New build advice cpu vs gpu

[Anath]

Originally Posted by CDdude55

Your system is already great for gaming, 4850 X2 is a great GPU.

Im not arguing that the 4850x2 is a great gpu...it was my first amd gpu and has been great so far (i used to be an nvidia fanboy) I am just saying that recently it has been performing under my expectations ie settings maxed with 4xaa and 8xaf.

[JrRacinFan]

What res u play @ Anath?

[EarlZ]

Originally Posted by Anath

Im not arguing that the 4850x2 is a great gpu...it was my first amd gpu and has been great so far (i used to be an nvidia fanboy) I am just saying that recently it has been performing under my expectations ie settings maxed with 4xaa and 8xaf.

There wont be a massive difference even if you get the best possible CPU and upgrade to a GTX295/4870X2

[Anath]

Originally Posted by JrRacinFan

What res u play @ Anath?

Well right now i am at 1680x1050 but i was thinking about buying a new 24" monitor once i upgraded which would be playing at 1980x1200...

hypothetically if i did not upgrade my monitor and just kept my 22", do you think a good setup would be a phenom II 955 paired with a 5870 would be a good improvement over what i have now?

[JrRacinFan]

Nope not really. Upgrade your display first, cpu second(if you want), then gpu 3rd. Just saying even I myself can max** a few titles (NFS: Pro Street, GRID, NFS Undercover, GRAW2, Mirror's Edge -Physx Disabled) @ 1080p and I have in theory half the gpu power.




**2xAA with all visuals on high

[Wile E]

Originally Posted by JrRacinFan

Nope not really. Upgrade your display first, cpu second(if you want), then gpu 3rd. Just saying even I myself can max** a few titles (NFS: Pro Street, GRID, NFS Undercover, GRAW2, Mirror's Edge -Physx Disabled) @ 1080p and I have in theory half the gpu power.




**2xAA with all visuals on high

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.

[jmcslob]

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.

I agree a good gpu makes all the difference in games

[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.

[JrRacinFan]

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.

Well I agree to disagree, we aren't talking about a the OP having let's say an 8600GTwith a 1024x768 CRT upgrading to a 1200P LCD but keeping the 8600GT. We are talking the low of the high end. He doesn't need to upgrade his gpu.

@Anath

Future-proof: No such word.

[Wile E]

Originally Posted by JrRacinFan

Well I agree to disagree, we aren't talking about a the OP having let's say an 8600GTwith a 1024x768 CRT upgrading to a 1200P LCD but keeping the 8600GT. We are talking the low of the high end. He doesn't need to upgrade his gpu.

By that logic, he doesn't need to upgrade his cpu either.

And 2 4850s won't max out everything at 1920x1200, trust me.

[JrRacinFan]

Originally Posted by Wile E

By that logic, he doesn't need to upgrade his cpu either.

And 2 4850s won't max out everything at 1920x1200, trust me.

Did not say that, but it darn well would come within inches of doing so and you are correct, I don't see the cpu needing upgraded either.

[Wile E]

Originally Posted by JrRacinFan

Did not say that, but it darn well would come within inches of doing so and you are correct, I don't see the cpu needing upgraded either.

So, if he has to lower detail, what was the benefit of the larger monitor?

[JrRacinFan]

Originally Posted by Wile E

So, if he has to lower detail, what was the benefit of the larger monitor?

That much of a res bump shouldn't constitute a bump down in detail levels.

[Wile E]

Originally Posted by JrRacinFan

That much of a res bump shouldn't constitute a bump down in detail levels.

It does. I said to trust me because I speak from experience. At very least, you lose some AA, in games like Crysis, you lose a whole lot more.

[JrRacinFan]

Originally Posted by Wile E

It does. I said to trust me because I speak from experience. At very least, you lose some AA, in games like Crysis, you lose a whole lot more.

Who plays Crysis still ...

Oh and 80fps bumped down to let's say 45fps is still PLAYABLE.

