Whats better good CPU or GPU ?

  • 106 results
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

This topic is locked from further discussion.

Avatar image for Kriminalac
Kriminalac

155

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#1 Kriminalac
Member since 2010 • 155 Posts

I have money only for one component,and i was thinking is it better to bye Core i7 on 2,66 GHz or Nvidia GTX 480.If I bye Core i7 i will have to bye new motherboard. My current configuration is Core 2 Duo on 2.93 GHz,4 GB RAM Kingston,Nvidia 9500 GT and P43-ES3G Gigabyte motherboard.So what do you think do i need upgrade?

Avatar image for GTR12
GTR12

13490

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#2 GTR12
Member since 2006 • 13490 Posts

GPU, anyone who says otherwise doesn't know what they are talking about.

Avatar image for Kriminalac
Kriminalac

155

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#3 Kriminalac
Member since 2010 • 155 Posts

Thank you so much my budget is not weary big and I will like to spend that money wise.And what do you think do I need to upgrade my PC for next year ?

Avatar image for Kane04
Kane04

2115

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#4 Kane04
Member since 2006 • 2115 Posts

So what do you think do i need upgrade?

Kriminalac
This may not sound very helpful, but, nothing? When PC folks talk about PS3/360 its like consoles are the worst hardware in the world, so if the PS3 supposedly is a n7950 (idc idk dont even start) then your 9500gt should run Crysis 2 as good or better as the PS3 (and i know on the PS3 they can make better use of the hardware cuz its a console and its normalized, blah blah dont even start) Honestly if you wanna play games GPU>CPU imo But i think a gtx480 would be waisted on a core2due, the same way an i7 would be waisted on a 9500gt, IMO you should buy a new cpu&gpu but not high end ones like you are considering, use the money you have available and make a balanced cpu/gpu combo.
Avatar image for Kriminalac
Kriminalac

155

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#5 Kriminalac
Member since 2010 • 155 Posts
Good thinking man that way i don need to bye new motherboard.Thank you I am glad that I did not rush in to buying like I always due.
Avatar image for Kane04
Kane04

2115

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#6 Kane04
Member since 2006 • 2115 Posts
Best advice i can give: Go to a store or two and ask for an employee help, tell him how much money you have and what kinda PC you have home and let him help you pick the best for you. Use parts you already have, or sell your old PC to add a little money to your funds. Really ask for an employee help on a big hardware store, they normally really know their stuff.
Avatar image for Kriminalac
Kriminalac

155

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#7 Kriminalac
Member since 2010 • 155 Posts
Appreciate your help !
Avatar image for Crimsader
Crimsader

11672

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#8 Crimsader
Member since 2008 • 11672 Posts
For gaming, it's always the GPU.
Avatar image for jtcraft
jtcraft

2770

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#9 jtcraft
Member since 2005 • 2770 Posts
What resolution do you game at? You don't necessarily have to get a 480 which might require a new PSU if yours isn't big enough. For gaming the GPU trumps the CPU usually, There are a few games that are very cpu intensive but for the most part you still only need a decent cpu for good performance. You will get better advice on hardware forums than you will from people who's job is all about selling you things.
Avatar image for Kriminalac
Kriminalac

155

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#10 Kriminalac
Member since 2010 • 155 Posts

In my country salesman want to get your money as quick as they can saw you are probably right.I am playing on 1280x1204.I did some research and I am thinking to bye ATI Radeon HD 5670 and Core 2 Quad Q9650.Any adwice ?

Avatar image for GTR12
GTR12

13490

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#11 GTR12
Member since 2006 • 13490 Posts

In my country salesman want to get your money as quick as they can saw you are probably right.I am playing on 1280x1204.I did some research and I am thinking to bye ATI Radeon HD 5670 and Core 2 Quad Q9650.Any adwice ?

Kriminalac

Get a cheaper quad, and improve that 5670 to atleast a 5770 or even better a GTX460.

Avatar image for Kriminalac
Kriminalac

155

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#12 Kriminalac
Member since 2010 • 155 Posts

My budget is low for both things :(

Avatar image for GTR12
GTR12

13490

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#13 GTR12
Member since 2006 • 13490 Posts

My budget is low for both things :(

Kriminalac

Thats why I said cheaper CPU, and a slightly better GPU from the 5670.

Avatar image for Kriminalac
Kriminalac

155

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#14 Kriminalac
Member since 2010 • 155 Posts

Ok but any suggestions on GPU except GTX 480 ?

