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Processor or Graphics?


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#1
Hidden_Agenda

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Afternoon all!

I am trying to get some perspective on a bit of a problem.

I’ve been thinking about upgrading my computer, but I am not sure whether it would benefit more from a newer graphics card or a newer processor. I am leaning towards the card due to the overwhelming temptation to finally jump on dx10 bandwagon, but now have nagging doubts thanks to the processor being something I feel I skimped on when I built the thing.

In terms of newer GPU I am looking at something like an NVIDIA 9800GTX, whereas with a processor I haven’t really thought too much about it yet, thanks mostly to my own bloody indecisiveness.

I’d really appreciate any opinions on this.



My specs are as follows:

Computer:
Operating System Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (32 –bit)
DirectX 9.0c


Motherboard:
CPU Type: AMD Athlon 64X2 Dual Core 4200+ 4.21GHz
Motherboard Name: Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe
System Memory: 3072 MB
BIOS Type: Award 06/27/06


Display:
Video Adapter: NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GS
Monitor: Generic PnP Monitor [NoDB] (04856)


Storage:
IDE Controller: Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller
SCSI/RAID Controller: Microsoft iSCSI Initiator
SCSI/RAID Controller: NVIDIA nForce 590/570/550 Serial ATA Controller
SCSI/RAID Controller: NVIDIA nForce 590/570/550 Serial ATA Controller
SCSI/RAID Controller: NVIDIA nForce 590/570/550 Serial ATA Controller
SCSI/RAID Controller: Silicon Image SiI 3132 SATALink Controller
Disk Drive: WDC WD16 00AAJS-00PSA SCSI Disk Device (149 GB)
Optical Drive: ASUS DRW-1608P3S ATA Device


PSU:
650W
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#2
stettybet0

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For a gaming machine, a new graphics card would do you the most good.

For just about any other type of machine, you'd see more benefits from a new processor.
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#3
Neil Jones

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You don't have a 4.2Ghz processor.
You have one processor on it that has two brains that between them run at 2.1Ghz.

If you have DirectX 9 on Vista I'd be worried considering the operating system comes with DirectX 10 as standard.
Higher processor specs are available (including quad-core which is four brains on one chip) but these days a better graphics card would yield better results for gaming anyway. A lot depends what you do with the computer.

Edited by Neil Jones, 01 October 2008 - 09:39 AM.

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#4
Hidden_Agenda

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Cheers for the input! I'm thinking I'll probably end up going with the graphics in any case.

Apologies Neil, you're right! In future I'll stick to Everest for full details of my specs rather than writing in my own [bleep]ised form.
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#5
Troy

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If you have DirectX 9 on Vista I'd be worried considering the operating system comes with DirectX 10 as standard.

Hi Neil, don't forget Vista needs a DX10-compatible video card, otherwise it will only install DX9.

The 7600GS is not a DX10 card.

Troy
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