What to upgrade next?

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thread starter ThePepsi Jun 10 2010 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

Still working on this new budget computer. Currently spent about $250-$300. Wondering if i should upgrade CPU, GPU (Video Card), or RAM next. CPU = AMD Athlon II X2 2.9ghz, currently overclocked at 3.4ghz GPU = Nvidia GT 240 1GB DDR3 RAM = 2GB I want to run some games smoother, like Crysis, Aliens vs Predator. Also want to possibly run Split/Second and stuff. Currently can run : Left 4 dead at max with 60 fps Call of Duty 4 at max with 60 fps Crysis at high settings with 20-30 fps Devil May Cry 4 at max settings at 60 fps Or would it be worth investing in a better cooler and overclock the CPU even more? I have an Asrock motherboard so i can use OC tuner easily. (Change from 2.9ghz to whatever in seconds)

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ey14wizard 06/10/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

Keep the video card. The GT 240 is a good card and I used to have one in my Alienware Aurora but I sold it on eBay :P I say upgrade the RAM to 4GB DDR3 or 6GB DDR2 (both are priced around the same) The processor is fine. It's Dual Cores and overclocked at 3.4 GHz which is pretty fast. So as of now you should either keep it as is, or upgrade ram.

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Chickenz 06/10/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

Well we're not too sure if he can upgrade to DDR3 yet since the mobo model is left out. However, if you want to run games more smoothly, the only option is to get a better video card, as well OC that processor so it doesn't bottleneck your new gpu (it may actually be bottlenecking right now). Suggestions: GPU: Radeon 5770 ~$140-$180 Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus ~ $19-$30

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azn011 06/10/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

I'd upgrade the graphics card if I were you. The GT240 is a decent card at best, but it's far behind other graphics cards. I recommend the HD 5770, which offers much superior performance and DX11. You'd benefit the most from a graphics card upgrade, in terms of gaming performance. IMO your second priority would be the RAM, add on another 2GB for a total of 4GB. I don't usually say this, but 2GB is a bit little for today's standards. 2GB is definitely enough though.

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noobpwnge 06/10/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

A 890X motherboard or DX11 card. L4D isn't a graphically intense game same goes for CoD 4 and Devil May Cry.

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Pen14 06/10/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

If you're running an older windows like XP, i'd say you're fine. However, if this was windows 7 or XP, i'd say add more ram. IIRC, you recently bought this graphic card so unless your graphics card manufacturer has some step up program, i'd just keep it as is. If you really want to upgrade something in that rig, i'd just say get a nice heatsink and get a better overclock on your processor

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ThePepsi 06/10/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

[quote] noobpwnge : A 890X motherboard or DX11 card. L4D isn't a graphically intense game same goes for CoD 4 and Devil May Cry. [/quote] I understand, but i don't have many "graphically intense" pc games. Unless you count Mass Effect on max at 40-50 fps. Also, would upgrading my Hard drive to 1TB speed up games? I can also get a Nvidia 8800 GT for about 80 bucks (kijiji, which is ebay for canadians), would that be faster than my GT 240?

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azn011 06/10/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

A larger capacity HDD does not necessarily improve performance, but it's always great to have lots of space to use. A faster hard drive would not improve FPS in games, but it would speed up loading times. A 8800GT was an excellent graphics card, for it's time. Its GPU core was revised and used in the newer GTS250 and 9800GT. There should be a good impact on game performance, but it's not worth the $80 upgrade from your GT240. Suggest you save up some more for a better graphics card, or just leave it as it is.

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skye09 06/11/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

Leave it as it is. As Pen14, you just bought that GPU not too long ago and that is the most crucial component in gaming. If you want a higher fps, Id say either return the GT240 and upgrade to a better GPU like the 5770, or, get some ICD7 and apply it to your GPU, volt mod it, and overclock it.

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noobpwnge 06/11/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

[quote] ThePepsi : I understand, but i don't have many "graphically intense" pc games. Unless you count Mass Effect on max at 40-50 fps. Also, would upgrading my Hard drive to 1TB speed up games? I can also get a Nvidia 8800 GT for about 80 bucks (kijiji, which is ebay for canadians), would that be faster than my GT 240? [/quote] 8800 GT is faster than the GT 240. 40-50 FPS on Mass Effect is nothing. Consider a 5770 or a lower end card like the 5670 or 5570 then later upgrade to the Radeon 6XXX if it releases any time soon.

My Characters: iDidTisFoNX - 13 Scania Archer