Should I get a new CPU or a new GPU?

**Bolkonsky** · December 13, 2010, 10:19 AM

Here's my PCs specs:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

I've got a relatively low res monitor (or so I've been told) at 16:10 @ 1400x900

Now obviously my GPUs are out of date, but they can play any game, and make them look decent (by my standards) at a good framerate (35+)

My CPU is also out of date, but can still play any game. Or so I though, until I saw ARMA II PMCs specs:

Minimum:

OS: Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7
Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD Athlon Phenom X4 or faster
Memory: 2 GB RAM
Graphics: Nvidia Geforce GTX 260 or ATI Radeon HD 5770 or faster with Shader Model 3 and 896 MB VRAM
DirectX®: 9.0c
Hard Drive: 10 GB space free

Obviously, I fail both those categories.

I'm not about to get an i series CPU (I'm biased, and stick to the opinion that they don't do jack

for the price, and it would require a new MOBO etc etc.)

but I don't even have a Core 2 CPU, so I was thinking about getting one of those.

Then I though, well, what would make a bigger difference? A new GPU, or a new CPU?

What do you guys think would be the better purchase?

**Doono** · December 13, 2010, 10:38 AM

I have always felt that a better gpu always gives a greater boost in performance over a better cpu. And im pretty sure the e6500 is a core 2 chip, they tend to use the pentium brand on low end cpu's as non technical customers are more aware of the pentium brand over the core 2 brand.

**Ishan** · December 13, 2010, 10:41 AM

Buy a GPU it helps more in gaming rather than CPU.
HD5770 or GTX460.

**Bolkonsky** · December 13, 2010, 10:44 AM

Well it does't have Supplemental SKU, whatever that is. Or Hyperthreading, though that makes sense (it's only got 2 cores.)

I was thinking GPU, until I saw the System Requirements for ARMA II PMC.

I mean, an i5? Is that where gaming's at? Am I gonna need to upgrade my rig just so I can play ME3?

**Freddie** · December 13, 2010, 01:53 PM

At the sort of res you play at a CPU upgrade would beneficial. An ideal CPU upgrade would a Q6600 or Q6700 (get a 2nd hand one of ebay) and get it overclocked to 3.4Ghz+ that should see you alright for a while yet and would hopefully mean you can keep your motherboard and Ram.

As for your video cards unless you really want DX11 I would keep with the old 9500GT's for a while longer and replace when the 28nm cards come out next year but if you did want to upgrade have a hunt around for clearance 5850's as AMD has marked these bad boys right down in price to clear stock space for newer products. If it's two expensive the GTX460 and HD6850 are good value as well as the HD5770 as previously mentioned.