Upgrade: i5 or 5870?

[Lampmaster]

Well I wanna upgrade my computer, and I have ~$400. It's burning a hole in my pocket . So basically I'm wondering what your opinions are, i5 or 5870?

I do a lot of gaming, and yes I know the graphics card will be the majoring factor in FPS but I feel like my CPU is holding me back. Would my CPU even be able to dish out the 5870s power?

Also, I've gotten into POV ray, the extra CPU power would be appreciated. And I'm a folder so I really would like to stay nVidia. Unless the 5870 could match my 275s PPD, anyone got any numbers on the 5870s PPD?

Thanks

 

[Binge]

Go for the i5. It's a better upgrade for you since you have a 275.

 

[Solaris17]

go CPU bro. the 5870 wouldnt match your 275's in folding and the cpu would deff help you in POV ray as well as alot of other apps because the i5's cache is alot more size wise then what you currently have.

 

[Kursah]

+1

The 275's still very competent tbh...sure the HD58xx cards are beasts in the gaming arena...unless you really need it or must have DX11 now for some reason I can't see going that route if you have no issues. I've heard the 58xx's PPD still doesn't match the GTX 2xx series...that might change though...I'd go i5/P55 for sure...especially after I've seen what Fits has done with his setup!



Edit: Plus at 1680x1050 that 275 should be capable for a good while I'd imagine, my GTX260 takes care of 1920x1080 in all my games with ease. So really, I wouldn't worry about GPU performance for a good while, hell you might even wait for Gen2 DX11 goodies...that's what I'm hoping I can pull off!

 

[sneekypeet]

Not like its needed, as the rest have covered it pretty well, but I will throw in another vote for CPU/Mobo over the 5870

 

[LittleLizard]

i5. a gtx 275 still is a very powerful card

EDIT: Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157171
CPU - i5
Ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231259

Total is like 400 and something

 

[JrRacinFan]

Well, seeing as I'm a budget-minder, I say if you want to keep some cash and still upgrade. There is always the q9550. Although, I do agree with upgrading CPU. Have you chosen parts yet?

 

[theonedub]

There was a post about the 5870's PPD, if I remember right it was not very good. Can't find the link, but I think it was a little under 5k, so your 275 is much better. F@H is going to have some Core upgrades in the future though so performance numbers may change.

I might be selling my Q9300 soon, if I cant sell my old parts as a bundle, maybe you will be interested?

 

[IINexusII]

i5 is the better upgrade. you already have a very good gpu

 

[lemonadesoda]

(for the time being) just get a used quad s775 and save yourself $320 and get 80% of the performance upgrade.

If you really are into CPU horsepower, then consider a dual socket s1366. The mobo's arent a lot more expensive, neither are each of the CPUs. It will be more than $400 in total, but you could do it for $600 or so.

That's why IMO, the i5 system for $400 doesnt cut it. Add another $200 (+50%) and you get DOUBLE the performance, not just 50%.

That's why go cheap now (quad s775) and SAVE until you can do the job right!

 

[El_Mayo]

Not like its needed, as the rest have covered it pretty well, but I will throw in another vote for CPU/Mobo over the 5870

+1
i agree.. and i know jack shit

 

[Lampmaster]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Pretty much you guys confirmed what I was leaning towards.

Well, seeing as I'm a budget-minder, I say if you want to keep some cash and still upgrade. There is always the q9550. Although, I do agree with upgrading CPU. Have you chosen parts yet?

I might be selling my Q9300 soon, if I cant sell my old parts as a bundle, maybe you will be interested?

I thought about going with a 775 quad but if I got that it would hold me over for a while, so I would want crossfire or sli, or RAID.

As for parts I was thinking something like this.

 

[theonedub]

Did you see this new thread http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=105247 parts look oddly familiar

 

[Soylent Joe]

i5 would be my choice. Have you thought about going i7 920?

 

[Lampmaster]

Oh wow . If I had the money in my paypal I'd be all over that

I have thought about going i7, but to me it seems the extra ~100-200 isn't worth it.

 

[icon1]

You'll be fine with an i5/mobo purchase dude.. the 5870 is a beast but considering you already have a a GTX 275 right now, an i5 cpu/mobo purchase is more worth it IMHO.. The GTX 275 you got there is pretty much powerful and should last you longer.

Good luck on your build bro

 

[lemonadesoda]

ASUS Z8NA-D6 or Tyan S7002 i5520

Plus Xeon E5520 today, and another when you can afford it.

 

[arroyo]

Buy used Q9550 and new HD5850. All for $400.

 

[Fishymachine]

old q9550 and hd 5850 sounds fine to me

 

[naoan]

Buy used Q9550 and new HD5850. All for $400.

+1

 

[JrRacinFan]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Pretty much you guys confirmed what I was leaning towards.

I thought about going with a 775 quad but if I got that it would hold me over for a while, so I would want crossfire or sli, or RAID.

As for parts I was thinking something like this.

You are very welcome!!

So crossfire/sli and raid ...

maybe pickup the q9550
http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=105087

and his maximus.

 

[Lampmaster]

Well, I was looking through the forums for a good 775 board or P55 board when I found a X58-UD3R for $140. Which is cheaper than what I was gonna pay for a P55, and I bought it. So I'm going i7 .

Thanks for all the replies again

 

[Deleted member 67555]

I would not even consider this one myself if I were in your position.....
CPU all the way you already have a rather good GPU and I cannot see anything being gained with a GPU upgrade
oh wait seen your going I7 Nice choice

 

[rpsgc]

Buy a new CPU (i5 or C2Q, whatever suits your fancy). Your video card is still good.