Upgrading Computer (No clue where to start)

[joeyryot]

I know only the basics on upgrading my computer so please any advice helps. When i got this computer about 6 or 7 years ago i was told it was a "gaming computer" but never used it as one. I'm trying to upgrade it to be able to use as my dedicated gaming console instead of buying a ps4 or xbox one. I don't really care to run a high graphics or anything I'm just looking to enjoy games like Mortal Kombat X, GTA5, and Fallout 4 on medium settings. My specs are as follows:

Motherboard: Gigabyte Tech x48-dq6
CPU: Intel Core Extreme x9770 @3.20 ghz
Ram: 4GB
Graphics card: Nvidia GeForce GT730
Power Supply: ATX CP-G980
Case: Cooler Master HAF 932

The graphics card is the only upgrade I have done is replaced the graphics card. I did a little research and found out that this graphics card was cheap but a good enough card to do what is needed. (whether thats true or not i dont know). it seems to have helped mortal kombat x wouldn't even open after install and now it is playable but it only runs at an average of about 15 fps.

As stated before i am a total beginner at this so any help is much appreciated.

What do i need to upgrade?
Suggestions on what to buy that isn't very expensive?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Toothless]

Soooo like a real brand name PSU, double the ram amount and a GTX960 would work unless you want a full updated rig.

 

[joeyryot]

Thank you for the quick response. Is it that bad where i should just start from scratch and build a new one?

 

[Toothless]

Well your goodies are a tad aged. I mean you could get another year out of it but it would be best to have (some) of the guys here pick out parts. I could give it a go on a list but apparently I can't make part lists.

Oh we need a budget.

 

[joeyryot]

well Playstation 4s and Xbox ones run around $300.00 so theoretically id like to stay around there but i could probably go up to $400.00 if i had to.

 

[Caring1]

You could continue to use that old system by overclocking the CPU, upgrading the GPU and installing more Ram.
If you are running the CPU at stock clocks of 3.2GHz you should be able to get that up close to 4.0GHz.

 

[joeyryot]

I've thought about that also but to be honest i have never done it before and don't know how i would even go about doing so

 

[Caring1]

I've thought about that also but to be honest i have never done it before and don't know how i would even go about doing so

There's a basic guide here to start with.
http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/a-beginners-guide-to-overclocking.22916/

 

[Toothless]

well Playstation 4s and Xbox ones run around $300.00 so theoretically id like to stay around there but i could probably go up to $400.00 if i had to.

K but you won't get a huge PC upgrade for just $400. Computers were not made just for gaming; they are processing machines that came around to being used for games. It'll sure last you longer than a console if invested correctly but if you keep putting in small upgrades here and there then you'll just waste cash.

You can get another year or so out of that rig if you get a memory and GPU bump, but because of how old everything else is you'll just let it become a sinkhole for money.

 

[joeyryot]

ok maybe for the time being ill just try the overclock then maybe fork out the real cash in a year or so. thanks for your help guys i appreciate it!

 

[Fourstaff]

Power supply, the graphics card and RAM. That will give you a decent upgrade for under $300. Stick with name-brand power supply, Corsair is one of the more popular ones. Processor while old is still serviceable.

 

[bonehead123]

Well, just for reference puposes, I built the rig in my spec list for around $700 in Feb (prices have come down a bit since then though), but I already had the Case, CPU cooler, and GPU...... just sayin

 

[wolar]

I think you should not get ram,gpu or psu. Your PC is outdated and if you plan on getting a new one in 1-2 years you will most likely get new GPU and DDR4 so buying now those parts is a waste of money.

 

[a_ump]

Guys, if you google the PSU, its a Cool Power Gaming 980watt PSU, even if that brand isn't great it'll be plenty for any $300 upgrade.

@OP, overclocking on the old C2Q/C2D cpu architecture is fairly simple and fun as long as you follow some guides. It also is rewarding bc you gain experience and free performance, Though you would want an aftermarket CPU cooler. You could browse the ForSale(FS) forum here and find some generally very good deals for a GPU, memory, and HeatsinkFan upgrade. otherwise this is what would grab new.

