrade is worth while for my system

Usage: Gaming / video @ 1080P


Thanks :D
 
If it's of any help, I had the same processor as you (3.4ghz), and ran an overclocked GTX480 (as well as a GTX570 later on) without any problems before upgrading my cpu. They were held back somewhat, but I still found the upgrade well worth it. :)
 
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Im running a msi twin frozr 7950 3gb in my aging system and it seemed fine with my q6600 @ 3.4ghz. Even better now i have done the socket 771 mod and put a xeon x5460 in @4.3ghz. The xeon cost me £14, bargain upgrade if your board is compatible. I got the 7950 for £70 and it was a worthwhile upgrade from my gtx285 2gb even before i upgraded my processor. I think there is still plenty of life left in these old systems.
 
Thanks for the info guys. Those GPUs seem like a great upgrade to my GTX460, are those GPUs okay with my PSU though?

@mzal - I'm going to look into the 771 mod, sounds like a great way to get more out of old tech.
 
Might be a good idea to think about a new psu. See what others think first.

You might get away with it, but it looks like you won't have much power to spare. Is it an old unit?
 
Like myself, I think most people will recommend a new unit, just to be on the safe side. It'll be interesting to see what folk come up with, though. :)
 
That's probably out of the question due to budget constraints. Upgrading the PSU will mean no budget for the GPU. :(

I've got a Xigmatek NRP-MC651 in another system but is about a year older than the Corsair.


Without changing any other component from the OP, just wanting to see what other GPUs can make a good improvement to my system.
 
Perhaps a 270X. Very power efficient so will be fine on your current psu and will be a nice upgrade from your current GTX460. Certainly not as powerful as a GPU you could get (eg second hand 7950) but will be good for gaming at 1080p.
 
Hopefully not to derail, but is the benefit of these xeons over the q6600 simply down to higher overclocking capabilities or are there other real world benefits?
 
mithrandir said:
I would like to find out which graphics card would be the most powerful for my system below taking into account the other components as possible bottleneck/s?

Current specs:

CPU: Q6600 @ 3.3Ghz
Ram: 4gb @ 489Mhz
MB: MSI P45 Platinum/Zilent
PSU: Corsair HX450

GPU: MSI GTX 460 Hawx


Budget: As cheaps as poss but want to know whether an upgrade is worth while for my system

Usage: Gaming / video @ 1080P


Thanks :D
Click to expand...

I'd be looking at a R7 260X as the fastest, suitable card for your system. It should balance nicely with your overall setup. :)

The 260X has several benefits. GCN 1.1 (same as 290X), cool, quiet, Mantle and TrueAudio support, overclocks extremely well and it uses little power.
 
To be honest, I would say your cpu/gpu is already balanced.

I wouldnt be investing any money in a gpu at present. You would benefit greatly from upgrading to a 2500k/3570k/4670k or greater, then upgrading the GPU.

Maybe even waiting for the next gen AMD cards and grabing a nice little price/perf card.
 
Upgrading his CPU and MOBO on a low budget then still having to use a 460 isn't going to be that great. Any GPU demanding games will be held back massively.

I guess it depends how long OP would wait before then buying a new GPU as well.
 
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