Ironsights Upgrade or New Build!

[Iron Sights]

Hi guys I will need to call upon the hexus boffins once again ,
I'm not really upto date with pc tech, since Im at uni using my laptop.

Well I'm updating my old pc.
But now I need to make it bf3/gaming worthy,(might even sign upto the hexus squad )
athlon X2 5000+ ([AM3]-45nm failed to unlock to phenom II X4) but will OC to 3.3/3.4ghz ish (CM hyper 212+)
asus m3a78-t (am2+)
4gb ddr2 pc6400
450w xfx pro
512mb ASUS HD 5770 (so little VRAM ) #
antec 902

===================================
Want to run 1080p on at least HIGH settings


1.) I can get hold of a brand new hd 6870 £105 (courtesy of a friend) (tempted to get something better like an 7850/560ti but I dont think the price/performance jump from an 6870 will be worth it)
2.) Should I upgrade the cpu (I can get an PII x4 965 for around £78)
And then upgrade to an Intel build in the future once this is obsolete

or

3.) Should I just buy a new intel ivy/sandy build (CPU, MOBO, RAM) <£300


Many thanks. Ideas suggestions welcome

[Iron Sights]

bump, suggestions welcome

[shaithis]

Well, it depends on budget and expected performance levels.

I would not ditch it for intel if that means the GPU upgrade suffers. I would also replace the GPU first and see what you can reach with overlocking first.....you might find you become GPU limited most of the time.

Just a shame it's am2+ and DDR2 - doesn't leave much room for wiggle - it's basically "change it all" - I wouldn't bother getting just a CPU either, I would be much more inclined to sell off what you have as a bundle and replace cpu, ram and mobo all at once.

[Domestic_Ginger]

I think you can a phenom II for about £50 or less second hand. If BF3 is multi threaded then how about a thuban? I think second hand is the way to go with a single CPU upgrade.

I'm in the same situation as you; AM2+but with a unlocked 550 and a 5850. I would only upgrade to SB if a realy good deal came along. 7850's look very nice though.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

I would get a Phenom II X4 965BE and an HD6870 1GB as the total should be under £200. I would then sell your old CPU and GPU to get a few more quid off your upgrade cost.

[Iron Sights]

thanks guy, well you pretty much confimed what I thought so thanks. Will just grab the 965 and 6870

Furthermore AFAIK the 6870 and 7850 use similar amount of juice and higher ends card probabily wont cut the 450w psu (bearing in mind I will be overclocking)

[Iron Sights]

Do you think an 6950 seen in the (current bargain section) will cope with this psu

[shaithis]

Yeah should be fine.