A dilema...

[Sir Shfvingle]

I recently purchased a store-bought computer(regretting already) at a great price but now I'm finding that I won't be able to make certain upgrades without additional purchases. First off, here are my specs:

Amd Athlon II 635@ 2.9ghz + 2mb L2 cache
6 gb RAM
750 gb HDD
crap Mobo
620W WT power psu
20" 1600x900 monitor
Windows 7

My old computer had a geforce 210 1gb gpu(crap) and I want a a good new one that will be able to play all TW games on med-high specs. I also eventually want a better cpu(probably a 3.2 phenom). Now, I've had my eyes on the radeon 5770 for it's price and fairly good performance. Thinking about it more, I thought I might as well crossfirex it with two 5770's. Here's the dilema. My mobo has 1 pci-e x 16 slot, not two. That problem made me consider one of the 63xx cards or possibly the other 6xxx ones coming out later. So I ask, what is the best price/perfomance deal I can get gpu wise: 2x5770's and additional mobo or just a single higher level card and keep the mobo? With the answer, please take into consideration the possible processor upgrade from athlon II to phenom II for the mobo.

Thanks a TON ahead of time. I really appreciate any and all insight I get.

P.S. As for budget, I wouldn't like to go too much over 300 USD but 400 is an extreme possibility.

[mrcrusty]

Wait until mid next year for a motherboard. Bulldozer AM3+ motherboards are compatible with AM3 processors (Athlon II/Phenom II), that gives a little more leeway if you want to upgrade.

Now, as for the GPU, go for a single card. Crossfire scaling is not yet perfect, and can cause issues with certain games. Go for an HD 6870. Roughly double the price of a single 5770, but double the performance too.

As for the CPU, don't bother replacing it. At your resolution, any difference will be minimal. Perhaps noticeable, but nothing game changing.

I would also suggest getting a new PSU, generics make me uncomfortable. Antec TPN-650w PSU. Good for CrossFire 6870s and solid PSU all round.

6870 - ~$250
Antec TPN - $90

Motherboard isn't ideal but a switch now is un-necessary. Same with the CPU. Athlon IIs aren't so bad.

[Sir Shfvingle]

Great, thanks 6870 looks good. And you're sure a 2mb L2 cache is alright. I know 635 is like the worst of the athlon IIs but if you say so. And changing PSU isn't much of a problem, but if I may ask, what is wrong with generic psu's? And lastly, you mentioned crossfire-ing 6870s with the new psu. I assume the time scale will work that by the time games need better than 6870 that new mobo will be out(if I haven't bought a new rig for college in a few years).

[mrcrusty]

Great, thanks 6870 looks good. And you're sure a 2mb L2 cache is alright. I know 635 is like the worst of the athlon IIs but if you say so. And changing PSU isn't much of a problem, but if I may ask, what is wrong with generic psu's? And lastly, you mentioned crossfire-ing 6870s with the new psu. I assume the time scale will work that by the time games need better than 6870 that new mobo will be out(if I haven't bought a new rig for college in a few years).

It's fine.

I'm currently using an Athlon II x4 640 to power my dad's rig. Or I will be soon, once I bother to order all the parts. I'm using it right now in my system to kick the tires so to speak. It's absolutely fine, provided the GPU is up to it.

As for the PSU, it's really a matter of roulette. Sometimes, they are fine and you'll have no problems. Other times, they overrate the PSU, meaning that your 620w PSU can only really deliver 400w of power. Other times, they cheap out on internal components, meaning that your PSU will work fine at first, but get worse and worse as time goes on. And other times, they just plain break down for no reason.

As for the Crossfire 6870 option, the motherboard will be out by then for sure. I'm talking about 1-3 years down the line if you need it.

[Sir Shfvingle]

Alright. Thanks for all the help. I now know what to get