Upgrading my Gaming Rig for $800

solidshadow

Honorable
May 22, 2013
2
0
10,510
Approx purchase date: July 2013
Budget: $800
System usage: gaming
Monitor: no
Parts to upgrade: cpu, gpu, ram, mobo, case
OS: no
Perferred website for parts: newegg but open to trusted vendors
Parts preference: Intel and Nvdia unless there is a compelling arguement for AMD and ATI
Overclocking: maybe, (should I?)
SLI: No? Correct me if I'm wrong but it's not possible/recommended to have an older card paired up with a newer one. For example: linking a GTX460 in SLI with a GTX660.
Monitor Resolution: 1900x1200
Why Upgrade: I am getting low framerates while playing F1 2012 at high resolutions but would like to keep the video settings high.
Comments: I built a PC back in 2009 that can play most games well and am hesitant to scrap them. I'd also like to have the option of good performance on 2-3 montiors as well.


My current setup:

Intel Core i5-750 link
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 link
GTX 460 (Fermi) 768MB 192-bit link
LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard link
CORSAIR TX Series CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V link

I've got the rest of the basics covered (optical drives, HDD, monitor). I think I can keep the PSU and add some more RAM. My questions for TH:
1. Given my setup how/what would you upgrade?
2. I plan on making upgrades every four years. What GPU should I buy? I read you can connect older ATI cards in crossfire; should I be leaning towards ATI? Or will four year old cards be so obsolete that I would be better off just replacing it?
 
Solution
To help clarify your options, run these two tests:

a) Run your games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 50%.
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.


Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
set to 50% and see how you do.


If your FPS drops significantly, it is an indicator that your cpu is the limiting factor, and a cpu upgrade...
To help clarify your options, run these two tests:

a) Run your games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 50%.
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.


Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
set to 50% and see how you do.


If your FPS drops significantly, it is an indicator that your cpu is the limiting factor, and a cpu upgrade is in order.

It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system, and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS.

Now, your GTX460 is a fine card. If you upgrade, I would sell it and replace it with a single stronger card like a GTX670. With the upcoming GTX770, you might find that within your budget.

If you will upgrade your cpu, I would wait a week for haswell and look for a i5-4670K @$230 or so, and a Z87 chipset motherboard.
 
Solution