Should I upgrade my CPU or my GPU

[Bluedude588]

I have a AMD FX-6300 Vishera 3.5GHz processor and a AMD Radeon HD 7800 series which has 2 gb of dedicated ram. Which one should I upgrade?

 

[Bluedude588]

Gaming

 

[Y0GI]

What do you use your computer for?

Gaming?

3D rendering?

Other?

Yogi

 

[Wisecracker]

Mo' graphics powah
(though an HD7870 is a great mid-range card)

 

[Bluedude588]

Bump

 

[Wisecracker]

I suspect bumping threads is highly frowned upon at this institution ...

(See what I did, there ? )

 

[tsnor]

re: " (See what I did, there ? ) " +1 lol

RE: CPU or GPU.

(1) GPUs are simple to underclock. UNDERclock the 7850. Did the games you play get worse? You need more GPU (video card) to do better.
(2) CPUs can also be underclocked. Go into power management from control panel and set the processor speed down. (easier than frequency change in bios). Did the games you play get worse? You need more CPU (CPU/MB upgrade) to do better.

I'd guess you are close to balanced (not a bad thing) and that you will see slowing either your CPU or your 7850 (7870?) has an impact on frame rates... but it depends a lot on the game.

Final thought. If there is ONE game you play 90% of the time, find out if the web thinks that game is CPU or GPU limited and factor that in to your decision.

2ND final thought, HD 7800 series cards are still worth a lot used on ebay. Or they make great gifts.