Considering upgrading my Graphics card,

[jay0514]

Hello guys, hope you're having a wonderful day/night.

I'm considering upgrading my Desktop,
I had a look around and the ATI HD 7870 looked really nice so at the moment that card is my choice,
I was just wondering if it will be compatible with my existing system.
So the details are;

Motherboard: EP43-UD3L
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q9550 2.83GHz
with 4GB of ram
just wanted to make sure it was compatible..

P.S
When I bought this desktop, I didn't have much knowledge of computers (not that I do have a lot now anyway...) but the PSU I have, which is Great Wall 700sel , apparently doesn't have a good name in the gaming PC world. What is your verdict, would it be ok to have it with the new HD 7870 if I purchase it?

thanks guys.

 

[dudewitbow]

might want to pick up a HSF and overclock the CPU, just in case. as the core 2 sereis will be similarish to like a phenom series, and will probably want an overclock to keep up with a major gpu change. And i cant say much about the psu, as very little information about its specifications isnt here atm.

 

[kevin83]

The 7870 is a great card. You'll do fine pairing it with the core 2 quad but you'll want to upgrade when haswell comes out next year.

 

[jay0514]

might want to pick up a HSF and overclock the CPU, just in case. as the core 2 sereis will be similarish to like a phenom series, and will probably want an overclock to keep up with a major gpu change. And i cant say much about the psu, as very little information about its specifications isnt here atm.

Yeh I'm also going to buy a
CoolerMaster TPC 812 or Noctua NH-C14

The 7870 is a great card. You'll do fine pairing it with the core 2 quad but you'll want to upgrade when haswell comes out next year.

so both of you think the cpu needs an upgrade soon?

 

[dudewitbow]

its not required(I think) but after some time, it would be nice. This day and age, cpu architectures can go a long way with adding that extra fps in some games. It shouldnt be at utmost importance, but always keep it in mind in the back of the head.

 

[jay0514]

its not required(I think) but after some time, it would be nice. This day and age, cpu architectures can go a long way with adding that extra fps in some games. It shouldnt be at utmost importance, but always keep it in mind in the back of the head.

I see, I'll keep that in mind. I just thought it would be too much of a hassle as this would be my first time upgrading a PC, and replacing a cpu would mean a new motherboard in my case, and I just don't have that much knowledge to be confident :S
thanks for the answers

 

[maxera]

Go upgrade your RAM dude with 8GB RAM at least. You will feel happy. Just a suggestion though because RAM is too cheap right now.