CPU vs. GPU - please help me choose only one

[webmonkey8]

I'm looking into upgrading my PC for improved gaming performance. I was wondering what is more worth getting if you could only get one:

CPU dual core upgrade vs. a higher GPU video card??

My system specs are on the left. I was thinking of if I were to upgrade the CPU, I'd get an Athlon 4000+ X2 or over. Or if only the video card, I'd get a Nvidia 7600GT or higher.

What are your opinions, people? CPU or GPU?
Thanks in advance!

[chuckskull]

I'd go for 79-- series graphics card, or a X19-- if you dont want to SLI in the future. The CPU wont make much difference for gaming. You could always overclock it anyway.

[awm]

I agree if you're a gamer. If you do alot of video work or CPU intensive task its another story, but I'll continue assuming you're a gamer. Since you have a SLI board a 7900GS would be a reasonable model to look into. On the ATI front the newly released x1950pro look real good with the die shrink and matching clock speed boost. One thing to consider is that if you play OpenGL games (Doom as example I believe) nVidia is a better choice.

[oralpain]

You have a 3500+ already, you will see a much more profound improvement from a new video card.

[kalniel]

Agreed, GPU.

[abeacock]

GPU for gaming performance.

[shaithis]

What games do you play and what resolution do you play them at?

[webmonkey8]

Thanks for all the replies!! Yes, I expected the the GPU would make more of a difference than the CPU, when it comes to gaming. A 7900GS or a similar in performance ATI would be good. Oh yeah, even though I have an SLI mobo, I think a single card solution would be just fine for me, also cheaper.
I play mostly FPS, so maximum frame rates and eye candy are a priority for me. I'm really looking forward to Call of Duty 3 and the likes. Gears of War is another game I would love to play on the PC, however, it's only available on the XBOX 360 right now. Hopefully, they port it to PC someday soon.
Thanks again.

[shaithis]

If you play FPS, then gfx card all the way

[awm]

Look at prices and reviews (specificly the bencharmarks on you favrite games) for the 7900GS and the x1950 pro and see which side gives you a better bang for you buck (I guess Sony batterys always win the BANG! for the buck comparision, but you know what I mean).

[dodgybob]

I'd definitely get something faster than a 7600gt to make it worth while, iirc the 7600gt is on par with the old 6800 ultra so it wouldn't be a major increase in performance fom a 6800gt. Certainly wouldn't be a £95+ increase.

[scrandman]

I'd definitely get something faster than a 7600gt to make it worth while, iirc the 7600gt is on par with the old 6800 ultra so it wouldn't be a major increase in performance fom a 6800gt. Certainly wouldn't be a £95+ increase.

Exactly what I was about to say. 7900 or higher if you want a true upgrade (or ATi equivalent)