Evo Posted January 28, 2014 Posted January 28, 2014 Alright guys without further ado, I have the specs of my Computer. I am looking to spend around 400-500$ to upgrade it in a few months, when I get my hands on the money, I was wondering what you could all recommend. For a better GPU I would need a better PSU, which would take a better CPU and I would probably end up upgrading the MOBO aswell, all advice will be considered! I am also looking to Overclock this thing, so if anyone can help with that I would appreciate it Plans to upgrade: 8 GB of ddr3 ram (4Slots on MOBO) Better GPU Better PSU Possibly new CPU Anything else...? The whole report can be found here: http://pastebin.com/RES9hF9t
Evo Posted January 28, 2014 Author Posted January 28, 2014 Instead of the whole report you can just look here: Windwos 7 Home Premium 1GBx4 DDR2 RAM Nvidia GeForce8600S 512 MB Quad Core- AMD Phenom X4 9500 @2.2GHz Mobo- Acer M5100
BillieJoe67 Posted January 28, 2014 Posted January 28, 2014 Replace everything This is my ~£600 build from two years ago; it still runs everything I use perfectly (came to ~£500 today, although I got win7 on a student deal) Win7 Pro x64 i5-2500 (didn't need the k version as run stock) 2x4gb ddr3 (can't remember latency/frequency, but it's corsair xms3 ram) gtx 550ti 1gb asus p67 pro (may be wrong) corsair 600w psu (futureproof :v) coolermaster 430 case 2x 140mm fans, 1x 120mm fan (can't remember exact models, but they're basic things) 1
Evo Posted January 28, 2014 Author Posted January 28, 2014 If I was just going to build my own PC how can I check if the MOBO, CPU and GPU are all compatible? Is it not feasible to use my PC and upgrade it?
BillieJoe67 Posted January 29, 2014 Posted January 29, 2014 If you upgrade your cpu, you'll probably need a new motherboard with the correct slot for your new cpu (amd used to be backward compatible, not sure about now; if you opt for an intel you'll definitely need a new mobo) If you change to ddr3 ram, you'll need a new motherboard with the appropriate ram slots - chances are you'll also need a new cpu to fit the motherboard If you upgrade your mobo, you'll need to replace cpu/ram You can probably use the case, hdds, os and monitor at most (assuming you definitely want to upgrade your gpu) You can check whether a mobo and cpu are compatible by the socket type (LGA1155, for example); most gpus are pci-e 2 these days If you come up with a list of components you'd like, I'll happily check if they're compatible (inb4 disclaimer)
Evo Posted January 29, 2014 Author Posted January 29, 2014 Thanks! Could you help me figure out why it won't boot? (see my other topic)
CerealKlr Posted January 31, 2014 Posted January 31, 2014 I would try to sell your old stuff, and buy all new. You can try to use your old CPU, if you can get a board that is compatible and upgradeable. (AMD has always been good about this...but don't know if they still are backwards compatible.) New Ram (as much as you can afford) New GPU (GTX 400 series and up will run all the current games, not sure which AMD is minimum) New MOBO Thats gonna be close to your limit, but shop around and you can probably stay in budget. (Especially if you can unload your old stuff) One other thing to consider, is a faster monitor. I upgraded to 144Hz monitor and it made more difference to my gaming then any other upgrade I have ever done. Ask all the people who think I cheat. I use the ASUS VG248QE and I use a program called Strobelight, which pretty much eliminates motion blur. This makes for WAYYYY more accurate shots, you can still see everything clearly when your making that quick 180. (I hardly ever sniped until I got this monitor)
Joetorp Posted January 31, 2014 Posted January 31, 2014 7 I use a program called Strobelight, which pretty much eliminates motion blur. Got a link?
Evo Posted January 31, 2014 Author Posted January 31, 2014 This PC will do for awhile, I'll probably get Al the money to build a nicer rig this summer, thanks!
