Scratching the upgrade itch - GTX 260 --> ??

[MrToilet]

Hello fellow forum-goers, I've been out of the upgrade loop for awhile, and I haven't really kept up at all with CPU or video card releases. I'm getting the itch to upgrade again, since it's been at least 2-3 years (GASP ) since I've upgraded anything in my computer. I'm just wondering what the best options for me given my budget.

My current system:
Core 2 Quad 6600, OC'ed to 3.2 gHz
4 GB RAM, Gigabyte P35 motherboard
GTX 260 (non-216 core), OC'ed to 700/1200

I still play some older games like Company of Heroes, but I'd like a little more wiggle room with newer games at my monitor resolution - 1920x1200. I'd like to spend ~$200-250 for a video card, and if it's worthwhile maybe a CPU upgrade while I'm at it. I have a feeling that a CPU upgrade wouldn't do me much good as I'd need a new motherboard + DDR3 RAM for any of the newer processors...

Another random thought - would it be worth it for me to just get an SLI-motherboard and another GTX 260? They're pretty cheap right now on Ebay, etc.

Thanks in advance - any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[tviceman]

The best card in your price range is the gtx560. It will be substantially faster than your gtx260 and you will still get the benefits of physx and cuda. If you are willing to spend a few dollars more, the hd6950 is also a great upgrade - slightly faster than a gtx560 but a tiny bit louder and a little bit higher temps. You can't go wrong with either card.

 

[brencat]

OP, I recently went through the same upgrade evaluation as you, coming from a 2yr old GTX 260-216. You didn't list your PSU along with system specs but one thing to keep in mind is that the 6950 2gb uses much less power than a GTX 560, particularly when the 560 is overclocked. You'll have to OC it to get it to match the 6950 at stock settings, so in terms of bang for the buck and power draw, my vote goes to the 6950.

The Egg had the HIS 2gb version for $260 AR shipped recently, vs $249 + shipping for most of the GTX 560s. No brainer I think.

 

[cusideabelincoln]

Forget the idea of buying a new SLI board. That would be a waste, IMO. You're better off getting a single video card.

 

[MrToilet]

OP, I recently went through the same upgrade evaluation as you, coming from a 2yr old GTX 260-216. You didn't list your PSU along with system specs but one thing to keep in mind is that the 6950 2gb uses much less power than a GTX 560, particularly when the 560 is overclocked. You'll have to OC it to get it to match the 6950 at stock settings, so in terms of bang for the buck and power draw, my vote goes to the 6950.

The Egg had the HIS 2gb version for $260 AR shipped recently, vs $249 + shipping for most of the GTX 560s. No brainer I think.

I have an Antec TruePower Quattro 1000W, so I don't think the PSU will be an issue... Hmm so basically the 6950 is the best in the $200-$250 range, right now?

 

[MrToilet]

Forget the idea of buying a new SLI board. That would be a waste, IMO. You're better off getting a single video card.

yeah after looking up some prices it really wasn't worth the hassle (and extra $300-400 for new CPU/mobo/RAM).

 

[ArchAngel777]

I also have the upgrade to itch. But I am pretty much refusing to scratch it. The only thing my 280 doesn't have that I could need at this point is DX11 support. It would be kind of neat to see Tessellation. I think Crysis 2 is going to be the killer app that makes me upgrade.

 

[drizek]

Don't SLI, because you don't get DX11. 6950 is the best option I think, like everyone else said. Of course, you could just buy a 460 or something for half the price, if you don't really need the performance. Mine has no problems at all running warhead.