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Question

What to upgrade: GFX or MB/CPU?

Aug 31, 2015 5:41AM PDT

Hi all,
I have older gaming PC running all but GTA5 well (i.e. FarCry 4 runs smooth, but GTA5 drops below 30fps):
GFX: Sapphire HD 7850 2GB OC GDDR5
MoBo: Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 - Intel P965
CPU: Intel Core2 Quad Q6600 @ 2.40GHz
RAM: 4x 1GB GB ADATA + Series DDR2 800

Not ready for upgrade all scenario, looking for minimal investment gaining most performance.

Q1: Is there a point in upgrade GFX at all? (MoBo does not suport PCIe 3.0)
Q2: Or do I better go i7 way and change CPU & MoBo?
Q3: If upgrade CPU, most likely need to upgrade RAM too? Reuse would drag the i7 down I suppose?

Many thanks for good advice!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
What OS?
Aug 31, 2015 6:10AM PDT

Why it matters is if this is a 32bit OS my comment won't apply. That 4GB is now slim. I'd get 8GB today. We're also pushing the CPU a bit hard but the low RAM could be taking its toll.

As to GTA5, I'd reduce effects to carry on for now. I would not change a thing besides RAM if the OS is 64 bit.

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Win 7 64 bit
Aug 31, 2015 7:01AM PDT

Machine runs on Win 7 64 bit OS. GTA5 effects are set quite low, with anything vertical off.

So if I get 8GB RAM I should see improvement? DDR2 800 seems to be MoBo's max so any point in taking newer model?

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You can compare what a new GPU can get you at
Aug 31, 2015 7:13AM PDT
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Just so you know
Aug 31, 2015 3:35PM PDT
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Thank you
Sep 1, 2015 1:50AM PDT

Thanks for RAM suggestion. I have not thought of that.
I'll give it a try and budget for MB/CPU upgrade before any major playable title releases.

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8GB RAM for GTA5 is a must
Oct 1, 2015 9:18AM PDT

Confirming after upgrade to 8GB RAM I get great performance (30fps steady) on high settings on GTA5.

Many thanks for saving me on other options/more expensive components.