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Which upgrade should I do?

361 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  sLowEnd
Looking to upgrade processor and video but can only do one at a time and would like to know which would have the bigger impact as far as games and overall performance.

am2 x2 3800+ to a phenom x4 9650, flashed my bios to make this compatible with am2 socket

or

8500gt 256mb to 5770hd 1gig
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the GPU.

though, why not go for a Phenom II chip? they run cooler, and are generally better than the Phenom I chips. and i've seen Phenom II X4 940's (DDR2 compatible) for $100 on here. epic value
im trying to stay on a low budget and my socket am2 will only support phenom x4 9650 or a phenom II x2 3.1 callisto black ediition
I used to have an 8600gt before I switched to my gtx260. HUGE difference in my games, and I'm pretty sure the 5770 is roughly equivalent to a gtx260. If you could oc your current proc, it wouldn't bottleneck the 5770 as bad.
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then look to get a Phenom II X2 550. maybe you can unlock?

but still, GPU first
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How about you save for a new system?

Your PSU is poor quality (Main thing I'm concerned about)
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/557

Your motherboard is also not able to handle higher wattage CPU's because of the small VRM and does not appear to be a very good overclocker

If that's not possible, go for the GPU upgrade. The 5770 uses very little power, whereas the Phenom 9650 would add considerable power draw and heat.
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