What should my next upgrade be?

Jimmy2k9 · Jul 28, 2012

Ok, so right now I have roughly $350 that I can sink into my rig but I can't make up my mind what to do. Its going to be at least a couple more months before I can afford anymore upgrades so I'm hoping to gain the most performance for my buck here.

So looking at my system specs, with $350 to spend and my build, what would you do?

My pc is used mostly for gaming on games like BF3, WoW, Diablo III, League of Legends.

Here are a few ideas I'd been kicking around...

Was looking at buying this cpu/mobo and cpu cooler for a total of $314
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0388577
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0387554
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0373900

Or perhaps going for a gpu upgrade, but then I'm not really sure what I could even get away with without my cpu bottlenecking or also having to upgrade my psu. If its not to obvious I'm not exactly a computer guru like most people on this site, but I'm learning. :laugh:

Jimmy2k9 · Jul 28, 2012

How much of a difference would I notice upgrading from a 6850 to this 7850?
XFX Double D FX-785A-CDFC Radeon HD 7850 2GB 256-b...

Fatal1ty39 · Jul 28, 2012

i recommend getting the hd7870 since it went down in price
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007709%20600286767%20600298540&IsNodeId=1&name=Radeon%20HD%207870%20GHz%20Edition

Jimmy2k9 · Jul 28, 2012

Fatal1ty39 said:
i recommend getting the hd7870 since it went down in price
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007709%20600286767%20600298540&IsNodeId=1&name=Radeon%20HD%207870%20GHz%20Edition

Do you think I'd need to upgrade my psu also in order to run that card?

lindy · Jul 28, 2012

How about a nice SSD? The biggest bottleneck in overall system performance is the amount of time it takes to pull data from the HDD... Just a thought.

Fatal1ty39 · Jul 28, 2012

minimum for the hd7870 is 500watt http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/7000/7870/pages/radeon-7870.aspx#2

Crap Daddy · Jul 28, 2012

Jimmy2k9 said:
Do you think I'd need to upgrade my psu also in order to run that card?

No. But I would stick with going the Ivy Bridge upgrade route. All the games you listed benefit from a faster/better CPU (BF3 especially for multiplayer) while the 6850 is still coping well with most of the games (again BF3 needs some settings lowered but you already know that).

Now the 3570K performs about 2x better than what you have in about everything so I say it's and affordable great upgrade to your whole PC enjoyment. As for a new card, wait a little longer the GTX660Ti is around the corner, 660 also probably in a few months prices will come further down. I switched from an E8400 to a 2500K with the same GTX275 (a card that's comparable with what you have) and had very noticeable jump in framerates and smoothness in many games.

OnePostWonder · Jul 29, 2012

I agree with others in that you should upgrade your CPU and mobo. It's a better option for the long run.

You could buy a PSU, which would be an even better long run option. The PSU you have now is decent for what it is, but you'll be put in the position of needing to upgrade in the near future. It also might convenience you to go with a modular design, which would benefit your rig as far as airflow and aesthetics is concerned. There really are some fantastic PSUs out there right now that offer high efficiency across various loads and implement a modular design; that said, don't splurge a large portion of your $350 on it. Buy a decent PSU, but don't go overboard (though I doubt I need to tell you this

).

Anyway, take into account the advice given here, but ultimately make a decision that suits you!

MxPhenom 216 · Jul 29, 2012

I would definitely do the CPU upgrade route. no need to upgrade form the 6850 right now.

Jimmy2k9 · Jul 29, 2012

Ok so I'm going to go ahead and go the CPU/Mobo upgrade route.

How about my selection, the i5 3570k and ASrock Z77 Extreme4. Right now at Microcenter in-store I can get that combo for $282, leaving me with enough left over for a CPU cooler (being as everyone hates stock intel HS's). For that I had my eye on the CM Hyper 212 evo.

Are these all pretty solid choices or could I do better within my $350 budget? I say the budget is $350, but I'll take a lot less heat from the wife the less I spend. :laugh:

xxdozer322 · Jul 29, 2012

WOW, sooo trippy i was actually gonna buy the EXACT same things from the exact same place yesterday...my friend lagged on selling me his i7, and this was next up on the block.

