Which is cheaper: replace dead 9800GT or buy whole new gaming rig?

LTimmyShooterB on 03/06/2013 - 21:24
Last edited 10/06/2013 - 22:15

Update: So MSY screwed me around with 7850 stock, so I ended up with a 7770 OC instead. So far it's running amazingly. I'm playing BioShock Infinite at above 60fps (1280x720, high settings). So I'm very happy. Total cost was $105! :)

I've been running on the same desktop since 2008. It has been very good to me. The specs are:

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4Ghz (not OC'd)
Gigabyte GA-G31M-S2L
4GB 800MHz DDR2 RAM (this is the max the MB supports)
nVidia GeForce 9800GT 512MB
450W ATX Power Supply
(rest of specs irrelevant)

So my 9800GT has died. I'm thinking I have two options, replace the graphics and have the new card bottlenecked by the CPU, or buy a whole new system. Basically a new card would be just under $100 (spending any more would be pointless due to the CPU bottleneck), whereas I could buy an entirely new system; namely this 'Basic Gaming System' from BudgetPC (http://www.budgetpc.com.au/budgetpc-basic-gaming-system.html) for $549. The difference is $449 but my system is becoming outdated very quickly. I'm thinking that I may be better off to buy that budget system for an extra $449 and know I'll be set for a while, rather than likely spending ~$100 on a new graphics card only to find my processor can't handle it any more in less than a year.

What do you think?

End note: Just to clarify, I'm not looking for "gaming" in terms of ultra-specs, 1080p res @ 60fps. As we all are, I am on a budget. Looking for the best bang for buck :)

Computing

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 03/06/2013 - 21:52
    +1

    Can you provide some specifics on your case and power supply?

    If your case and power supply is still in good nick, you probably won't have to spring for an entirely new system, but instead buy Core i3, a budget motherboard, 8G of RAM and a Radeon 7770 or similar.

    e.g
    Budget mobo and CPU $200 bux
    RAM $60 bux
    Radeon 7770 $100 or this 1 day only deal $145

    Total $360.

    • TimmyShooterB on 03/06/2013 - 22:13

      Thanks for your input.

      The case is a Cooler Master with side fan and the PSU is in working order but is a noname 450W and has been running for 4 years.

      Your solution seems the best.

      edit: Any suggestions for the motherboard? Like an ASRock or something?

  • tonyjzx on 03/06/2013 - 21:53
    +1

    $149 for a 7850 from msy

    • TimmyShooterB on 03/06/2013 - 22:14

      Wouldn't that be bottlenecked by the CPU

      • runtoparadise on 03/06/2013 - 22:41
        +1

        My gut tells me try this. Can always upgrade mobo/CPU if required afterwards but I think from the sounds of it this will do the trick.

        • scrimshaw on 03/06/2013 - 22:51

          NVM checked PSU requirements, the Radeon consumes less power than the 9800GTX. So PSU should be fine, for now.

  • leonheart1 on 03/06/2013 - 22:59

    If you don't already own one, how about purchasing an aftermarket cooler then OC'ing your Q6600 to 3+Ghz?

    Two possible outcomes:
    1) There is no bottleneck thanks to the overclock and you saved a bit of dough.
    2) You experience CPU bottlenecking, you can reuse the aftermarket cooler for your new CPU so nothing is wasted.

    As for the graphics card, the 7850 really is a bargain.

    • TimmyShooterB on 04/06/2013 - 16:18
      +1

      Cheers, bought the 7850. When I install it I will update the thread with how it turned out

  • Evil-Elmo on 04/06/2013 - 09:11

    I have a very similar system (same processor, 4gb ram, etc.) and faced a similar problem when my 8800GT died. I decided to replace it with a 560GTX (~$150 at the time) to see how it went. The performance increase was noticeable and I have been able to play all games I've wanted to; including Crysis - which would have been the most taxing I've tried. I always try to play in native 1920x1200 res but depending on the game (e.g. Crysis) cannot always have the options on full (usually close though). In any event, for the small outlay I was very happy with the improvement.

    I will probably do an overhaul and upgrade the CPU etc. at some stage in the future (maybe 6-18mths), but the longer I can put this off the better :)

    My suggestion would be to buy the graphics card and see if you're happy with it in your current system. If so, stick with the system for a while. If not, proceed to upgrade the rest.

  • aim54x on 04/06/2013 - 14:17

    I will also vote for an incremental upgrade, get a 7850 (as above) or better and then look at a CPU/mobo upgrade later on, no point buying Ivy Bridge with Haswell in the room. 87-series chipsets are hitting the market as well.

  • _Bruce_ on 04/06/2013 - 17:06

    Basically a new card would be just under $100 (spending any more would be pointless due to the CPU bottleneck)

    Why did you come to this conclusion? Don't write off your CPU is is actually quite good. If you want more information read this:

    http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ivy-bridge-wolfdale-york…

  • TimmyShooterB on 10/06/2013 - 22:15

    Updated with result

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