Tech Help Think its time I upgrade

Soul_of_a_Sinner

Soul_of_a_Sinner

Poster Extraordinaire
Joined
Aug 9, 2009
Messages
3,377
Well I believe it is time I upgrade my PC. I'd like to start with my GPU first and use it on my current setup while I purchase the other parts (Motherboard and CPU)

I'm not worried about having the best thing on the market or anything like that atm. I would really like a Intel setup this time around and preferably an i7 if possible, even an older model CPU is fine for me, it doesnt have to be top of the line.

Right now I need a GPU that will work with my current setup but will be able to put into a future build (Intel build) As I probably won't buy everything all at once.


Current setup (old...like really old)
CPU: AMD Phenom II x4 965 BE
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-MA790GPT-UD3H
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws X series 16GB (4 x 4GB)
GPU: XFX HD 6850 BE

Please let me know what suggestions you guys have. Thanks for your help :)
 
wait for the new GPUs to hit the scene, prices hopefully should drop if you want an older model or go for new shiny model lol
 
Wizekraker said:
wait for the new GPUs to hit the scene, prices hopefully should drop if you want an older model or go for new shiny model lol
Click to expand...

When is the new set supposed to role out and do you have any suggestions for a new card? I have not kept up with cards x.x
 
If you play source games (CS) having a good CPU is more important than a GPU. I have an i5 4970 (or something around there), 500 GB SSD, 8GB Ram and GTX 550Ti, and I run everything I throw at it great, even like three games at once lol.

So an i5 around that area is definitely a good starting point.
 
Intel i7 4790k or the non k if you dont need to overclock. This was Intel's flagship for awhile now. I think it can be found for under $339... $299 for the non k. Just check newegg and amazon. It will need a motherboard thats LGA1150 compatible.

GPU side, i strongly recommend you get at least a GTX960 if your on a budget. If you can a GTX970 hits the sweet spot. Those two range anywhere from $160 to $360. Again Id recommend amazon. I know some people dont like open box or used but you can get really great deals on those higher end models if youre willing to try and on a budget. Whatever you get... Make sure it has 4GB of GDDR5 ... 2GB just wont do. Trust me you'll be wishing you spent the extra $30 or $40 for it when your new games begin to recommend it as a minimum. GTA V.

I bought my EVGA GTX970 SC ACX 2.0 for $195 ...its in the $350s right now.. So there are deals out there just gotta look. This was a week before black friday. Sold my PNY GTX960 XL8R that i bought from dell for $199 for $180 on ebay so in the end I got my new card for under $20.

Not sure how AMD works so I cant offer any input on those GPUs.

i5 4690k i think thats the one Mister36 is trying to tell you about. If you're not going to be doing mass video processing and editing and all that crazy stuff. That would be enough for you. Its the i7s little bro. No hyperthreathing on i5 which is needed for that stuff i just mentioned. Gaming is actually more GPU intensive so its worth the investment there.

Ideal budget set up
i5 4690k and gtx960. For 1080p gameplay this is more than enough.

Ps. Mister36 streams while he plays TF2 so you know youll be fine
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the recommendations you guys, really appreciate it and I will look into the options you gave me. I don't do any video editing, just want to be playing current gen games, my 6850 can not handle Fallout 4 and new games anymore that is for sure haha.
 
I have this same CPU --> CPU: AMD Phenom II x4 965 BE on my old gaming rig.

I'm trying to spruce it up to run BF4 as a secondary machine. It runs Steam games okay.
 
I'd look at the 970/980 cards. However, watch the AMD cards coming out and keep them on the back of your mind as the price/performance may make them worthwhile to consider. Keep reading tech sites to get a feel/idea where the GPU market is right now and where it's going. AMD is having some problems, but there's some cautious excitement about the next release of cards and what they could bring to the table (and discounts to the current inventory on the market).
 
If you'll spend 350 on a cpu just get a skylake. There are more motherboards being released for it. The non K or unlocked version is just that much.

The Gpu can be upgraded at any time. Start with your permanent parts. Just need the slot to be latest pcie and you can always change it out. But get a good mobo, cpu and ram. Also decent psu, but skylake doesn't draw a lot of power.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top