CPU or GPU?

[Alf]

All i use my computer for is games as of now, so what i want to know.... what would give me better performance?

AMD 3500 --> AMD 57 FX
OR
Nvidia 7900 GT --> 8800 GTS

i know the 57 is a big improvment, but im not too sure if i would benifit more from a GPU upgrade. Or should i wait until nvidia releases thier next gen gpu? unfortunatly i only have enough for one or the other until further notice.

 

[TriplexDread]

You really wanna spend 300+ on a CPU thats Skt939? Or 300+ on a GFX Card?

You could buy a new AM2 Mobo and a Skt940 CPU for that mate

And buy a 8800 in a few months

 

[Alf]

the thing is that i have no desire to have to do a clean install of windows since im finally comfy with it now.
and evga has released a $300 8800 GT.
so its either one or the other. besides not many single core procs can touch a 57 FX at this price point.

 

[Alf]

Not to mention socket 939 is still plenty good. and i just got this mobo not too long ago, so i want to get plenty of mileage out of it before i upgrade to a whole new socket. Also with the release of Socket 941 (and adoption of DDR2) Prices for DDR1 should drop and CPU prices will drop as well. Remeber.... the 57 FX was $1,000 not four months ago

 

[TriplexDread]

I mean an AM2 board and an AMD x2

I know your in the states however,

For example

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/prod...9kdWN0X3NwZWNpZmljYXRpb25z&product_uid=113971

and

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/111292/rb/25324602960

Just to give you an idea

 

[Alf]

Well, the thing is i dont do much else on my computer other than play games, so the need for multi tasking is something i dont need- and games still dont take advantage of dual core as of yet.

 

[V_R]

Overclock your current system, save up a bit of cash and see if you can wait for a bit.

 

[floppybootstomp]

Call Of Duty Two online sometimes freezes when map changing with dual CPU's.

It happens with my new system and also to several clan members where I play. The one thing we all had in common was a dual CPU, either Intel or AMD.

The 8800GTS has lowered in price from about £300.00 to £200.00 in the UK, here's a link: 8800GTS

If gaming is your prime interest and you're not interested in multi-tasking, it's a no-brainer choice - go for the video card.

The video card will also carry over to your next upgrade whereas the 57 FX will not.

And the 8800 is also Direct X 10 compliant, if ever you decide to 'upgrade' to Vista.

 

[Alf]

good point, but wont my 3500 bottleneck my video cards performance? Or my system for that matter?

 

[Alf]

Overclock your current system, save up a bit of cash and see if you can wait for a bit.

normally thats what i would do, but i put a hold on oc'ing for now until i can get a new (read ' better') case. maybe a stacker 320

 

[floppybootstomp]

good point, but wont my 3500 bottleneck my video cards performance? Or my system for that matter?

Of course it will but I mean, c'mon, you only have limited options and you asked for the best choice.

So I gave you the best choice.

You gonna get pernickety bout things, make yer own mind up

 

[Alf]

i would, but then i would have no one to blame but myself if i make a 'poor' choice

 

[Alf]

if i can sell my 7900 GT, i may be able to buy both.

 

[Alf]

Well, im putting in a order for the FX-57 latter on tonight