CPU or GPU upgrade? Which will have a better improvment for Shogun 2

**Earende** · May 04, 2011, 05:12 AM

Current Computer
OS: Win Vista 32bit
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 2.83GHz
GPU: GeForce GTX 275
PSU: Unknown

MAX monitor resolution: 1680x1050

What I plan on getting
OS: Win7 64bit *MUST (FINALLY)
CPU/Mainboard: ASUS SaberTooth X58 USB3.0 + i7 960
GPU: ASUS ENGTX580 DCII 1536MB (Anyone have a better recommendation? Different brand or card.)
PSU: CoolerMaster Silent Pro M1000W *MUST (I don't really know about this but 750W seem quite little for a GPU that require at least 600W, any recommendation?)

So, I suddenly got a chance to upgrade my computer but I'm lacking in funds (complete upgrade/new computer will be $2000! My country's price.), so I have to choose between a GPU or CPU/Mainboard. Which will give me the bigger performance change, does anyone know? Or should I upgrade only the windows and PSU?

**GasMask** · May 04, 2011, 05:36 AM

Forget the 960 go with sandy bridge.

Keep your graphics card replace your ram with higher frequency ram get rid of your HDD for gaming and use an SSD drive this should be fine !

However if you want to rip the dogs nuts out then hell .....

Intel I7 Extreme 980X
3X AMD 6970 CROSSFIRE
32GB Ram 1333mhz prototype slotted
1200W PSU power supply OCZ
4x 500GB HDD spinning at 7200 RPM.

Cheap enough ?

You could buy the parts separate and at the end of year build your dream machine ?

I would suggest you listen to a more experienced member like Freddie or MR MM Roam Man or some other complete freak nerds LOL.

**Devilmaypoop** · May 04, 2011, 11:41 AM

Dont buy last generation i7, it is inferior to i5 2500K in both price and performance. The thing is, that with your resolution even a HD 5770 will be running games maxed or close to it, so a 580 GTX would be massive waste.

For now, a GPU will give you a much bigger performance boost compared to a CPU. What is your budget?

**GasMask** · May 04, 2011, 12:15 PM

CPU offers better values for the GPU it works both ways IMO

.

**Devilmaypoop** · May 04, 2011, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by ♔MASK OF GAS♔

CPU offers better values for the GPU it works both ways IMO

.

Read the OP. He is asking which would benefit him more, CPU or GPU upgrade. With his rig a GPU upgrade would be a much bigger performance boost.

**Earende** · May 04, 2011, 12:24 PM

My budget is $1,000-$1,500, for either CPU/mainboard or GPU. Along with some other stuff that I have to get no matter what. Also, prices here are around 2 times USD.

Someone else advised me to get i5 2500k as well, but his opinion was upgrading my CPU will have the bigger boost.

**GasMask** · May 04, 2011, 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by Earende

My budget is $1,000-$1,500, for either CPU/mainboard or GPU. Along with some other stuff that I have to get no matter what. Also, prices here are around 2 times USD.

Someone else advised me to get i5 2500k as well, but his opinion was upgrading my CPU will have the bigger boost.

He is right buy hell do what you want your money

.

I5 2500K Just get an I7 I5 is a little weak.

Get an I7 SB

.

Get the sabertooth.
Get an I7 SB
Get some decent ram
Job Done

Wait 2-3 months then stick a nice beefy GPU in your rig ........

Cheers.

**Devilmaypoop** · May 04, 2011, 12:27 PM

For $1,000-$1,500 you can get both, i5 2500K and a high end GPU, lets say AMD 6950 and some RAM too. And no, an i5 2500K with a 275 GTX is worthless against any system with a HD 5850 or better.

I5 2500K Just get an I7 I5 is a little weak.

Dont even open your mouth if you dont know what you're talking about. 2600K is a 2500K with HT, and no games will use more than 3 or so threads for a long time. i5 2500K is more than enough for anything out there.

**Karklos** · May 06, 2011, 10:15 AM

This is correct.

Ignore mask of gas, he is delusional.

**GasMask** · May 04, 2011, 12:32 PM

Enlighten me why he needs a lousy I5 ?

Why not go with an I7 SB ?

His money values are great it ont break his bank either.

Here is what i personally would of got on your budget.

Intel Core i7-2600K 3.40GHz (Sandybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor
Asus P67 Sabertooth Intel P67 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard - (Sandybridge)
Corsair Dominator 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 560Ti SUPER OC 1024MB GDDR5 PCI-Express Graphics Card

**Devilmaypoop** · May 04, 2011, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by ♔MASK OF GAS♔

Enlighten me why he needs a lousy I5 ?

I already told you. A lousy i5? Get off basement. Now.

Instead of wasting money on something he wont need, he can get a better screen and a better GPU.

**GasMask** · May 04, 2011, 01:57 PM

Fair enough you advise him then expert

.

Cheers.

I will just hang in my cave.

**Crazyeyesreaper** · May 07, 2011, 04:30 PM

seems devilmaypoop has got things under control here ill go walk and whistle awhile in another thread

**Jaketh** · May 08, 2011, 02:35 AM

to be honest that Core 2 Quad still has anothe 2 years on it before it really would need to be replaced, but if you have the cash go for the 2600k

**Earende** · May 08, 2011, 11:30 PM

Due to other factors, I decided to go with the CPU upgrade to i5 2500k as suggested by quite a number of people. I really thought any significant improvement will happen only if I changed the GPU but I'm amazed with the results - i5 2500k with my GTX275 actually allowed me to run everything on max with only a very minor slowdown in the largest of battles.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions, now to see how it'll fare when the AA finally comes.