Jimmy2k9 · Jul 29, 2012

xxdozer322 said:
WOW, sooo trippy i was actually gonna buy the EXACT same things from the exact same place yesterday...my friend lagged on selling me his i7, and this was next up on the block.

So you didn't end up getting them?

Crap Daddy · Jul 29, 2012

Jimmy2k9 said:
Ok so I'm going to go ahead and go the CPU/Mobo upgrade route.

How about my selection, the i5 3570k and ASrock Z77 Extreme4. Right now at Microcenter in-store I can get that combo for $282, leaving me with enough left over for a CPU cooler (being as everyone hates stock intel HS's). For that I had my eye on the CM Hyper 212 evo.

Are these all pretty solid choices or could I do better within my $350 budget? I say the budget is $350, but I'll take a lot less heat from the wife the less I spend.

Everything is good. You can get the Hyper 212 plus which is maybe 10$ cheaper and does about the same job. Otherwise the prices are fantastic.

xxdozer322 · Jul 29, 2012

Jimmy2k9 said:
So you didn't end up getting them?

nope, i spent my money on a nice watch and clothes.

Rowsol · Jul 30, 2012

I'd get an SSD and maybe some new peripherals? Not sure what kinda stuff you have.

Jimmy2k9 · Jul 30, 2012

Rowsol said:
I'd get an SSD and maybe some new peripherals? Not sure what kinda stuff you have.

Keyboard is a Logitech G510, mouse is a Logitech G9x.

Getting an SSD is certainly on my to get list, hopefully that will be my next upgrade following the cpu/mobo upgrade.

brandonwh64 · Jul 30, 2012

I would go with the microcenter deal and then a gtx 670 or 7950

Nordic · Jul 30, 2012

I would upgrade the gpu last because of the games you play, with the exception of bf3. The cpu/mb was a good choice. Ssd's are getting cheaper every month. Soon I will hopefully be getting one myself.

brandonwh64 · Aug 13, 2012

I seen on facebook that you got your build complete, POST PICTURES!

Jimmy2k9 · Aug 13, 2012

brandonwh64 said:
I seen on facebook that you got your build complete, POST PICTURES!

Nearly impossible to manage my cables with this psu/case lol. I posted my old mobo/cpu in the trade section (http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showthread.php?t=170293) in hopes of scoring a better psu, then hopefully in the next few weeks I can score a new case, as I'm not very happy with my current one. Though airflow doesn't seem to be a big issue really, as my cpu idle temps are around 29ºc and around 45ºc while playing BF3 at 1920x1080 on high settings. My GPU never gets very hot either with the fan at 80% and the PCI slot cooler on it. But... It it looks like crap. :banghead:

Oh and my gpu decided it wants to sag at the end for some reason? Blarg.

Jimmy2k9 · Aug 13, 2012

Oh yeah and this is what I ended up getting btw, lol.

Omar24Kobe · Aug 13, 2012

Nice Upgrade Mate

Jimmy2k9 · Sep 8, 2012

Added this about a week ago.

INSTG8R · Sep 8, 2012

A fine upgrade! and here you were just planning to "stretch" your old rig. Bang! "On Top" with all new tech.

You might want to update your FS thread or if it's sold ask a mod to lock it.

System Name	Enforcer
Processor	i5 3570k
Motherboard	ASrock Z77 Extreme4
Cooling	Cooler Master Hyper 212 evo
Memory	8gb G.skill Ripjaws X 1600
Video Card(s)	EVGA SC GTX 780 3gb
Storage	Samsung 840 Evo 250gb SSD, Seagate Barracuda 1TB
Display(s)	Asus VH226h 21.5" LCD (1920x1080)
Case	CM Storm Enforcer
Power Supply	Rosewill Hive 750w
Mouse	Logitech G9x
Keyboard	Corsair k70
Software	Windows 7 home premium 64-bit sp1

System Name	Enforcer
Processor	i5 3570k
Motherboard	ASrock Z77 Extreme4
Cooling	Cooler Master Hyper 212 evo
Memory	8gb G.skill Ripjaws X 1600
Video Card(s)	EVGA SC GTX 780 3gb
Storage	Samsung 840 Evo 250gb SSD, Seagate Barracuda 1TB
Display(s)	Asus VH226h 21.5" LCD (1920x1080)
Case	CM Storm Enforcer
Power Supply	Rosewill Hive 750w
Mouse	Logitech G9x
Keyboard	Corsair k70
Software	Windows 7 home premium 64-bit sp1