Avatar image for jtcraft
jtcraft

2770

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#15 jtcraft
Member since 2005 • 2770 Posts
Try to squeeze in a 5750 for better performance. From the reviews I looked at it had a good bit better performance than the 5670. A 5770 would be even better. At your resolution more powerful gpu's like a GTX 480 would be overkill. I really don't know what Core 2 Quad would be a good choice or not. Hopefully, someone else can help you there.
Avatar image for Kriminalac
Kriminalac

155

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#16 Kriminalac
Member since 2010 • 155 Posts

I will check on that GPU.My mother board only supports Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad.I have Duo and I will now go on Quad.

Avatar image for NamelessPlayer
NamelessPlayer

7729

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#17 NamelessPlayer
Member since 2004 • 7729 Posts
Modern games generally depend more on the GPU than anything else, with few exceptions (like Cortex Command, which wants as fast a CPU as it can get). Of course, that's no reason to skimp on the CPU, but you still have a good one to begin with. If you overclock your Core 2 Duo somewhat, you should be set for two more years. It's definitely the 9500 GT holding you back, but a GTX 480 may be overkill. Maybe the GTX 460 would be a good fit.
Avatar image for aasim_nasa
aasim_nasa

105

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#18 aasim_nasa
Member since 2009 • 105 Posts

if i am in ur place i will buy a cpu cooler like coolermaster hyper212+ and overclock my cpu(this cpu cooler can also be used in future with inteli series of processors) and buy nvidia gtx460. at that resolution it is the best, even it can max crysis on 1080p without AA. and i will save money for future cpu upgrade.

Avatar image for polarwrath11
polarwrath11

1676

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#19 polarwrath11
Member since 2006 • 1676 Posts
Overclock the Core 2 Duo, and get rid of that 9500GT!! Total POS for gaming buddy!
Avatar image for osan0
osan0

18235

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#20 osan0
Member since 2004 • 18235 Posts
the GTX 480 is a monster in price (and not too shabby in performance) but if your playing at 1280X1024 then its a bit of a waste unless you intend to hang onto it for a long long time. if your looking for a GPU then the best bang per buck is the 1GB version of the GTX 460. make sure its the 1GB version your looking at...the 768MB version is a bit more compromised. much cheaper and stellar performance...ideal at 1280X1024. as for the rest...i dont know your budget but have you considered an AMD chip? from personal experience the phenom2 X4 955 is a very nice chip. mobos for AMD hardware tend to be cheaper also. for games the CPU doesnt play a massive role in performance so you dont need the best CPU on the market. if you want to stick with intel then the i5 760 is a very nice CPu....ideal for games. thats intels sweet spot at the mo in terms of bang per buck. you will need a new mobo and ram for that though. if thats not an option and you need to stick with LGA775 then the Q9650 will certainly do a very nice job. just make sure your mobo supports it before taking the plunge.
Avatar image for Kriminalac
Kriminalac

155

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#21 Kriminalac
Member since 2010 • 155 Posts

I had some bad experience with AMD.So Intel is for sure.And I also had some terribleexperience with overclocking.My cooler was weak and motherboard went BUM with processor.

Avatar image for Azurites
Azurites

565

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#22 Azurites
Member since 2010 • 565 Posts

I had some bad experience with AMD.So Intel is for sure.And I also had some terribleexperience with overclocking.My cooler was weak and motherboard went BUM with processor.

Kriminalac

You give AMD another chance, they make great stuff at great prices. Also you should never attempt to overclock with bad cooling.

Avatar image for Kriminalac
Kriminalac

155

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#23 Kriminalac
Member since 2010 • 155 Posts

Do you have specified AMD to recommend?And overclocking is out of my mind forever.

Avatar image for kraken2109
kraken2109

13271

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#24 kraken2109
Member since 2009 • 13271 Posts

Do you have specified AMD to recommend?And overclocking is out of my mind forever.

Kriminalac
The Phenom IIX4 955 BE is a brilliant CPU and great value for money. But changing from intel to AMD would mean you would need a new motherboard so it may not be a great idea.
Avatar image for Kriminalac
Kriminalac

155

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#25 Kriminalac
Member since 2010 • 155 Posts

You are right my mobo only supports Intel so i will stick to Intel.

Avatar image for GhoX
GhoX

6267

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 26

User Lists: 0

#26 GhoX
Member since 2006 • 6267 Posts
Stick with your Duo Core, it's good enough. Spend your entire budget on a GPU, or fill up 4GB Ram if you don't have that much already. There will be very little performance gain going from Duo to Quad in most games compared to upgrading to a more expensive GPU. There are exceptions, such as GTA 4 and BC 2. However, even in those CPU dependent games, a better GPU still offers better bang/buck compared to a CPU upgrade. I would only suggest upgrading the CPU if it's something crappy like an older AMD duo core or a single core, assuming the budget is limited.
Avatar image for Lach0121
Lach0121

11815

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 17

User Lists: 0

#27 Lach0121
Member since 2007 • 11815 Posts

Both matter, though for most general gaming now a days, the gpu is more of the determining factor.

