Seeing as I have a fairly robust build, which consists of a E8400, a HD4850 and 4GB of DDR2-800 on a EP45-UD3P, I'm wondering if there's any need to upgrade either my graphics or my CPU. For reference I use a 1280x1024 monitor, well 2 of them. The thing is, there really isn't much to upgrade to without dumping +$300 on either a CPU+mobo+RAM or a GPU. I could opt for the HD5770, but it isn't that quantum jump I would get. Although I could buy myself a copy of Win7, which isn't a bad idea honestly as I'm using 32-bit XP.
If you don't need the upgrade, don't do it. I mean, do you have problems running any of the programs you need? If not, why upgrade? Unless you're a technology enthusiast of course, by I think that this enthusiasm is more of a result of marketing techniques than genuine interest in most cases.
That's my dilemma, I currently would love to have a bit more GPU power for a few texture heavy games, but I'm really wondering if any costs even merit the upgrade. Especially since I run games at a relatively low resolution.
Nah, wait for the next generation to come along next year. On paper it looks good to me; unless its gettting sluggish i can't see any reason to upgrade. Windows 7 may see you through for a while yet though.
On your resolution, i really wouldn't. I'd probably get myself a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium though. That should keep things fresh for a while.
I would save up for your next build unless. The only purchase worth making is something that you could carry over. Although its tempting to upgrade just stick with what you've got. Would it be worth installing windows 7 if a year later you change your core hardware? Might as well do it all at once
Not sure xfire scales very well at his res. Its the same I have until my 17" crt dies; and it does not look like doing that anytime soon even after 10 years.
Very little has come out since Crysis to challenge the GPU. Call of Pripyat has a good go though. If you can run Crysis I don't see much point upgrading. A new OS is a good idea though - 64bit of course.
Well I guess I'll just stick with what I have, mind you it runs everything quite smoothly except I really do want that better AA/AF quality of the HD5xxx series. And some more AA goodness.
Bad Company 2 can be quite taxing, I run it at medium at 1680x1050 with a 260 GTX to keep the FPS smooth. Still looks awesome
Your wallet's going to hate me for saying this, but I just got my 5870 yesterday and it is fantastic. I'm an AA whore myself and am just tickled pink by being able to slap 2x AA at least on every game I own (such as Crysis or BC2 on max settings) or often more. Have yet to mess around with the profiles for other AA types, looking at the demo in the "CCC" they look great, gotta see the fps drop. That all said, Win7 is another huge change. It's very fresh and revitalizing for your general computing experience. For the price:happiness ratio it's probably your best bet.
Hmm, then Win7 it is! Although I'd still have to wait a bit. Short on cash,. just planning right now.
Upgrade is not worth it at all mate. Your better off using your money elsewhere. Windows 7 is good, you'll like it, let us know how it goes.
