Upgrading build with money from new job. Need advice!

iSpecialTime

Honorable
Dec 10, 2012
99
0
10,640
Firstly, here's my current build. Not all price figures are accurate.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/TYV5

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($249.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital RE4 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($97.13 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($289.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($159.99 @ NCIX US)
Keyboard: Razer Anansi Wired Gaming Keyboard ($85.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Razer Abyssus Mirror Special Edition Wired Optical Mouse ($34.99 @ Best Buy)
Speakers: Logitech Z313 25W 2.1ch Speakers ($34.95 @ Amazon)
Other: SSD: Intel x25-m 160GB SATAII ($87.00)
Total: $1391.95
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-16 22:11 EDT-0400)

Now, I've recently obtained a full time (44hr/week) position making about 14$ an hour. I'll keep this job all summer and probably switch to part-time once my 4th semester of college starts.

I'm planning on devoting about 2k of the money I'll be making to this build, and upgrading it where it would be best.

What I was thinking is that certain upgrades warrant other upgrades.

For example, if I upgrade my video card to something substantial (GeForce GTX 780) I would also consider buying a 1440p monitor (and thus there goes most of my budget.)

I could also go for a 3 monitor setup, since I do more productivity tasks than gaming.

Also, If I wanted to upgrade my cpu cooler to something better, (like a higher end closed loop system, I really don't wanna dabble in the custom loop relm) I would have to upgrade my case to something that allows for large radiators. it would be something with good cable management as well, as the case i have now is complete garbage. I would also need a windowed case, as I LOVE showing off my parts. :)

Another area would be my motherboard, since I've come to realize that my Extreme4 just isn't as good as other similarly priced boards, especially since I do like overclocking.

I'm quite happy with my processor, It runs quite cool at my clocks, even with a crappy motherboard and air cooling @ 4.5ghz. (about 27 idle, 70 on prime95) so there's no need to upgrade that. It's probably gonna be one of the parts that lasts the longest.

My PSU is enough for me, my only qualm is its lack of modularity (pretty sure that isn't a word ._.). If I upgraded my gpu very substantially, then I would need to perhaps get a 750m or something. Maybe not, as newer technology is getting more and more efficient.

Then there's the option of a larger/faster SSD, mine is great, but it's not large enough for some of my applications. Also its sataII interface limits its read/write speeds to a max of 300/300, although I doubt I'm hitting that due to its slower nature. It's more than fast enough compared to my HDD, but it wouldn't hurt to get one.

Also, the fun little gadgets that make a pc cooler (in terms of awesomeness, not temperature.) Such as internal LEDs with a 5.25" control panel, or whatever else you can suggest! (Yes, I'm one of those losers who enjoys LEDs in their computer.)

I'm down to answer any more questions you may have to help me out! Some things I've been looking at is a new gpu (2 x 770s, 780, or even a Titan) with a new monitor (a dell ultrasharp U2713H 2560x1440 IPS, or two more Asus VS239h-Ps)

I could also stick with a lesser upgrade (like a single 770) and then upgrade my case, mobo, cooler, etc. Perhaps it would still be in my budget to get another monitor!

Thanks guys, I regret some of the build decisions I made last time due to my lack of knowledge, but now that I'm much more confident in my ability, I'm ready to fix my mistakes (this case is so shitty. x_x and since gaming is my second most common activity, I should've gotten a 3570k and a better GPU. oh well!)

PS, I would be willing to sell any parts I replace, or I could keep them, I'm open to any advice! A little extra money to spend wouldn't hurt considering most of my parts are still current, and are under 6 months old. At the same time, having backups, or even building another computer out of my older parts one day wouldn't hurt! It would keep me from having to lug it back and forth when I go to college.

Thanks again, I feel bad for typing so much! I hope I avoided typos, but I'm too lazy to change my lowercase 'i's to uppercase. That shift key is a pain.
 

vinhn

Honorable
Jun 15, 2013
585
0
11,360
That is a really good rig, there isn't any significant old hardware to upgrade. Unless you are looking into max out fps latest gaming, then there isn't really anything to upgrade beside maybe a 80+ Gold PSU. Maybe consider getting a GTX 780 and 1440p monitor for better gaming experience.