Some games like Flight sims, and RTS games, and MMOs usually require a decent amount of cpu juice. (as well as a good gpu)

But for most other games, GPU is more of an upgrade.

A decent Quad core should last you another 2 or 3 years.

a mid range gpu now, would easily start to show its age before then.

Avatar image for Kriminalac
Kriminalac

155

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#28 Kriminalac
Member since 2010 • 155 Posts

I play RPG-s and Action Adventure games and some FPS and TPS if its cool.What is good for that kind of games?

Games like Mafia II,Assassins Creed Brotherhood,Diablo 3,Star Wars TFU 2 and Max Payne 3.

Avatar image for jack00
jack00

4265

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#29 jack00
Member since 2006 • 4265 Posts
Nowadays the GPU is more important then the CPU, but what's more important is a good balance in your comp.
Avatar image for jernas
jernas

1514

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 16

User Lists: 0

#30 jernas
Member since 2005 • 1514 Posts

I play RPG-s and Action Adventure games and some FPS and TPS if its cool.What is good for that kind of games?

Games like Mafia II,Assassins Creed Brotherhood,Diablo 3,Star Wars TFU 2 and Max Payne 3.

Kriminalac

Hey, your current CPU is more than enough for those games so you should really just be looking for a new graphics card. HD 5670 or 5750 should be sufficient.

Avatar image for jtcraft
jtcraft

2770

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#31 jtcraft
Member since 2005 • 2770 Posts
If you are just going to be upgrading your GPU then I would go for a GTX 460. That would be the best video card for your resolution and should last you a while. If that is too expensive for you then go for an ATI HD 5770. It doesn't have quite the performance that the 460 has but it will still do well at your res. That would give you a significant performance boost now. You could always start saving up to upgrade cpu, mobo, ram, etc. down the line. Even though a better cpu would help I think you will get the most performance gain from a gpu upgrade. Even though the Core 2's have been out for a while and there are newer cpu's out they still have good performance for gaming.
Avatar image for magnax1
magnax1

4605

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 0

#32 magnax1
Member since 2007 • 4605 Posts

CPU

You can upgrade your GPU in two years, but in two years if you buy a lower end CPU your PC will be worthless, and you'll need a new motherboard too.

EDIT:

Neither a 9500 or a core 2 duo are that bad, but I guess if you want to upgrade one go with the 9500

Avatar image for Kriminalac
Kriminalac

155

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#33 Kriminalac
Member since 2010 • 155 Posts

All of you guys are right and i still cant decide.Saw I think i will buy new PC in 2-years.Then i will have enough money for great components and my new CPU and GPU will be balanced.My PC will be minimum in 2012 (i hope saw).Again thanks all of you:D.

Avatar image for imprezawrx500
imprezawrx500

19187

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#34 imprezawrx500
Member since 2004 • 19187 Posts
for gaming the gpu by a long shot. your cpu is fine for most games but that gpu is really holding you back. cpu wont make any difference with that gpu.
Avatar image for D1zzyCriminal
D1zzyCriminal

1839

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#35 D1zzyCriminal
Member since 2009 • 1839 Posts

If you can wait 6 months there should be loads of new GPU's and CPU's out from AMD. Meaning... PRICE CUTS! That would be my personal approach. But If you cant wait get a Quad 620 with a 5770 and 3Gb DDR2. If you want to stick with your current motherboard you can get a C2Quad, but the GPU is allways the staple for gaming.

Avatar image for RobboElRobbo
RobboElRobbo

13668

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#36 RobboElRobbo
Member since 2009 • 13668 Posts

I like to keep them both at the same level. Bothers me if one dominates the other (especially if the cpu dominates the gpu).

Avatar image for Kriminalac
Kriminalac

155

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#37 Kriminalac
Member since 2010 • 155 Posts

I will wait for two years and then i will by new PC.I will save RAM and Hard Disc and buy best CPU and GPU in 2012.I will also bye new mobo and 4GB of RAM.

