CPU/GPU match up

[Boogerwood]

Do you think it would be a waste of time to upgrade my GPU from the GTX 560 to the GTX 970 given my current CPU is the Intel Core 2 Quad Q2800 @2.33Ghz?

I know I need to upgrade my entire system, but was hoping I could buy some time (and save some $$) by simply upgrading my GPU since I can always put that card into a future system.

And yes, my current power supply is fine. Why the 970? Because it IS the card I hope to place in a new system.

Thanks!

 

[adamv1]

Core 2 quad? I would upgrade that to an i series before going with a new GPU. Your processor is going to be the weak link, it is currently the weak link in your system with the GTX 560.

 

[bystander]

I should be able to upgrade your motherboard and CPU for nearly the same cost of a 970. I'd agree that you should go down that route first.

 

[barto]

I agree with the two previous posts. The Q8200 is holding you back. You would see a huge difference upgrading to an i5 even with the 560GTX. If you buy the 970 GTX, you'll be wasting money. The Q8200 cannot fully support that card or really anything more powerful than the 560 GTX.

 

[adamv1]

329.99 for a gtx970. SO for that you can get a 4670k (234.99) and a Gigabyte GAh97M 89.99 and you save 5 bucks.

 

[barto]

329.99 for a gtx970. SO for that you can get a 4670k (234.99) and a Gigabyte GAh97M 89.99 and you save 5 bucks.

No. You have an Unlocked CPU with a Locked motherboard. What would be the purpose of that? The Z chipsets are the motherboard designed for overclocking. H and B chipsets lock the multiplier. The OP would be better going with the i5-4460 and a H chipset to save money. But right now you're throwing darts at a wall blindfolded because we don't have a budget.

Boorderwood, what is your budget?

 

[adamv1]

Just trying to save him some money, unlocked mobos cost more but they are cheaper than the cpu. So if he's going to get something that works for the same price that was the best I could come up with.

That and I don't overclock, causes to many problems and doesn't create that big of an advantage.

 

[barto]

Just trying to save him some money, unlocked mobos cost more but they are cheaper than the cpu. So if he's going to get something that works for the same price that was the best I could come up with.

That and I don't overclock, causes to many problems and doesn't create that big of an advantage.

It really doesn't cause problems. I will agree there's little need to overclock now. It does very little in game performance. More of a hobby.

 

[adamv1]

Well maybe it doesn't cause problems immediately, but in the long run your system will become more unstable unless you have some monster cooling and obsessively replace your thermal paste. I would never recommend overclocking to the average user since they don't typically get how heat can cause problems. I also use my system for extended periods of time and an overclocked system will generally begin to overheat after a certain period of time, unless like i said you are watching your cooling systems on a regular basis.

 

[spentshells]

Na most h97 boards have bios updates available to overclock.

 

[barto]

Na most h97 boards have bios updates available to overclock.

Intel hasn't changed it? Surprised by that. I knew it was available from the start like H81 chipsets but I expected an update to change that.

 

[bystander]

Just trying to save him some money, unlocked mobos cost more but they are cheaper than the cpu. So if he's going to get something that works for the same price that was the best I could come up with.

That and I don't overclock, causes to many problems and doesn't create that big of an advantage.

If you are buying a locked motherboard, you might as well save money and get the locked CPU (non K version), otherwise, get a motherboard that OC's.

 

[Boogerwood]

329.99 for a gtx970. SO for that you can get a 4670k (234.99) and a Gigabyte GAh97M 89.99 and you save 5 bucks.

No. You have an Unlocked CPU with a Locked motherboard. What would be the purpose of that? The Z chipsets are the motherboard designed for overclocking. H and B chipsets lock the multiplier. The OP would be better going with the i5-4460 and a H chipset to save money. But right now you're throwing darts at a wall blindfolded because we don't have a budget.

Boorderwood, what is your budget?

Thanks for all the feedback. Budget isn't really the issue. It was more of an "ease" issue. I kinda knew the answer going in and was perhaps fishing for "actually just upgrading to the 970 is a capital idea!" I guess the net is just build the new system. And honestly, I would like to have a completely separate gaming system anyway.

Thanks again!