Best GPU for my older i7 950

[vikashkb]

my current config is

XFX Radeon HD 6870 1 GB DDR5 Graphics Card X 2 (crossfire)

Intel Core i7 950 3.06GHz 8M L3 Cache LGA1366 Desktop Processor

ASUS LGA 1366 - Intel X58 - True USB 3.0 & SATA 6Gb/s - ATX Motherboard P6X58D-E (PCIe2.0 x1 slot and PCI x 2 slot)

Corsair 12 GB PC3-12800 1600MHz 240-Pin DDR3 Core i7 Triple Channel Memory Kit

Now i want to upgrade my graphic cards with gtx 980 or 970 in SLI, i am confused whether my old processor and motherboard will hamper the graphics quality of games. i like to play all games in high settings. games like skyrim, battlefield, COD, Farcry series.

 

[Rookie_MIB]

The motherboard should be good to go, it supports triple-SLI which means all three full size PCI-E slots support at least x8/x8/x8 - so your twin 980s/970s should be just fine. As for being limited by the i7-950, it is a full blown quad core with hyperthreading, triple channel memory controller, so it should be more than sufficient for most games.

The only question is the power supply, while the 980s/970s are pretty efficient, you may need a better supply that will better support a twin GPU configuration. You didn't list what you have, so that's just something to check.

 

[Kaliz]

Get a single GPU, the GTX 970 will play all those games on high settings!
Your CPU is still fine and can handle it

 

[manez]

That said you should really OC the cpu, it shouldn't be too difficult to reach 4 ghz.

 

[vikashkb]

The motherboard should be good to go, it supports triple-SLI which means all three full size PCI-E slots support at least x8/x8/x8 - so your twin 980s/970s should be just fine. As for being limited by the i7-950, it is a full blown quad core with hyperthreading, triple channel memory controller, so it should be more than sufficient for most games.

The only question is the power supply, while the 980s/970s are pretty efficient, you may need a better supply that will better support a twin GPU configuration. You didn't list what you have, so that's just something to check.

Thanks for the answer, in PSU i have corsair 850 gold edition.

 

[vikashkb]

Get a single GPU, the GTX 970 will play all those games on high settings!
Your CPU is still fine and can handle it

are you sure, coz right now i am using 6870 in crossfire mode, and i have to disable or lower some settings to get the smooth and lagfree response. so are you sure a single GPU would allow me to play games in higest texture in 1080p resolution. thanks

 

[vikashkb]

That said you should really OC the cpu, it shouldn't be too difficult to reach 4 ghz.

yeah i will surely do that, after i find some coolers

 

[manez]

Get a single GPU, the GTX 970 will play all those games on high settings!
Your CPU is still fine and can handle it

are you sure, coz right now i am using 6870 in crossfire mode, and i have to disable or lower some settings to get the smooth and lagfree response. so are you sure a single GPU would allow me to play games in higest texture in 1080p resolution. thanks

The biggest reason for that is your vram, or the lack of it.
Most of the modern AAA titles use anywhere between 1 and 2 gb of vram, and some even more.
Your cards would be fast enough otherwise, which is somewhat unfortunate.

Since the 970 and 980 both have 4gb of vram, which is even enough for 4k gaming, and they are quite fast, yes either one of them can max all the new titles...Except some very poorly optimized games.