Looking to upgrade graphics on a ~9 year old gaming computer. Worth it/possible?

[gca3034]

My son has taken an interest to recording and possibly streaming gameplay videos in Minecraft and League of Legends.

My current setup is:

Asus CM6850
Processor: i7 2600
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GT530
Motherboard: P8H67-M PRO motherboard
PCI Slots:
1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (blue)
1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x4 mode, black)
2 x PCI
Asus Website: https://www.asus.com/my/Tower-PCs/Essentio_CM6850/specifications/

I'm able to play the games I like (SC2, TFT, LoL) on low/medium low graphics just fine. Performance matters to me more than graphics so it doesn't bother me. However, trying to record with software like OBS causes a ton of frame loss and general performance issues. I know this setup isn't acceptable for modern recording/streaming, or playing newer games.

From what I've read about the motherboard (and one of the reasons I bought it years ago) is that it's has the open slots for upgrades.

I was originally looking to use one of the new NVIDIA cards because of its integration with OBS. I'm not sure what to look for in terms of getting it power, and it looks like my PSU (which I believe is rated at 350W) can't support it. It also may be too big to fit over other components (it's 3in. longer than the current one).

The motherboard also promotes crossfire support. I'm not sure if this is still relevant, or if multi-card setups are viable/worth it. It seems like the best option upgrading on this motherboard.

I would like to stick to an upgrade budget of <$500. Is this possible?

 

[eidairaman1]

Typically its white lists, thermals and power supply output that limit you to what you have...

 

[ERazer]

most don't realize when streaming you have to have good bandwidth for decent 720p stream, just 2 cent

with the rig either option will take performance hit, 2600 is not good enough unless you use it for 2 pc stream

personally, no stream just record - upgrade to ssd and get 1060 card for 1080p setup.

 

[gca3034]

most don't realize when streaming you have to have good bandwidth for decent 720p stream, just 2 cent

with the rig either option will take performance hit, 2600 is not good enough unless you use it for 2 pc stream

personally, no stream just record - upgrade to ssd and get 1060 card for 1080p setup.

I have enough bandwidth to stream, but if the processor can't handle it that's ok for now. I'm more interested in recording.

Is it advisable to add the new card onto the second slot, and leave the original card in, or just replace the old card?

 

[ERazer]

I have enough bandwidth to stream, but if the processor can't handle it that's ok for now. I'm more interested in recording.

Is it advisable to add the new card onto the second slot, and leave the original card in, or just replace the old card?

Replace the old one, make sure the PSU has a PCIe connector to power the GPU if not 1050ti is good option. Really dont wanna invest more than that with that rig save your cash.

get ssd if you dont have one, run games on ssd and record on hdd

 

[birdie]

It's absolutely worth it. GTX 1650 SUPER/1660/1660 SUPER will be a good choice for you.

Anything above might be a waste of money as games will be bottlenecked by your CPU.

 

[hat]

You sure can. I do it all the time with an overclocked 2600k (so not too far from yours).

With a decent GPU like a 1660 SUPER (seems like the best buy right now in this price range) you can run a game and steam using NVENC. Using NVENC, CPU load from streaming is minimal. The GPU handles it instead, and it does so fairly efficiently. No, it's not as great as the best possible solution, but it works well and for a reasonable price. Quality and performance will both be acceptable.

 

[Caring1]

Invest in a decent Power Supply now, it can always be used in a new system later.