Should I upgrade my cpu or my gpu?

[Jason Newton]

I want a bit of an upgrade for my computer. I currently have a Nvidia Geforce Gt 610 gpu and a Intel Core 2 Duo E6750. I like to game (League of Legends, Dungeon Defenders, etc.) and I was wondering which would impact my performance more. I will post more detailed specs below.

Gpu:
Nvidia Geforce Gt 610
memory-2 Gb
core clock-820 Mhz
Shader-1640 Mhz
memory clock-500 Mhz

Cpu:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6750
Socket Lga 755
Processor speed-2.66GHz
Cores-2
Threads-2
Cache:
L1 Data- 2x32 Kbs, 8-way
L1 Inst.- 2x32 Kbs, 8-way
Level 2-4096 Kbs, 16-way

Rest of cpu:
Cx500 watt power supply
4gbs DDR2 ram
not positive on the motherboard, but I do know it has a (Intel) lga 755 motherboard slot.


If you need anymore information just ask. Thanks in advance.

 

[GameOver007]

I don't think so you need an upgrade for those games but still if you want to upgrade i will suggest CPU upgrade go with an i3 or i5. But if you upgrade to latest CPU's you might need to change the entire rig except for the PSU

 

[geofelt]

A perennial question, here is my stock answer:

To help clarify your CPU/GPU options, run these two tests:

a) Run your games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 70%.
Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.
Conversely what a 30% improvement in core speed might do.

You could also experiment with removing one core in the bios. You can also do this in the windows start configuration.
This will tell you how sensitive your games are to the benefits of many cores.

If your FPS drops significantly, it is an indicator that your cpu is the limiting factor, and a cpu upgrade is in order.

It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system, and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS.

 

[Casey Stadick]

I have to agree with Link and Game. Your cpu will bottle neck anything above a 750 ti.
Edit: HERE is a intel core 2 duo 8400 debate about bottle necking, and HERE is a Intel core duo E8400 vs E6750. I would scrap the system myself though...

 

[toms0033]

You need an entire new rig. Well you can save the PSU.

1+ for Link, you should be looking for an entire system upgrade.

Link - if Jason can only afford a MoBo / CPU combo, or a graphics card at the moment which do you think would be the better choice to go with?
I'd be leaning towards CPU MoBo & RAM for the time being. At least then he'd be ready for a new graphics card when the Budget allows.

 

[YourLocal]

Looks like it's time to build a new desktop PC.

 

[Casey Stadick]

A new desktop pc is in order, but is it worth it going after a dead socket? Lga 775 hasn't been touched by intel in a while...

 

[geofelt]

If one is to upgrade an entire pc, I suggest a graphics card upgrade first.
The current 500w psu will support a very strong card even up to a GTX980.
AA graphics upgrade will eliminate any graphics limitations and allow higher resolutions and more eye candy.
The nice thing is that it can be easily carried forward to an eventual new build.

The E6750 was one of the better chips at the time, and I suspect that it will do reasonably well with a stronger graphics card.

The E6750 has a passmark rating of 1731. Even the $70 intel G3258 duo has a passmark rating of 4041 at stock. But... you buy that chip to overclock and you can expect north of 5000 when overclocked.