WoW and upgrading GPU or CPU

[Hinalover]

Ok, my custom built computer is a little dated. In the last two years the only two items that I've upgraded were the motherboard and the RAM (8 gigs of DDR5). I currently use an Intel 1700 I think it was (purchased fairly new three years ago [just before Cata was released]) and an ATI Radion 5700. I mostly play WoW on my computer, though I have started playing a few other non-graphic heavy games (I think my most extreme is Mass Effect 3). Basically I feel like the upgrades in Mists are starting to hit my performance in game and I would like to slowly upgrade my equipment and trying to decide whether to go with the GPU or the CPU.

[n0cturnal]

I'm not sure what an Intel 1700 is. You mind running CPU-Z or Speccy and tell us the exact name of the CPU and motherboard?

[Hinalover]

CPU = Intel i7 860
Motherboard = Asus P7P55D-E
GPU = Asus Radeon 5750

Odd, I thought I bought 2 4 Gig DDR5s; says I'm using 2 4 Gig DDR3.

[Starbrand]

I feel like the upgrades in Mists are starting to hit my performance in game and I would like to slowly upgrade my equipment and trying to decide whether to go with the GPU or the CPU.

definitely go GPU first. what's your budget look like?

[Hinalover]

definitely go GPU first. what's your budget look like?

enough to buy one or the other high end from like Newegg. If you have to have a number; probably 400-450.

[Faithh]

Monitor the gpu loads with vsync disabled. If that card is pushing to 99% and giving low fps just means you have to upgrade the GPU.

[nazrakin]

CPU = Intel i7 860
Motherboard = Asus P7P55D-E
GPU = Asus Radeon 5750

Odd, I thought I bought 2 4 Gig DDR5s; says I'm using 2 4 Gig DDR3.

DDR5 is used in graphics cards, thats probably where you remember that from. Anyway, your processor should still be fine so I'd def pick up a new GPU. Which GPU you should get depends: What resolution are you playing at? Do you intend to play anything besides WOW?

That said... I'm running a sandy i5@4.5ghz and a 7950 overclocked to the heavens, and I'm still dropping frames during certain encounters in ToT. I suspect Blizzard didn't do a great job of optimizing some of those new effects.

[Hinalover]

What resolution are you playing at? Do you intend to play anything besides WOW?

1900x1080; setting wise generally either good or high, though playing at Ultra would be ideal, not likely going to happen anytime soon it sounds like.

I'm starting to pick up a few more PC games lately. Nothing like Crysis might I add, but I just picked up Dead Space 3 due to the EA thing with SimCity.

[Punisher]

Ultra would be ideal, not likely going to happen anytime soon it sounds like.
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My 200 buck gpu can run WoW on ultra (not everything maxed) With a 400 $ budget you should be fine