Upgrading my Pc, but trying to keep it within a budget.

pinoyguyben

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Mar 31, 2013
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Hello again guys, I'm in the process of upgrading my old rig, my specs are currently: AMD 2.2 GHz Dual Core, 9600 GT IGB DDR3, 2.0 GB DDR2, and my motherboard is a Geforce 6100SMv1.0.
I'm mostly concerned about my GPU and my CPU at the moment. Which comes to my first question; Is my Gpu more in need of an upgrade, or is cpu more in need. Or is it something else.


 
Solution
If you live near a Microcenter, they have the best deals. They usually have the A10 5800k for around $120 with a $40 credit towards a new motherboard. Problem is, that is only for in store pickup. If not, I would suggest Newegg or Amazon.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/jtSB
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/jtSB/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/jtSB/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus F2A55-M LK PLUS Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($58.50 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($47.98 @ Amazon)
Total: $226.96
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by...

Kraszmyl

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Apr 7, 2011
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Frankly pretty much all of that needs replacement. However due to the age you'll only really be able to replace the gpu easily or cost effectively. So id replace the gpu first if you're on tight budget since that will be something you can see now and save up to replace the rest.
 

JD88

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Feb 25, 2013
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I agree with Kraszmyl. That is a very old machine and putting any money into upgrading it would be a mistake. I would suggest looking at an entirely new system. If you have a budget in mind, we can suggest one for you. Also, I assume gaming is the primary use? What games are you trying to play?
 

pinoyguyben

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Mar 31, 2013
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I figured as much, replacing the entire rig at the moment is something I'm trying to avoid, however if i were to upgrade my GPU what would you reccomend, keeping the card value at a budget of 80$, also is replacing the CPU possible still or am I stuck with it?
Also to awnser JD im mostly trying to play Stalker CoP, source games, and Natural Selection 2, at better framrates. I don't mind having to play at lower settings.
 

JD88

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Feb 25, 2013
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After looking specs for your motherboard, there aren't really any CPU upgrade options available because you are limited to socket AM2.

Graphically, I would suggest maybe a Radeon 7750 but it is going to be pretty badly bottle necked by that old CPU.

My suggestion to you would be to save up some more money and get an AMD APU rig with an A10 for around $200 by salvaging your current case, PSU, and hard drive. That basically gets you a CPU, Ram, and graphics upgrade at the cost of a CPU upgrade.



 

pinoyguyben

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Mar 31, 2013
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I just might take you up on your suggestion! Know a good place to pick up an AMD APU?
 

JD88

Honorable
Feb 25, 2013
1,424
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11,660
If you live near a Microcenter, they have the best deals. They usually have the A10 5800k for around $120 with a $40 credit towards a new motherboard. Problem is, that is only for in store pickup. If not, I would suggest Newegg or Amazon.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/jtSB
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/jtSB/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/jtSB/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus F2A55-M LK PLUS Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($58.50 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($47.98 @ Amazon)
Total: $226.96
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-01 18:23 EDT-0400)

You can cut the RAM down to 4GB to get it closer to $200 if you like. The APUs typically run best when used with plenty of fast RAM which is why I selected 8GB of the 1866.
 
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