What's next on the upgrade list?

[MonsieuRoberts]

Hello again Computer Geniuses!

I've recently bought a 7850 and am thoroughly enjoying WoW, Skyrim and Guild Wars to their fullest. I am so far broadly happy with the upgrade, but I hunger for more. Here's my system:

Intel I5 2300K
6GB DDR3 RAM
Antec 520W Modular PSU
Asus HD7850 GPU
1TB HDD
LG L.E.D 1600 x 900 (Which I am not planning on replacing any time soon)
Stock Gateway DX4850-43c Motherboard, Case, Fans, ROM Drive

Let's assume that I have a MAXIMUM budget of $300, but would be aiming for somewhere between $150-200, or just above $200. If you were using that and playing Skyrim, Guild Wars and WoW and were thinking of making some adjustments, what would you do? Increase the RAM? Pop in an SSD? Beef up the cooling and real-estate via a new case? Do I even NEED any upgrades, or will any new parts in my price range produce negligible results?


Just curious about where to go from here.

[GrahamC]

TBH I would replace that which you said you don't want to. I know, I know A nice 1920*1080 will boost you enjoyment the most for your money. Your kit will handel the higher res no problem, just the best way to boost your system.

[Deleted]

What is that RAM configuration? 2x 3GB sticks..?

[DeltrusDisc]

What is that RAM configuration? 2x 3GB sticks..?

More likely 2x2 and 2x1.

[MonsieuRoberts]

More likely 2x2 and 2x1.

That's what it looks like. 4 sticks in there.

[Deleted]

Good. Just making sure its not 3x 2gb

[vesseblah]

SSD would be the obvious choice. Maybe you could get entirely rid of the mechanical HDD with a 250GB SSD and reduce the electricity bill and noise.

Adding more RAM past 6GB has not been proven to improve any game so that's kinda pointless.

Getting 1920x1080 monitor and using both would also be an option. If your table has enough room for it, that opens up interesting options like web browsing, chatting and watching videos on 2nd monitor while you're playing.

[MonsieuRoberts]

Getting 1920x1080 monitor and using both would also be an option. If your table has enough room for it, that opens up interesting options like web browsing, chatting and watching videos on 2nd monitor while you're playing.

I actually use a 1366x768 laptop to do most of my browsing when I have a game open. I'm typing to you on it right now.

Still, to have them both side by side would be nice. The size difference would probably drive me crazy though.

---------- Post added 2012-08-29 at 04:12 AM ----------

Thanks for the responses thus far.