System Name	AMD
Processor	AMD FX-8350 stock
Motherboard	Asus M5A99FX R2.0
Cooling	Noctua u12p se2
Memory	Kingston HyperX 8Gb 1600mhz
Video Card(s)	MSI GTX 760 4GB
Storage	Seagate 1TB
Display(s)	Packard Bell 22
Case	Coolermaster CM690 III
Audio Device(s)	Realtek® ALC892
Power Supply	OCZ ZS550W

System Name	Enforcer
Processor	i5 3570k
Motherboard	ASrock Z77 Extreme4
Cooling	Cooler Master Hyper 212 evo
Memory	8gb G.skill Ripjaws X 1600
Video Card(s)	EVGA SC GTX 780 3gb
Storage	Samsung 840 Evo 250gb SSD, Seagate Barracuda 1TB
Display(s)	Asus VH226h 21.5" LCD (1920x1080)
Case	CM Storm Enforcer
Power Supply	Rosewill Hive 750w
Mouse	Logitech G9x
Keyboard	Corsair k70
Software	Windows 7 home premium 64-bit sp1

System Name	Infernal Contraption
Processor	AMD FX 8150
Motherboard	Gigabyte 990XA-UD3
Cooling	Antec Kuhler H20 620
Memory	16 gig. Corsair Vengance DDR3 1600 LP
Video Card(s)	Galaxy/Nvidia GTX 560 2gb
Storage	OCZ 60g. SSD/Seagate 2Tb. 7200rpm
Display(s)	Asus
Case	Lian Li PC-60FN
Audio Device(s)	Onboard HD
Power Supply	Seasonic X750
Software	Win. 7 Ult. 64/ SUSE 12.1 64

What should my next upgrade be?

Jimmy2k9

Jimmy2k9

Fatal1ty39

Jimmy2k9

lindy

New Member

Fatal1ty39

Crap Daddy

OnePostWonder

MxPhenom 216

ASIC Engineer

Jimmy2k9

xxdozer322

Jimmy2k9

Crap Daddy

xxdozer322

Rowsol

Jimmy2k9

brandonwh64

Addicted to Bacon and StarCrunches!!!

Nordic

brandonwh64

Addicted to Bacon and StarCrunches!!!

Jimmy2k9

Jimmy2k9

Omar24Kobe

New Member

Jimmy2k9

INSTG8R

Vanguard Beta Tester

System Name	Old Fart / Young Dude
Processor	2500K / 6600K
Motherboard	ASRock P67Extreme4 / Gigabyte GA-Z170-HD3 DDR3
Cooling	CM Hyper TX3 / CM Hyper 212 EVO
Memory	16 GB Kingston HyperX / 16 GB G.Skill Ripjaws X
Video Card(s)	Gigabyte GTX 1050 Ti / INNO3D RTX 2060
Storage	SSD, some WD and lots of Samsungs
Display(s)	BenQ GW2470 / LG UHD 43" TV
Case	Cooler Master CM690 II Advanced / Thermaltake Core v31
Audio Device(s)	Asus Xonar D1/Denon PMA500AE/Wharfedale D 10.1/ FiiO D03K/ JBL LSR 305
Power Supply	Corsair TX650 / Corsair TX650M
Mouse	Steelseries Rival 100 / Rival 110
Keyboard	Sidewinder/ Steelseries Apex 150
Software	Windows 10 / Windows 10 Pro

System Name	PC
Processor	i5 2500k
Motherboard	P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3
Cooling	Fans
Memory	DDR3-1600 (8GB)
Video Card(s)	Sapphire Nitro+ RX 580
Storage	HD103SJ
Display(s)	XG2402
Case	Xigmatek Midgard II
Power Supply	PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750W