Avatar image for Too_tight_shoes
Too_tight_shoes

2486

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#38 Too_tight_shoes
Member since 2009 • 2486 Posts
A Q6600 along with a HD5870 will run games better than a i7 920 along with a HD4870... simple really also the difference in performance with a Q6600 with a HD5870 and a i7 920 with a HD5870 isn't much to shout about. As long as you have something better than a E8400/PII 550 or similar to in performance you will be more than fine... put your money on a GPU if your gaming, heres an example: Get a Athlon II x4 setup and a HD5870 over a Phenom II 955 setup with a HD5850... because it performs better.
Avatar image for GTR12
GTR12

13490

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#39 GTR12
Member since 2006 • 13490 Posts

A Q6600 along with a HD5870 will run games better than a i7 920 along with a HD4870... simple really also the difference in performance with a Q6600 with a HD5870 and a i7 920 with a HD5870 isn't much to shout about. As long as you have something better than a E8400/PII 550 or similar to in performance you will be more than fine... put your money on a GPU if your gaming, heres an example: Get a Athlon II x4 setup and a HD5870 over a Phenom II 955 setup with a HD5850... because it performs better. Too_tight_shoes

At stock speeds, the quad will hold back the 5870, but a simple OC to even 2.6 or so, is fine.

Avatar image for Kriminalac
Kriminalac

155

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#40 Kriminalac
Member since 2010 • 155 Posts

What do you think about Gigabyte Nvidia 460 an 465 GTX.

460 has faster clock and its cheaper but it has 768 MB DDR5 VRAM.

465 has a little slower clock but it has 1024 MB of DDR5 VRAM.

Bout cards are good and with them i will clear my head from buying new card for few years only problem is i cant decide witch is beater.

Cheaper with faster clock or little more expensive with more VRAM.

Avatar image for kinectionz
kinectionz

39

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#41 kinectionz
Member since 2010 • 39 Posts
GPU is definitely more important for gaming, however if you don't have a decently good CPU, the it will bottleneck the GPU and you won't be able to get as much performance out of it as you'd like.
Avatar image for kaitanuvax
kaitanuvax

3814

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#42 kaitanuvax
Member since 2007 • 3814 Posts

If its something like:

Duo core + 5850 vs Quad core + 4850

Always opt for the quad core. You get better OVERALL computer performance. GPU is only for games, and even that it is bottlenecked by the CPU.

Besides, contrary to what many people may believe, you do NOT need that strong of a video card to play anything not named Crysis.

Edit: For your config, I'd just get a GTX 460 768MB. They're great value.

Avatar image for Mr_BillGates
Mr_BillGates

3211

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

#43 Mr_BillGates
Member since 2005 • 3211 Posts

You'll be fine with a Core 2 Duo right now. Just upgrade your crappy GPU.

Avatar image for Bikouchu35
Bikouchu35

8344

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#44 Bikouchu35
Member since 2009 • 8344 Posts

Buy the gtx 470, sure its hot and its loud, but the Fermis are meant to take a beating, with some nutsy OCing you can match 5870 performance. 480 is overpriced for performance, I would tell you to sli two 460, but you may not have two slots for it.

Avatar image for Cheesehead9099
Cheesehead9099

2849

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 0

#45 Cheesehead9099
Member since 2008 • 2849 Posts

Ok but any suggestions on GPU except GTX 480 ?

Kriminalac
ok. get a lower-end core 2 quad and get a GTX 460 or a ATI 5770.
Avatar image for Cheesehead9099
Cheesehead9099

2849

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 0

#46 Cheesehead9099
Member since 2008 • 2849 Posts

What do you think about Gigabyte Nvidia 460 an 465 GTX.

460 has faster clock and its cheaper but it has 768 MB DDR5 VRAM.

465 has a little slower clock but it has 1024 MB of DDR5 VRAM.

Bout cards are good and with them i will clear my head from buying new card for few years only problem is i cant decide witch is beater.

Cheaper with faster clock or little more expensive with more VRAM.

Kriminalac
Get a GTX 460.
Avatar image for Kriminalac
Kriminalac

155

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#48 Kriminalac
Member since 2010 • 155 Posts

Will Gigabyte GTX 460 work on my mobo? I looked on bunch of sites but they only sell...

My mobo is Gigabyte P43-ES3G or GA-P43-ES3G.

I have PCI-E 2.0 and it is x16.

I wonder because i am close to buying.

Please help!!!

Avatar image for GTR12
GTR12

13490

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#49 GTR12
Member since 2006 • 13490 Posts

Will Gigabyte GTX 460 work on my mobo? I looked on bunch of sites but they only sell...

My mobo is Gigabyte P43-ES3G or GA-P43-ES3G.

I have PCI-E 2.0 and it is x16.

I wonder because i am close to buying.

Please help!!!

Kriminalac

Yes it'll work, but make sure your PSU is good enough.

Avatar image for ceglar009
ceglar009

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#50 ceglar009
Member since 2009 • 25 Posts

Ithink you should get a gtx 460 and a core 2 quad q8400 around 200 bucks for each