Worth Upgrading Graphics Card?

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moisiss

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Hey all,

I've been considering upgrading the graphics card in my aging desktop for some medium gaming. I'm interested in playing Shogun 2, Star Wars: the old republic, some first person shooters, etc. Don't need everything maxed out, but I'm afraid my current set-up won't run newer games very well. Here's what I have right now...

CPU: Intel Q6600
Mobo: Gigabyte EP35-DS4
Graphics: EVGA 8800 gt
RAM: 2GB 1066 DDR2
HD: WD 500GB
PSU: Corsair 550w


So I found a good deal on a Radeon HD 6870 and have been thinking about upgading... but is it worth it? I know that I wouldn't be getting the full power out of a newer graphics card, but would I see a difference that would be worth getting it now, or would I be better served just saving for a new machine in 1-2 years?
 
I would say that yes, it's worth upgrading. Especially for Shogun 2.

You can always upgrade the CPU+mobo+RAM in a year or two if you need to - not like you need to upgrade everything at the same time :)
 
thanks for the replies!

another couple of questions....

first: is there any difference between these two cards (other than the cooling solutions) that I am missing?

Newegg.com - XFX HD-687A-ZDFC Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

vs


Newegg.com - XFX HD-687A-ZNFC Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity


second: I bought a Samsung 3d ready LED-LCD a few months ago that I am using as a gaming monitor (amongst other things)... I noticed that the 6870 is supposed to do 3d?... if so, will it work with my tv/glasses?
 
oh, one more: cp0020, are you saying that it will play most games maxed out even with my older CPU/mobo/ram?
 
Other than the $5 difference and the different cooling, they're identical. The performance and all the ports are exactly the same. I recommend the one with two fans.


I bought a Samsung 3d ready LED-LCD a few months ago that I am using as a gaming monitor (amongst other things)... I noticed that the 6870 is supposed to do 3d?... if so, will it work with my tv/glasses?
I'm not sure actually, I'm curious as to the answer though.
 
oh, one more: cp0020, are you saying that it will play most games maxed out even with my older CPU/mobo/ram?
i would say yes for the most part. might want to upgrade to 4 gigs of ram. but a 2.4GHZ quad qore with that GPU... you shouldnt have any problems with running most new games maxed out. only having 2 gigs of ram might...might make a few games have longer loading. but you should be fine.
 
Yes it is, Shogun 2 is going to require a decent graphics card, and really upgrading a graphics card isnt really that expensive and it will make your gameplay run smoother.

It's always worth putting in better quality parts to be honest
 
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