System Name	Ryzen Reflection
Processor	AMD Ryzen 9 5900x
Motherboard	Gigabyte X570S Aorus Master
Cooling	2x EK PE360 \| TechN AM4 AMD Block Black \| EK Quantum Vector Trinity GPU Nickel + Plexi
Memory	Teamgroup T-Force Xtreem 2x16GB B-Die 3600 @ 14-14-14-28-42-288-2T 1.45v
Video Card(s)	Zotac AMP HoloBlack RTX 3080Ti 12G \| 950mV 1950Mhz
Storage	WD SN850 500GB (OS) \| Samsung 980 Pro 1TB (Games_1) \| Samsung 970 Evo 1TB (Games_2)
Display(s)	Asus XG27AQM 240Hz G-Sync Fast-IPS \| Gigabyte M27Q-P 165Hz 1440P IPS \| Asus 24" IPS (portrait mode)
Case	Lian Li PC-011D XL \| Custom cables by Cablemodz
Audio Device(s)	FiiO K7 \| Sennheiser HD650 + Beyerdynamic FOX Mic
Power Supply	Seasonic Prime Ultra Platinum 850
Mouse	Razer Viper v2 Pro
Keyboard	Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition
Software	Windows 11 Pro 64-Bit

System Name	Mobydick
Processor	Intel i7 2600k @ 4.4
Motherboard	MSI M Power
Cooling	CM TPC 812
Memory	patriot 8gb x 2
Video Card(s)	EVGA GTX 970
Storage	Kingston hyper x 3k 120ssd,Samsung 256ssd, seagate 750gb green
Display(s)	Benq XL2720Z
Case	Haf X
Audio Device(s)	creative soundblast xz
Power Supply	EVGA G2 850w
Mouse	deathadder chroma
Keyboard	logitech g710
Software	Windows 7 64bit

System Name	Better than before
Processor	10400
Motherboard	B460 Pro4
Cooling	Id-Cooling 224
Memory	16 GB
Video Card(s)	1650 Super
Storage	Swordfish 500 GB
Display(s)	AOC G2
Case	Coolermaster Ammo 533
Audio Device(s)	Micca MB42X
Power Supply	Pure Power 11
Mouse	G403
Keyboard	Sidewinder x4
Software	Windows 10 (ugh)

Processor	7800x3d
Motherboard	Gigabyte B650 Auros Elite AX
Cooling	Custom Water
Memory	GSKILL 2x16gb 6000mhz Cas 30 with custom timings
Video Card(s)	MSI RX 6750 XT MECH 2X 12G OC
Storage	Adata SX8200 1tb with Windows, Samsung 990 Pro 2tb with games
Display(s)	HP Omen 27q QHD 165hz
Case	ThermalTake P3
Power Supply	SuperFlower Leadex Titanium
Software	Windows 11 64 Bit
Benchmark Scores	CB23: 1811 / 19424 CB24: 1136 / 7687

System Name	Kobe's System
Processor	Intel Core I7 SandyBridge 3820 ... OC @ 4.3
Motherboard	GIGABYTE X79-UD3
Cooling	CoolerMaster X6
Memory	Corsair Vengeance (4x4)16G DDR3 Bus 1600 @ 9.9.9-24
Video Card(s)	AMD Sapphire HD 7970 ... OC @1100/1560
Storage	ADATA XPG SX900 120G + WD Green 500G
Display(s)	AOC 24 inch
Case	CoolerMaster HAF-X 942
Power Supply	Everest 80Plus 1010W
Software	Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit
Benchmark Scores	3D Mark Vantage (P34346) GPU:37040 - CPU:28181 3D Mark11 (P9595)

System Name	Hellbox 5.1(same case new guts)
Processor	Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Motherboard	MSI X570S MAG Torpedo Max
Cooling	TT Kandalf L.C.S.(Water/Air)EK Velocity CPU Block/Noctua EK Quantum DDC Pump/Res
Memory	2x16GB Gskill Trident Neo Z 3600 CL16
Video Card(s)	Powercolor Hellhound 7900XTX
Storage	970 Evo Plus 500GB 2xSamsung 850 Evo 500GB RAID 0 1TB WD Blue Corsair MP600 Core 2TB
Display(s)	Alienware QD-OLED 34” 3440x1440 144hz 10Bit VESA HDR 400
Case	TT Kandalf L.C.S.
Audio Device(s)	Soundblaster ZX/Logitech Z906 5.1
Power Supply	Seasonic TX~’850 Platinum
Mouse	G502 Hero
Keyboard	G19s
VR HMD	Oculus Quest 2
Software	Win 10 Pro x64