What next for my system?

[variable6k1]

Phenom II 720. O/c to 3.4 (16 X 215)

GA-MA78GM-S2H

G-Skill 6400

PNY 8800gt 512 O/C 700/1000

Antec EarthWatts PSU 430W


3dmark06 demo = 13350

My original build had a AMD 5000+. I just upgraded the processor to the Phenom above. I also

purchased a new monitor. 23" at 1920 X 1080, replacing a 19" 1280 X 1024 monitor. Now I can tell

the phenom is quicker that the 5000+ during comment tasks. However, playing cod4 on my old

monitor and old CPU i was maxed out with smooth framerates. Now wit my new parts, same settings

COD4 seems sluggish, especially during smoke and effects. Fallout 3 didn't run as good as I hoped. It

cant be the cpu, it only helped. It must be the 8800gt. To my understanding more memory on the gpu

helps for higher framerates. I know my mobo is praised or was for being a great HTPC with the 780g

chipset. Maybe its not good for gaming. So I was thinking about getting a 4850 but its power

requirements are 450w, and i only have 430w. lol. Ok so I went and looked at the 4870 but it

requires 2 75w 6-pin connectors. So either way i need to buy a new psu. Now my question is should i

get a new mobo or go with the new gpu and psu? Or am I missing something. Any thoughts or advice

will help.

 

[hunter315]

Going from 1280x1024 to 1920x1280 is a big jump in resolution, you need a better graphics card. How much are you willing to spend on the upgrade? A motherboard upgrade will only get you so far as the IGP on the motherboard isnt used if you have a discrete card installed like you do. The difference between a HTPC and gaming is that a HTPC doesnt have to render each frame that it sends to the screen unlike in gaming.

 

[variable6k1]

Around $150 +/- $20. I was looking at 4850 and 4870 but wasn't sure because of the psu.

 

[hunter315]

Corsair pricing on newegg got screwed up a while ago so this PSU is currently a great deal
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005
Same price as their 550VX and you wont need to upgrade it even if you decide to do crossfire in the future.

As for the GPU, a 4850 might be a bit weak but it is your strongest option
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102770

As the 4850 isnt a ton more powerful than your 8800GT you may want to get that PSU while its on sale and save up for a bit and get a 4870 which will be a bit more suited for your resolution.

 

[variable6k1]

So am I wrong in thinking that more VRAM is for higher resolutions?