GPU or Monitor

[Kagemusha]

Hello all,

I think that it is about time I do an upgrade in the display category. The problem is, that I don't know if my monitor or my GPU is holding me back. Which ever it is, will be the first to be replaced.

Here is my system:

Mobo: Biostar TA790GXE
CPU: Phenom II X4 945 OC to 3.9 GHz
RAM: G Skill 2x2GB 5-5-5-15 1066 (currently at 533 MHz, because anything higher causes instability)
GPU: PNY GTS 250
PSU: OCZ 700W ModXtream
Monitor: Acer L22W 1680 x 1050 (this monitor is ~4 years old)

I primarily use my system for gaming (WoW). For those who know the game, my FPS is ~25, with all video options maxed and enabled (except for Death Effect) while standing still in Stormwind. Ideally, I'd like to have my FPS at 60+, standing in Stormwind. And in case it matters, I have the latest drivers for all of my hardware.

 

[digitaldurandal]

Your display is not going to affect your fps, except to note that if you get a larger screen with a larger resolution of 1920 x 1080 or 1920 x 1200 and attempt to run at that resolution your fps will drop further.

According to your specific goals you should upgrade your gpu.

That being said WoW might not be the best game to use a gauge of where your system is. It is likely that even with an upgrade you will experience below 60 fps in certain areas of WoW.

 

[Seero]

Single 460 stock, using d3d11.
SW, 20-30 ish FPS
PvP arena, 120 FPS
raid 10 man, 50-70 FPS
crappy RAM running at 1000Mhz 4-4-4-12.
crappy Q6600 at 3.2
SSD-Not OS, just WoW

Before you upgrade, i suggest you to try the D3D11 setting, it also works on Dx10 cards. There are some minor bugs, but boost FPS by about 20-30%.

 

[Kagemusha]

Thank you, digitaldurandal and Seero. I will consider the GPU upgrade first, but before doing so, I will try the -D3D11.

 

[xeopherith]

Thank you, digitaldurandal and Seero. I will consider the GPU upgrade first, but before doing so, I will try the -D3D11.

I really only played WoW when it was brand new and got sick of it after about a year. So, I don't know any of the options anymore. If you can use directx 9 or 11 either of them will perform better than 10. Directx 9 should perform the best but I have noticed on my new GTX570 that isn't always the case now that they are optimizing specifically for dx11.