Matching a 660GTX to a i3

[Bluecube]

I've currently got a Sandy Bridge Intel i3 in my PC. I can't remember the exact model number but it's a dual core running at 3.06Ghz. My current graphics card is a Nvidia 260 job. I'm on the verge of upgrading the PC as a whole but before I do, I was wondering if it was worth my while. The PC is currently fine for what I do (mess around, play a rare game) but I'm wanting to play a few graphics heavy games such as Crysis and Metro: First Light. The resolution would be 1080p and ideally all settings will be as high as they can go. Would I be OK just adding a 660GTX to my current PC or will I really need an i5 to get the benefits?

Thanks.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Both Crysis3 and Metro:Last Light can thread well in certain places and can take advantage of a quad core. The CPU you have is a Core i3 540 I suspect - I would try to overclock it as they were known to be decent overclockers.

The GTX660 will be a good overall upgrade,and you will see a decent improvement in framerates,even if the CPU holds you back sometimes.

I would probably overclock your Core i3 and get the GTX660 and see how you fare with both games.

[Bluecube]

Yes, you're right. The CPU is an i3 540. It came back to me when I read your post! I didn't know they were good over clockers so I may give that a wee whirl. I'm pretty certain I'm using a Ninja Scythe HSF so there's a bit of cooling headroom there.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

What motherboard do you have??

[Bluecube]

It's a Gigabyte H55N USB3.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Welcome fellow SFF PC fan!!

Despite,being a mini-ITX motherboard you should be able to get a decent overclock. However,I would make sure the VRMs get some cool air as the HSF you have is vertically orientated.

Edit!!

The GTX700 series might launch next month,but OTH it is hard to say when the GTX760 will be released.

However,the GTX660 does come with a copy of Metro:Last Light.

[Willzzz]

Yeah the i3 will hold you back sometimes, but there's always going to be some component holding you back.

A GTX660 will be a huge upgrade for you.

Crysis sadly will murder your poor little i3, but not as hard as it would murder a 260.

We don't even know if there will be a GTX760 so I wouldn't start worrying about that.

[DanceswithUnix]

At worst, if you do still decide to upgrade the whole PC you can carry the GTX660 over to that.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Metro seems to require more grunt than Crysis3 after running them both on a GTX660 with a Xeon E3 1220 quad core. You will need to turn a few settings down if you want consistently over 30FPS even at 1680X1050.

[Bluecube]

Thanks all for the input. I've just read that 4A, Metro's developers, recommend a Titan for the top end, everything on settings!