[Anath]

Originally Posted by JrRacinFan

Future-proof: No such word.

Yea i know...a poor choice of words on my part

[Anath]

Originally Posted by JrRacinFan

Who plays Crysis still ...

Oh and 80fps bumped down to let's say 45fps is still PLAYABLE.

If thats the minimum fps then i would really have a problem however i see stuttering in my future if its the average

[Wile E]

Originally Posted by JrRacinFan

Who plays Crysis still ...

Oh and 80fps bumped down to let's say 45fps is still PLAYABLE.

To who? To you? Not to me it isn't. I notice anything below 60fps easily. The exceptions are the games like Crysis that offer well implemented motion blur to compensate, then I need 35fps or more.

And just a fyi going from 1680x1050 to 1920x1200 is a 30% increase in pixels needed to be rendered.

[JrRacinFan]

Originally Posted by Wile E

To who? To you? Not to me it isn't. I notice anything below 60fps easily. The exceptions are the games like Crysis that offer well implemented motion blur to compensate, then I need 35fps or more.

And just a fyi going from 1680x1050 to 1920x1200 is a 30% increase in pixels needed to be rendered.

I know and understand all this. If you look back at my few past posts you are contradicting my personal experience.

What my point I was saying to all this, if your going to upgrade a gpu and no for a fact you have new parts being released within the month, why spend your hard-earned cash when it could drop by 25% and you even have newer stuff out already?

You remember that 8600GT I had? Yeah, good case of it, spent $120 a month before releasing 9600GT edit Or wait was it 8800GS. Bam 8600GT's drop to a ridiculous $75, that's $45 I could have used for what.... New ram? Better PSU?

That's why at this point in time I say monitor, cpu, gpu. Although what I had said in my above posts I truly do mean. A 4850X2 should very well max most (95%) titles out to date with 4xAA @ 1080p.

Originally Posted by Anath

If thats the minimum fps then i would really have a problem however i see stuttering in my future if its the average

I meant that as an example not truth in fact.

[Wile E]

Originally Posted by JrRacinFan

I know and understand all this. If you look back at my few past posts you are contradicting my personal experience.

What my point I was saying to all this, if your going to upgrade a gpu and no for a fact you have new parts being released within the month, why spend your hard-earned cash when it could drop by 25% and you even have newer stuff out already?

You remember that 8600GT I had? Yeah, good case of it, spent $120 a month before releasing 9600GT edit Or wait was it 8800GS. Bam 8600GT's drop to a ridiculous $75, that's $45 I could have used for what.... New ram? Better PSU?

That's why at this point in time I say monitor, cpu, gpu. Although what I had said in my above posts I truly do mean. A 4850X2 should very well max most (95%) titles out to date with 4xAA @ 1080p.



I meant that as an example not truth in fact.

He plans to upgrade to the HD5k series when it releases. Price drops don't apply. And he said he wants 1920x1200, so 1080p doesn't apply either. 1920x1200 is 11% higher than 1080p.


You are speaking from your budget roots, and don't mind playing at medium (and I respect that), but many of us are not like that, and only want maxed settings.

[JrRacinFan]

Originally Posted by Wile E

He plans to upgrade to the HD5k series when it releases. Price drops don't apply. And he said he wants 1920x1200, so 1080p doesn't apply either. 1920x1200 is 11% higher than 1080p.


You are speaking from your budget roots, and don't mind playing at medium (and I respect that), but many of us are not like that, and only want maxed settings.

OK and how much longer does he have to wait for 5k's or rumored "Evergreen" XT/Pro? I am asking becuz unsure, not trying to be an a** about it. LOL .. I was talking 1080p the whole time.

[Wile E]

Originally Posted by JrRacinFan

OK and how much longer does he have to wait for 5k's or rumored "Evergreen" XT/Pro? I am asking becuz unsure, not trying to be an a** about it. LOL .. I was talking 1080p the whole time.

Paper launch with limited availability seems to be Sept 22. Full retail availability is supposed to happen in Oct sometime. http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=102342