Game requirements list a dual-core, preferably a quad-core cpu and DX11 1GB video card.
A CPU upgrade would require you to go from dual-core, to quad-core, or higher.
(note the items in bold for comparison)
The least expensive and -worthwhile- cpu upgrade from what you currently have would be:
$179.99 - Intel Core i5-2310 Sandy Bridge 2.9GHz (3.2GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000 BX80623I52310
Series: Core i5
L2 Cache: 4 x 256KB
L3 Cache: 6MBManufacturing Tech: 32 nm
Model #: BX80623I52310
Item #: N82E16819115089
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi ... gesize=100Your current CPU is a Sandy Bridge and is pretty good, but you could use more cache and perhaps a bit more speed. However, you'd blow your budget and your current video card would be severely limiting the performance of the Core i5 (or higher, though you have to stick to socket 1155 cpu's to avoid having to change out/upgrade your motherboard as well).
So the best bang for your buck would be a video upgrade:
The 6870 or a 6850 actually perform better than the 7770, but require more power.
Power note: There are adapters online which can convert SATA power to 4-6pin plugs to power a video card. From memory, SATA power can supply about 50W of power if you use a SATA to 4plug adapter.
Anything significantly better than the first two options listed (below budget), and you'd need to spend just over $200 to make it worthwhile. So you either stay well below budget, or go just above budget for noticeable performance improvement given by the 7850 or 6870 cards below.
Personally, I'd go with the 1st choice below as my best recommendation, and save some money for a future CPU upgrade when Sandy Bridge quad-core's come down in price.
You have enough RAM, and your CPU is fine unless you want to spend alot more money for a CPU AND a Video card upgrade.
1st choice would be an AMD 7770
$144.99 - SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition OC
1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card (11201-02-20G)
Chipset Manufacturer: AMD
Core Clock: 1150MHz
Stream Processors: 640 Stream Processors
Effective Memory Clock: 1250MHz (5.0Gbps) Model #: 11201-02-20G
Item #: N82E16814102968
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
1 x 6pin PCIe power connection
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 68141029682nd choice if your power supply allows:
$159 HIS H687FN1GD Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
Free Dirt3 game coupon w/ purchase, limited offer HIS H687FN1GD Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
Chipset Manufacturer: AMD
Core Clock: 900MHz
Stream Processors: 1120 Stream Processors
Effective Memory Clock: 1050MHz (4.2Gbps)
Model #: H687FN1GD
Item #: N82E16814161389
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
2 x 6pin PCIe power connections
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814161389 note: a few not so good reviews.
Over $200 options:
1) $219.99 VisionTek 900505 Radeon HD 7850
2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
Chipset Manufacturer: AMD
Stream Processors: 1024 Stream Processors
DirectX: DirectX 11
OpenGL: OpenGL 4.2
Model #: 900505
Item #: N82E16814129230
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
1 x 6pin PCIe power connection
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 68141292302) $209.99 XFX HD-687X-CNFC Radeon HD 6870
2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
Chipset Manufacturer: AMD
Core Clock: 900MHz
Stream Processors: 1120 Stream Processors
Effective Memory Clock: 1050MHz (4.2Gbps)
Model #: HD-687X-CNFC
Item #: N82E16814150563
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
2 x 6pin PCIe power connections
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814150563Some performance graphs for review:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/HIS/ ... ire/7.htmlhttp://www.guru3d.com/article/amd-radeo ... -review/13Enjoy the video card upgrade, you should notice the difference.