[Anath]

Originally Posted by Wile E

I have to disagree. Take it from someone who made the mistake, always upgrade your gpu before you upgrade your monitor. The extra resolution ends up very disappointing in games when you realize that it actually looks worse because you have to lower details.

Upgrades for gamers with a relatively modern cpu (Core2 equivalent or better) should always go GPU first, then monitor, then cpu. The cpu matters the least in gaming out of all of them. The only exception to this, is if the gamer plays primarily RTS games, where there is a lot of AI. Then the cpu makes a huge impact on gameplay. Otherwise, it does not. As an example, at 1440x900 with an AMD 6400+ X2 and an 8800GT, going from 3.2GHz, all the way down to 2GHz made a difference of 1-2fps in Crysis on my secondary rig. If any res was going to be effected by changing the cpu, it would've been that res. Go higher on the res, and the cpu matters even less.

As far as the OP not being able to max stuff, I'd look at my Windows install, or perhaps using a different driver. 4850X2 should handle just about anything at that res, short of maybe GTA4 and Crysis.

Yea my 4850x2 does a really good job...I play most of my games maxed out...however Its time for me to upgrade again just to make my rig a little more future proof. I think i will pick up a new gpu first then a new monitor and then upgrade my cpu.