5850 a worthy upgrade?

[kilroyst]

This is my system build right now:

E7200 Wolfdale running at 3.8GHz
Gigabyte EP45-DS3L
4GB G.Skill DDR2-6400
XFX 8800GTS 640, yes the original 90nm
and an Antec TruePower New 650w PS

I game on a 42" 1080p HDTV. My video card is definitely getting long in the tooth and I'm wondering if a 5850 would be overkill for upgading this system and, if so, what would be a good option.

I'm also open to suggestions for drop-in processor upgrades if thats cost effective. I'd rather not do a full board/memory/proc/vid card upgrade right now.

Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[Tempered81]

I think it would be a decent upgrade even with a 3.8ghz e7200. An i5 or i7 to pair with it would be good. 8800GTS 640 is OLD (like 4670 / 9600gt level). A 5850 @ 1000mhz is probably 300-400% faster.

 

[happy medium]

Even a 5850 will still be the bottleneck in 90% of games @ 1920x1080 with a e7300 @ 3.8 .
A good drop in upgrade would be a q9450 or 9550 for under 185$.
Look for one used.

 

[cusideabelincoln]

Even a 5850 will still be the bottleneck in 90% of games @ 1920x1080 with a e7300 @ 3.8 .
A good drop in upgrade would be a q9450 or 9550 for under 185$.
Look for one used.

I don't think so. An E7300 is a very competent chip. Regardless if or how much of a bottleneck would exist, he would notice a massive increase in gaming performance over an 8800GTS. He's going to see at least twice the performance gain.

 

[happy medium]

I don't think so. An E7300 is a very competent chip. Regardless if or how much of a bottleneck would exist, he would notice a massive increase in gaming performance over an 8800GTS. He's going to see at least twice the performance gain.

I agree , Thats what I was saying. I was saying he had more then enough cpu.
Never said he wouldn't see a improvement?

The O.P. asked if it was overkill for his system. I said that the 5850 would still be the bottleneck with his cpu. . In other words no.

Mabe you just took what I said wrong?

 

[SmCaudata]

I think he just read it wrong. When I first read it I also read it as you saying the 7300 was the bottleneck..then I reread it as the card would be the bottleneck with a 7300 @ 3.8Ghz at his resolution.

In any event..to the original poster..I also agree that you would get a huge boost.

 

[tuteja1986]

People you need to remember :! when reviewer do game benchmark in a CPU review , they never really benchmark at high res with everything to max. If you play your game at high res + AA you will not see a difference in a QUAD core vs Dual core in 99% of the game. Anyways get the a GPU upgrade so you can play Mass effect 2 which is going to be an awesome game.

 

[happy medium]

People you need to remember :! when reviewer do game benchmark in a CPU review , they never really benchmark at high res with everything to max. If you play your game at high res + AA you will not see a difference in a QUAD core vs Dual core in 99% of the game. Anyways get the a GPU upgrade so you can play Mass effect 2 which is going to be an awesome game.

Play GTA IV, Red Faction:Guerrilla, Dragons Age, on a dual core and get back to us.

http://www.pcgameshardware.com/aid,...rks-75-percent-boost-for-quad-cores/Practice/

More multy core games are comming.

 

[cusideabelincoln]

I agree , Thats what I was saying. I was saying he had more then enough cpu.
Never said he wouldn't see a improvement?

The O.P. asked if it was overkill for his system. I said that the 5850 would still be the bottleneck with his cpu. . In other words no.

Mabe you just took what I said wrong?

Right, my mistake. You used the confusing (uncommon) wording of the situation. Replace "the bottleneck" with "bottlenecked" and top that with the fact you suggested a CPU upgrade, when he really doesn't need one right yet, and you can see how your statement can be misinterpreted. The end result is that we're in agreement: The HD5850 would be a very worthy upgrade. My opinion would be for him to stick with his E7300 as long as possible, and then do a cpu, mobo, and RAM upgrade later.

 

[toyota]

Play GTA IV, Red Faction:Guerrilla, Dragons Age, on a dual core and get back to us.

http://www.pcgameshardware.com/aid,...rks-75-percent-boost-for-quad-cores/Practice/

More multy core games are comming.

I will add Ghostbusters to that list too. other than those few games the OPs overclocked E7200 would be fine for 99% of games. of course if she() is going to be playing GTA IV, Red Faction:Guerrilla, and Ghostbusters and wants the best experience then it doesnt matter that 99% of other games will be fine.

 

[kilroyst]

Thank you guys for all your replies!

You pretty much confirmed what I was thinking; that my trusty E7200 will last me a bit longer and the 5850 wouldn't be a waste.

Oh, and BTW, I'm female .....and no, no pics for you ....lol

Have a good evening everyone and thanks again.

 

[tuteja1986]

Thank you guys for all your replies!

You pretty much confirmed what I was thinking; that my trusty E7200 will last me a bit longer and the 5850 wouldn't be a waste.

Oh, and BTW, I'm female .....and no, no pics for you ....lol

Have a good evening everyone and thanks again.

Don't need a Quad core yet , I have played Dragon Age Orgin and GTA 4 on dual core with GTX275. They work fine.

 

[poohbear]

People you need to remember :! when reviewer do game benchmark in a CPU review , they never really benchmark at high res with everything to max. If you play your game at high res + AA you will not see a difference in a QUAD core vs Dual core in 99% of the game. Anyways get the a GPU upgrade so you can play Mass effect 2 which is going to be an awesome game.

mass effect 2 is an UE3 game. it would run fine on a 8800gts.

and to the OP, when debating between a cpu & gpu upgrade, u gotta ask which would benefit u more. in this case, a video card, hands & feet down, is much much more beneficial than a cpu upgrade. e7200 is still kickass for all of todays games.

 

[aclim]

My vote it a resounding yes! GET ONE! I just got one and it is better than my gtx260 at 1920x1200. Plus there are so many games releasing early this year, im sure you want to play them maxed!