Upgrade AMD setup

[jasonn20]

This is my current build : Motherboard : Asrock A780GXE/128
Memory : 4Gig GSkill DDR 800
CPU : Phenom 550 X2
GPU : HD 4670
PSU : 550watt
Case : Ultra Gladiator
Cd/Dvd : Lite-on @ LG
Heatsink : Stock
Harddrives : (2) WD Black 500Gig

I have $250 and I need to put it where it counts the most.

I am upgrading my heatsink with a Zigmatek dark knight unless there is a better solution for around $45.

$205 left

Upgrade motherboard and memory:
Gigabyte 770 and DDR3 1600 $160

Upgrade Gpu:
HD 4870 or 4890 $160 +


If I upgrade Motherboard and memory will I notice a difference using the same cpu? I might be able to unlock it but that is questionable.

I am going to upgarde monitor later with a 1080p so curious how much more GPU do i need? I can play Crysis not sure on FPS but with 1024x768 it runs smooth as far as I can tell.

I could just upgrade to a DDR2 motherboard that will unlock my cpu and also upgrade gpu but then I will have to upgrade again to ddr3 in the next year.

Not sure were the best upgrade for me is and any help would be apprieciated.

 

[daisymtc]

I don't think it make huge different in changing mobo and ram.
Upgrade the video card should get better performance in gaming.

 

[Damascus]

+1. I'd keep the mobo you have and get a faster GPU, HD 4890 if you want to stick with ATI, or get a GTX260 or 275.
You could also later upgrade to DDR2-1066+ and a Phenom X4 - if your mobo supports it. Buying a new mobo right now and keeping the same CPU would be pointless unless you go ahead and get a AM3 mobo with DDR2-1066+ or DDR3 and a Phenom X3 or X4.
Put the money in the GPU, once you get that high res. monitor, at high resolutions, the GPU makes more difference than the CPU/RAM does... Running at lower resolutions, the GPU's are bottlenecked by the CPU, and vice-versa.
Talking about Crysis, I just built my new system (in sig), and always been hearing about how "Crysis" is so awesome, and how everyone uses THAT game to see how "fast" their gaming rig is... I downloaded the demo, and am running it at 1400x1050 (my LCD's max) with 2x AA and 16x AF with all details maxxed and it's perfectly playable and smooth. After seeing Crysis, I can't figure out what the hype was about, I personally think Far Cry 2 looks and plays much more realistic and prettier, which I can also play on maxxed settings.