CerealKlr Posted February 1, 2014 Posted February 1, 2014 Here you go Joe. http://pcmonitors.info/forum/topic/new-development-lightboost-strobe-backlights-completely-eliminate-motion-blur That tells you all about lightboost, and what strobelight does. The strobelight link is at the bottom of the first post. 1
Evo Posted February 2, 2014 Author Posted February 2, 2014 If I wanted to upgrade this current PC, before I upgrade everything, what GFx card could I get with my current PC? Which GFx card would be the best and would be able to handle my PSU? And also can my Mobo handle DDR3?
f1r3st0rm Posted February 2, 2014 Posted February 2, 2014 what's PSU wattage? I'd say get a radeon gfx card since you have AMD cpu (preferably radeon HD series 7XXX)
Joetorp Posted February 2, 2014 Posted February 2, 2014 what's PSU wattage? I'd say get a radeon gfx card since you have AMD cpu (preferably radeon HD series 7XXX) I would stick with nVidea, The cpu doesn't define which chipset to use, the mobo does! Aurum, do you not know where to find the info? Joe
CerealKlr Posted February 3, 2014 Posted February 3, 2014 DDR3 wont work in your board. I think you can get any GFX card you want, I believe they are backwards compatible with PCI-E 1.x slots. Check the requirements for the card you want, they should tell you how much PSU you need and if it will work in the older slot. www.Tomshardware.com has good reviews on vid cards to see which are better. I like Nvidia cards, I have less problems with the drivers. Radeon cards always glitched with endless driver incompatibility for me. (I haven't used them in years so, they may be better now.)
Evo Posted February 3, 2014 Author Posted February 3, 2014 I have a 250watt PSU currently. Here's what I'm working with- By April I should have 300-400$ to spend on a PC then, by July I should have an extra 200-300$ so I’m looking to spend 500-600$ total. Basically half at one time, then half at another. My plan: Corsair PSU 750 watt (70$) AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz (200$) ASUS M5A97 LE Mobo (85$) 1x4gb RAM DDR3 (45$) GPU- Any GPU that's between 150-250$ Mobo link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131872 I've heard that with AMD CPU's I have a 250watt PSU currently. Here's what I'm working with- By April I should have 300-400$ to spend on a PC then, by July I should have an extra 200-300$ so I’m looking to spend 500-600$ total. Basically half at one time, then half at another. My plan: Corsair PSU 750 watt (70$) AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz (200$) ASUS M5A97 LE Mobo (85$) 1x4gb RAM DDR3 (45$) GPU- Any GPU that's between 150-250$ Mobo link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131872 I've heard that with AMD CPU's pair better with faster ram, and you can get the full potential if you get 1600mhz DDR3- opinions? My plan is to upgrade the Ram later, and I already have an HDD with an OS. If there is anything that I could upgrade now, such as my PSU and GPU then buy a nicer mobo and CPU later?
CerealKlr Posted February 3, 2014 Posted February 3, 2014 I agree, PSU and GPU now. Make sure your PSU has the right number of connectors from the beginning, adapters aren't as good. Some of the new cards have weird power connectors and need 2 per card. (mine was an 8pin and a 6 pin) I like EVGA the best for nvidia cards. The cheaper brands glitch and fans wear out fast...thermal issues and lousy customer service. EVGA has the best service. Microcenter.com, newegg.com, tigerdirect.com, have always had the best deals for me. At least check them for the ratings and reviews, lots of good tips on compatibility there. I heard the same thing about 1600 mhz ram being the most bang for the buck. Get the lowest latency ones you can find. ( I got 2x 16gb G.skill Ripjaws X.) I would get bigger sticks of RAM then 1gb. You will probably end up wanting more RAM in the future, and need those slots.
Evo Posted February 3, 2014 Author Posted February 3, 2014 Is there a way to check compatibility with my GPU and my MOBO/CPU that I am anticipating to purchase?
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