[snagillim]

I want to upgrade my computer to run newer games (like skyrim) i built my PC 3 years ago but (i hope) i can squeeze a little more life out of it for gaming.

I've overclocked my e8400 intel duo CPU to 4.0ghz, so hopefully it will be up to the task.

I have tried playing Rage, fallout: new vegas, and other more recent games. I run them just fine.

My current card is a gtx 9800, overclocked. But i know this needs to be upgraded.

I'm considering 2 options at the moment which are to buy a gtx560ti for $200(ish), or run SLI with 2x gtx460 768mb.(also 200$ total)

First question: Will my CPU be ok for either(both) of these options? I realise skyrim recommended system specs are only speculative at the moment so i'm more interested in whether or not these options are too much for my CPU.

Second question: Will the 2x gtx460 768mb be sufficient to render at 1980x1050 resolution?

Thanks in advance... feel free to bring up any other ideas you think might be helpful. Don't be afraid to tell me my CPU is not up to snuff for the GPUs but i'd prefer it if i don't get answers like "Your CPU sucks, get a new one." If you reckon my CPU is not good enough for these GPUs i would absolutely LOVE to be educated on WHY it is not. If all hope is truly lost i will get a second-hand xbox but i'd really prefer not to go to consoles (vomit).

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Hi snagillim
A good quality GFX card will compliment a CPU and vice versa both however will equally benefit from the correct amount and type of Ram + 1 good quality GFX card as long as it equal to the tasks expected of it is no less inferior to having 2 lesser spec add on cards and I would only consider that route for running more than 2 screens, you must also consider the quality and output of your present PSU (power supply unit) is it capable of running either of the 2 cards that I have suggested below!
http://www.newegg.co...16814130625#top
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814127592
A guide to the quality of PSUs http://www.10stripe....d/psu/brand.php
What is the brand and model of your present PSU?
Guidance on what output PSU you will require when considering upgrading http://www2.corsair.com/psufinder/

[phillpower2]

Hi snagillim
A good quality GFX card will compliment a CPU and vice versa both however will equally benefit from the correct amount and type of Ram + 1 good quality GFX card as long as it equal to the tasks expected of it is no less inferior to having 2 lesser spec add on cards and I would only consider that route for running more than 2 screens, you must also consider the quality and output of your present PSU (power supply unit) is it capable of running either of the 2 cards that I have suggested below!
http://www.newegg.co...16814130625#top
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814127592
A guide to the quality of PSUs http://www.10stripe....d/psu/brand.php
What is the brand and model of your present PSU?
Guidance on what output PSU you will require when considering upgrading http://www2.corsair.com/psufinder/

[snagillim]

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817139006 this is my PSU. Sorry i didn't specify that. I was pretty sure it would support them so i didn't include that info.

edit(more system info if needed)

I am running 2x 2gb ddr2 1066mhz(PC28500) ram

LGA775 motherboard

Edited by snagillim, 08 October 2011 - 05:32 PM.

[phillpower2]

Thanks for the update, good quality and output PSU so no worries there, where the Ram is concerned there is little if no point in having more than 4GB unless you are running a 64-bit OS, in any event either one of the cards I suggested will do you, I know the 550Ti is faster but personally I would opt for the 256-bit 560
I hope this helps you decide and let us know how you get on or if we can assist in any way.

[snagillim]

Thanks a lot. 560 it is! I'll be ordering it at the beginning of november. I'll let you know how it turns out.

[phillpower2]

Thank you for the update, enjoy the new card and yes we would like to hear your feedback