Do I need to change video cards?

[GhstGry]

My PC is getting C-R-U-S-H-E-D with low video settings when I'm in Meridian or in any large-scale fight. I'm running a Core2 Duo CPU with 4Gb of RAM and an nVidia 260 GTX (I think). I understand that this rig is grossly underpowered to get high-FPS performance, blah blah blah.

I'm going to upgrade to an Intel i7-3770K with 16Gb to address the core hardware issues. My question is whether I really need to upgrade the video card or not. I'm looking at a GTX 570, but at $270, I'd prefer to not have to upgrade if necessary. I understand that the 570 is a far more capable card, but is it really necessary for me to get adequate FPS?

I'm thinking anything around 30-40 FPS under normal conditions and 50% of that under heavy load would be great. Ideas?

[NearioNL]

you should be able to get that FPS with your current graphic card I assume, with low graphics and low fx.
I could even do that, and my former pc was laughable

[Sariina]

I think it's your CPU more than the video holding you back, you probably want to try running with the video card you have for a bit and see how it goes. Your video card is faster than a 6770, and my kids machine is pretty playable on a 5770 which is pretty similar. That machine plays at 1600x900.

[Bivrington]

I would definately start with your CPU. Going for 16gb of RAM is overkill and a waste of money unless you do major photo/video processing or 3d modeling. I run 8gb of RAM with windows 64, and I never use more than 4gb of RAM during Rift even with skype/vent and chrome running on my second monitor.

Do the CPU, mobo, and RAM first. See what your fps is at with your old card, then go out and buy a new one if needed.

[Violacea]

It is def a combination of both holding you back. Neither a core 2 duo or 260 are "optimal" choices I'd say in 2012 for Rift.

I upgraded my video card first - only because typically upgrading a system takes a total upgrade. Like I could buy a new vid card, and be good. If I got a new CPU, it was going to be new cpu, new mobo, new ram, new OS, new HD's etc. Video card is definitely a little easier to upgrade singularly. But looking back comparing when I first got a video card and when I had an RMA on my 570 and used an 8800gt while waiting.

i5-2500k @ 4.4ghz/8gb ram/SSD cache drive on mobo w/ 8800gt > core 2 duo (e6850, 3.0ghz), 4gb ram, gf 570.

Video card is easier to upgrade, but if you can upgrade the rest of your system probably will give better gain overall. But of course if you upgrade an entire system, I assume you'd probably just work a new video card into budget.

[Chris383]

I understand that the 570 is a far more capable card, but is it really necessary for me to get adequate FPS?

I'm thinking anything around 30-40 FPS under normal conditions and 50% of that under heavy load would be great. Ideas?

Adequate FPS is going to be easily achieved with a 260 provided that is the card you do in fact have and you are willing to run the game with out anti-aliasing. If you want more eye candy buy a better video card. But i would defiantly do the cpu and memory possibly a solid state drive first. Then a video card is a easy upgrade. You might be surprised how much life that 260 still has in it with a new platform tho

Fast cpu 4.0ghz +
and fast memory 1866mhz+ is a must imo for rift. (8gigs will be more than enough)
note most cheap memory will run 1866+ with a little extra voltage so you dont need to spend alot of money on memory not that it would hurt to spend it but its prolly not necessary.

[GhstGry]

Okay, installed a new i7-3770 CPU in a Gigabyte Z77X-UD5H mainboard. Got 8Gb of Corsair Vengeance DDR3 RAM and a Samsung 120Gb SSD drive. Reinstalled Win7-64 and put Rift on the SSD. Kept the GTX 260 to see how it'd work out.

After I got Rift installed, I set the video settings to max Ultra settings, just to push things. I happened upon the completion of a Zone event in Shimmersand (killing Smoulderon). I get into the event with about 25 folks beating him down.

ZERO lag, averaged around 25 fps with full detail and everything. It was AWESOME. I didn't check to see what kind of stress I'd put on the hardware, but I'm guessing that everything was kosher, given that I had no hiccups or anything. Muy macho!

[Chris383]

Awesome glad to hear it

[Machiko_Naguchi]

My PC is getting C-R-U-S-H-E-D with low video settings when I'm in Meridian or in any large-scale fight. I'm running a Core2 Duo CPU with 4Gb of RAM and an nVidia 260 GTX (I think). I understand that this rig is grossly underpowered to get high-FPS performance, blah blah blah.

I'm going to upgrade to an Intel i7-3770K with 16Gb to address the core hardware issues. My question is whether I really need to upgrade the video card or not. I'm looking at a GTX 570, but at $270, I'd prefer to not have to upgrade if necessary. I understand that the 570 is a far more capable card, but is it really necessary for me to get adequate FPS?

I'm thinking anything around 30-40 FPS under normal conditions and 50% of that under heavy load would be great. Ideas?

At 1920x1200 resolution, a GTX 560Ti, 570, or 580 is more than enough card for you. (My wife uses a 560Ti in her main system and I use a 580)

If you wait a couple weeks, the new and long anticipated GTX 660Ti's will be out. They are supposed to be coming in at $249 and will be exactly what you are looking for.

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/486...ew/index1.html

[SirPent]

At 1920x1200 resolution, a GTX 560Ti, 570, or 580 is more than enough card for you. (My wife uses a 560Ti in her main system and I use a 580)

If you wait a couple weeks, the new and long anticipated GTX 660Ti's will be out. They are supposed to be coming in at $249 and will be exactly what you are looking for.

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/486...ew/index1.html

expect initial reference GTX 660Tis to cost #300+ USD with "custom" 660Tis costing MORE than some GTX 670s.. at that cost one should look elsewhere (GTX 570 or HD 7950).. Performance will it between the HD 7870 Ghz/Gtx570 and HD 7950/GTX 580 at best.

[powerr]

DEF THE CPU

my cousin has the same GPU as you and runs ultra easily with his I7

new CPU and 2 GB more of ram should be golden