@$300
EVGA GTX 950 2GB$130
or
AMD R9 380 2GB$190
8GB DDR2 800(4x2GB Modules)$55
CM Hyper EVO 212$30
Arctic MX-4 Paste$8

Obviously if you want to budget more to 400 you should put it into the GPU IMO. Speaking of, the AMD RX 480(new $200 card) is set to be released at the end of this month(June). I'm personally going to wait since its only a couple weeks. If you do and can grab one before they sell out you'll be one happy camper. BTW this upgrade should increase performance 3-5x your current. GT 730 barely game.

 

[Frick]

I think you should not get ram,gpu or psu. Your PC is outdated and if you plan on getting a new one in 1-2 years you will most likely get new GPU and DDR4 so buying now those parts is a waste of money.

1-2 years is a long time. RAM is dirt cheap, a decent PSU lasts through the next build and a $200ish GPU will make a titanic difference. That CPU is still pretty kickass, and overclockable.

 

[basco]

mortal kombat has probs with fps on pc since beginning.
and i hope the gt730 is not the fake ones from ebay!
send the 730 back and get faster graphiccard.
only buy used hardware-there should be a lot cheap-dont put 300.- in this machine.
cpu and mainboard are still good for today


but you could try disable vsync in nvidia driver settings.

 

[Toothless]

mortal kombat has probs with fps on pc since beginning.
and i hope the gt730 is not the fake ones from ebay!
send the 730 back and get faster graphiccard.
only buy used hardware-there should be a lot cheap-dont put 300.- in this machine.
cpu and mainboard are still good for today


but you could try disable vsync in nvidia driver settings.

A GT730 is a joke. You think that POS that OP got back in 2013 can be returned? At this point it doesn't even matter if it's real or fake.

 

[P4-630]

but you could try disable vsync in nvidia driver settings.

You think your games run above 60fps with a GT730?

 

[basco]

no but he could gain couple of frames for smoother play?
maybe he bought it of ebay and can return it.

 

[P4-630]

no but he could gain couple of frames for smoother play?

afaik it doesn't matter if vsync is on or off when your fps are already below 60fps anyway.

 

[Toothless]

no but he could gain couple of frames for smoother play?
maybe he bought it of ebay and can return it.

As if that ebay seller wants it back after three years.

EDIT: 6-7 years old says the OP. Should tell you something.

 

[Tony_A20]

To be blunt, your system is too old. It would be better to start anew.

I recommend building a new custom system to meet your present and future needs. A good place to start is:
[URL]https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/[/url] . It will give you an idea of what components are available, their suggested price and combined system price, as well as component compatibility. Click on "Start a System Build" to use the flexible build planning tool.

 

[joeyryot]

Sorry haven't had time to get on here as of late. Thank you guys for all of the input. I appreciate it. I truly didn't know it was as dated as it is. I will mess with overclocking it a little and see how far I can get it but currently I am selling a big part of my video game collection to help fund a new build. I took your advice and also have been doing some looking on my own at some builds on YouTube. Hopefully in a few months I'll have things lined out to start buying and building from scratch. Thanks again

 

[Frick]

A GT730 is a joke. You think that POS that OP got back in 2013 can be returned? At this point it doesn't even matter if it's real or fake.

If it's the GDDR5 version it's actually surprisingly capable.

@joeyryot A new GPU and more RAM will still be a massive upgrade. Or find a good deal on a used GPU.

 

[SithLord]

for casual gaming your gpu should do fine if you use lower settings as you said you were going to, i would aim for at least 8gb of ram (again for casual gaming this will be fine), your mobo supports ddr2, this you might want to take to at least ddr3 which would mean you would need a new mobo + cpu + ram. the power supply is 980 watts (over-kill for sure) but it does have over voltage, over current, and under voltage protection, so you *can* keep it to save yourself a few bucks (however i can not recommend it) . dont overclock unless you have an after market cooler or you run the risk of burning out your cpu. My advice, get a ddr3 - 1600mhz capable motherboard with 8gb of 1600mhz ram and a cpu. AMD would be cheaper and you could prob do it for around $300 (albeit, this will NOT be a future proof system, and will become outdated quickly). if you can get your hands on a cheap 128gb ssd for a boot disc you will also see a huge upgrade.

after all is said and done, if you can wait and save for a new system, do it. a skylake system (6600/6600k or 6700/6700k are some good chips) with a z170 mobo and ddr4 ram will do you for years