Dolphin, the GameCube and Wii emulator - Forums

I'm currently using a G530 cpu as it is the best bang-for-buck Sandy Bridge processor. However, it seems the integrated graphics aren't quite enough for SSBM. What is the better choice, upgrading the cpu (to an i3-2120 or i5-2500k) or getting a discrete gpu (xfx dual-fan 6870)?
In other words, if I use a 6870, will there be a major cpu bottleneck or will it work fine?
I want to play Super Smash Bros Melee without any frame drops in at least 480p.

Edit: Forgot to say that I'm currently getting about 60-80%.

All Intel Integrated GPU suck (don't know about Intel HD 4000 though) , it will bottle your CPU if you run anything higher than 480p
AMD 6670 is enough for 1080p so 6870 should do fine at 2000p
Check this thread
Internal Resolution (IR) : 1x = 480p
IR : 2x = 720p
IR : 3x = 1080p
IR : 4x = 2000p
Although your CPU is Sandy Bridge but 2.4Ghz won't cut it . Sooooo :
Overclocker : Get i5 2500k @ 4.4Ghz + AMD 7750 (AMD 7000 series is faster , less heat -> overclock higher , only 109$ for 7750)
Non-overclocker : Get i3 2120 + AMD 7750

i5 2500k and 6870 is livable enough, just overclock and make sure your mobo supports it

For overclocking, a P67/Z68 MoBo is needed