Upgrading my Rig - Need help on decisions

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Dalef11

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Apr 22, 2013
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Hi guys, here is my spec at the moment:

A6-5400k Processor with integrated AMD Radeon HD 7540D
F2A55M-DS2 Motherboard
HD 6670 Graphics Card (override the use of 7540D)
8gb Ram
1terrobyte HDD.
Templar Case (Micro ATX form factor)
500w PSU


My birthday is coming very soon and I want to upgrade my computer quite a lot for gaming. I have previously done a thread for this, however circumstances have changed. My girlfriend has stated she is willing to buy me the I5 - 3570K and a decent/good motherboard.

I am struggling on the motherboard as it has to be Micro ATX form factor. I know my GPU isn't the best but i'll get extra money from my birthday hopefully and maybe go for the 7770 with an upgraded PSU as it doesn't have a power connector.

Anyway, what Micro ATX motherboard for I5 - 3570K would you recommend?

I play mostly World of Warcraft and Guild Wars 2. Mainly CPU intensive games.

Thanks a lot.
 
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tiny voices

tiny voices

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Sep 6, 2012
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For gaming, you need a better GPU. Upgrading your CPU won't really improve much at all. I would get a better GPU before worrying about the CPU at all. Your CPU isn't the best, but a better GPU will get you the best results.

You might could upgrade to the fx-6300, am3+ motherboard, and an hd7770.
 
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Dalef11

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Apr 22, 2013
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As stated in my post though I should get extra money from my birthday and also upgrade my GPU mate :) I want to get the upgrade of my CPU and mobo done first, and the i5 -3570k is a very good choice, I just can't find a decent Micro ATX Mobo.



 
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tiny voices

tiny voices

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Sep 6, 2012
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Look at getting an i5 3470 and an h77 motherboard. There are many really good h77 mATX board. You won't see improvement really with just a CPU upgrade. FPS and game settings won't change, it will just make your system able to accept a better GPU in the long run.
 
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Onus

Onus

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Jan 27, 2006
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For a "500W" PSU to not even have a PCIe power connector suggests it is the cheapest of Chinese junk, and dangerous to attached components. I'd be surprised if it is good for more than 300W cleanly. I'd move that to the top of your priority list because it would be a shame for it to kill your new parts. A PSU actually capable of 500W would be a comfortable size, although even the 380W Antec Earthwatts will run your upgraded rig with a HD7770 without breaking a sweat.
How interested are you in overclocking? Unless you are, I agree with Tiny Voices' CPU/mobo suggestions. I will disagree slightly with him about the effects of a stronger CPU in GW2; even if you are playing on lowered settings due to your weak graphics card, you will see smoother performance in that game with a more powerful CPU.
If you want to overclock, then you'll probably want a CPU cooler. I've had good results with the Xigmatek Gaia. It is frequently available at reduced prices, typically as low as $20; right now I don't think it is though. It cools within 1C but is 6db quieter (per Frostytech reviews) than the CM Hyper212 EVO.
If there is a Microcenter near you, they have very good CPU+mobo combo deals, but they're in-store only.
If you reduce the cost of your CPU/mobo, perhaps you'll be able to get a stronger graphics card than the HD7770. The GTX650Ti Boost is around $160 and will run on the 380W Earthwatts.
 
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Dalef11

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Apr 22, 2013
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Awesome thanks for the reply, well I brought it already made from ViBox if you've ever heard of it and that was the PSU provided. I was honestly such a noob with computers but since making such a mistake I've started to learn quite a lot about computers. Now you've said that, I will get my girlfriend to get me the i5 -3570k as I've decided I really want this CPU, any suggested mobos? Also, can you link me to some decent PSUs? My girlfriend will get me the i5 - 3570k and the Mobo and I'll get the PSU and GPU. That sounds great, now suggestions on the Mobo, PSU and GPU? I'm thinking the 7770 as GPU.

Thanks a lot, much appreciated.



 
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tiny voices

tiny voices

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Sep 6, 2012
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You really want a better GPU if you want to play on more then medium settings. I would get an fx-6300 and an am3+ motherboard from your girlfriend. This will save money so she can also get you the PSU. Then you will have more money for the GPU. This will result in a better gaming experience.
 
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Dalef11

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Apr 22, 2013
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Well I play on more than medium settings at the moment 'Good' and that's with my rather rubbish rig now which is also dual core.. Money isn't really a problem in this situation because I've always said I want to upgrade my computer from the day I get it.. so I want to go for the I5-3570k, i'll look at decent GPUs too as she'll get me the CPU and Mobo.. A PSU is important too now



 
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tiny voices

tiny voices

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Sep 6, 2012
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I understand your want for the the 3570k, but you need to understand that it isn't going to be a huge factor in game performance. If your girlfriend is going to get it, then so be it. The ASRock EXTREME4 z77 is a really good motherboard. Just to put things into perspective, I use an i3 and a 7870 and I do not bottleneck.

IF you want to max games look at the hd7870. especially the XT/LE/MYST editions
 
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Dalef11

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Apr 22, 2013
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Thank you for the replies, it's helping :)

I'll stick with the 3570k as my girlfriend is buying it for a birthday present anyway so :) I'll look at that mobo. Also, at the GPUs too. Any PSUs you can recommend mate?

Thanks.



 
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Onus

Onus

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^Yes, those are the better brands, across all their lines (with the possible exception of the Corsair "Builder," but it's only a notch or two down, not junk). A lot of PC Power & Cooling units are also made by Seasonic.
For the graphics card, I think the GTX650Ti Boost or slightly weaker HD7850 would be good choices without spending too much, and a HD7870 if your budget is more relaxed.
 
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