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    M17x R2 - upgrade gpu or cpu?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by simonappleton, May 31, 2012.

  1. simonappleton

    simonappleton Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi

    I've got an R2, already put an SSD in and I'm pondering the next upgrade. Currently I have a i7 Q720 at 1.6 (no overclock) and a single HD5870.

    Looking around, assuming I don't want to crossfire, it seems my options are to upgrade the cpu to 920xm, or the gpu to a 6970 or 6990?

    I mainly play MMOs (old skool EQ2, newer things like Guild Wars 2), plus DayZmod (Arma 2) and hopefully soon Planetside 2.

    What's my best next step? And, what's the best way to figure out if I'm cpu or gpu limited in a game?

    Many thanks

    simonA
     
    simonappleton, May 31, 2012
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  2. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I would suggest the 7970m over the 6990m if you're going to upgrade the GPU (unless you find a really good deal on the older 6990m, possible that the price would drop when everyone starts getting rid of theirs to upgrade to the newer tech).

    That should give better results than a 920xm for most games.


    To find out if you're limited by the CPU or GPU, try underclocking one and then the other and see what causes the larger drop in fps.
     
    moral hazard, May 31, 2012
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  3. simonappleton

    simonappleton Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks - how much better is the 7970m? I'm guessing quite a bit more expensive when it's available...

    s
     
    simonappleton, May 31, 2012
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  4. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    moral hazard, May 31, 2012
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  5. simonappleton

    simonappleton Notebook Enthusiast

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    Quite a bit better then!
     
    simonappleton, May 31, 2012
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  6. SEAl491

    SEAl491 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Where can the 7970m be purchased?
     
    SEAl491, May 31, 2012
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  7. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Or send a PM to forum member table21.
     
    moral hazard, May 31, 2012
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