Maximum PC

Hey everyone,

I built this PC back in August of 2009 and have only upgraded the video card in it since then. I want to do a little upgrading before BF3,MW3,and Elder Scrolls: Skyrim are released but haven't kept up with the new stuff that is out or will be out soon. So I came here for help

My current setup is as follows:

Asus P5Q-E
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 3.16 Ghz
ATI Radeon HD 5750 1gb
4GB DDr2-SDRAM
Antec 450W power supply

I'm thinking the best way to go is to upgrade the core components. I would like to realistically spend less than $700 but could go a little higher.

I'm also considering another case because mine seems to have very poor airflow (the side has been removed for over a year to prevent the video card from overheating and producing artifacts)

Like I said, this will be mainly for playing games like the ones mentioned above, and probably ToR when it is eventually released. I would ideally like to play at 1920x1080 resolution.

Thanks!

You can play Skyrim, no sweat. Your processor is an LGA775, no? If you want to stay with that, go to the core 2 quad. If not, go to sandy bridge and get an i5-2500k. If you can afford a new graphics card, by all means, go for it.

If I go with the i5-2500k, I'm assuming I need a new motherboard, correct? Or are they also LGA775?

Also, would I be able to put my 5750 in crossfire with a 6790?

Thanks again!

i5-2500K is based on Socket 1155. Do not confuse this with socket 1156 i5. Remember, you want 1155. Go for a Z68 chipset if you can get it as well. You CAN Crossfire those cards, but the faster one will clock DOWN to the stats of the weaker card. Really wasted money/effort. Instead, just get the fastest single graphics card you can afford at this time.

You will need a new motherboard if you go to Sandy Bridge, in which case you might just as well rebuild. Core 2 Quad is the fastest chip in the LGA775 world. You will be able to play most games, but it will not be as good as a Sandy Bridge, or Ivy (when it comes out.).

Like I said, my main goal is being able to play BF3 and Elder Scrolls at 1920 x 1080 with the settings turned up high, if not max (with a good framerate obviously).

Is the E8500 able to handle the load with say a Radeon 6790 video card behind it? and maybe another 2 or 4 gigs of memory?

Thanks

Upgrade just past the recommended specs for BF3. The 6790 will be just fine, and upgrade your processor to the C2 Quad. Then, put as much ram in there as your mobo will bear, and you will be just fine.