Should I upgrade my CPU or get a dedicated GPU first?

Daniel1234 · Jul 19, 2013

Hi!

I'm using a pre-built computer which I've owned for a while now, and my current specs are fairly low, but I'm looking to eventually upgrade to a mid-level gaming computer that can handle most modern games (I can only handle low-end, or heavily optimised games right now) with decent settings. This will probably involve gradually replacing everything I have right now.

Anyway. My current specs that I know so far are:

OS:Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit.
CPU:Intel Pentium G630 @2.7ghz (Dual Core)
Memory:8gb RAM
PSU:Most likely between 200-300W
HDD500gb

I currently don't have a dedicated graphics card, so I've been using the processors integrated card instead. The motherboard does have an empty PCIEx16 slot though.

If it's also of any help, this is the computer I bought. The case has plenty of room inside and will probably be kept for a while.

I've come to the conclusion that the two big upgrades I'll need to do involve replacing my CPU and buying a Dedicated Card.

Obviously it's not that easy, because when I go to replace the CPU I'm going to need a new motherboard (I'm probably going to settle for an AMD processor just because of the price difference, but even if I do end up getting an Intel, the I5 / I7 use different sockets).. And if I want to get a GPU, I'll need to replace the power supply and probably pick up an extra fan or two if things get hotter.. And obviously if I do buy a GPU, it's guaranteed my processor is going to bottleneck it, although I'm not sure how badly.

I have around £200 right now, and it will probably be another 6 months or so before I have about the same amount of money to spend again.

The GPU and power supply I was looking at were the 650ti Boost and a 500W Corsair CX, but I haven't decided on a new processor yet.

And so after this lengthy post, all I'm really wondering is would I be better of just straight out buying a new processor and motherboard, or should I go for a GPU first even with the bottlenecking? Which one would give me a better performance boost for a few months? Any help and advice is appreciated.

clutchc · Jul 19, 2013

You don't have to upgrade your MB to move up to a way more powerful processor. The G630 uses the same 1155 socket the whole line of Sandy Bridge (and Ivy Bridge) processors use. Any SB processor should fit and work. The IB processors may require a BIOS upgrade to work however. Any of the high end SB or IB processors will be a major improvement.

But for instant gaming gratification, adding a new gfx card would be the way to go. Unfortunately, without a good quality PSU larger than you say you have, you are limited to the HD 7750 as the fastest you dare use. Still a decent gaming GPU at 720p and below. If you can, read the nameplate on the PSU and see what the +12V rating is. And see if you can read the make/model of the MB they put in the PC. It's usually printed on the board near the PCIex16 slots.

SNA3 · Jul 19, 2013

Daniel1234 :

Hi!

I'm using a pre-built computer which I've owned for a while now, and my current specs are fairly low, but I'm looking to eventually upgrade to a mid-level gaming computer that can handle most modern games (I can only handle low-end, or heavily optimised games right now) with decent settings. This will probably involve gradually replacing everything I have right now.

Anyway. My current specs that I know so far are:

OS:Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit.
CPU:Intel Pentium G630 @2.7ghz (Dual Core)
Memory:8gb RAM
PSU:Most likely between 200-300W
HDD500gb

I currently don't have a dedicated graphics card, so I've been using the processors integrated card instead. The motherboard does have an empty PCIEx16 slot though.

If it's also of any help, this is the computer I bought. The case has plenty of room inside and will probably be kept for a while.

I've come to the conclusion that the two big upgrades I'll need to do involve replacing my CPU and buying a Dedicated Card.

Obviously it's not that easy, because when I go to replace the CPU I'm going to need a new motherboard (I'm probably going to settle for an AMD processor just because of the price difference, but even if I do end up getting an Intel, the I5 / I7 use different sockets).. And if I want to get a GPU, I'll need to replace the power supply and probably pick up an extra fan or two if things get hotter.. And obviously if I do buy a GPU, it's guaranteed my processor is going to bottleneck it, although I'm not sure how badly.

I have around £200 right now, and it will probably be another 6 months or so before I have about the same amount of money to spend again.

The GPU and power supply I was looking at were the 650ti Boost and a 500W Corsair CX, but I haven't decided on a new processor yet.

And so after this lengthy post, all I'm really wondering is would I be better of just straight out buying a new processor and motherboard, or should I go for a GPU first even with the bottlenecking? Which one would give me a better performance boost for a few months? Any help and advice is appreciated.

get GTX 760 and upgrade later after 6 months.

and dont get anything lower than GTX 760 , it is only 240$

a 500watts power supply is enough . dont spend much.

have a nice day

Daniel1234 · Jul 20, 2013

clutchc :

I didn't know that actually, I always thought intel's latest processors ran off different sockets, but I'll now probably look at getting a 3rd gen i5 when I get round to replacing it. Thanks!

So I'll go with getting the card first (probably a GX660), but I'll be getting a 500W PSU along with it, so it should work fine.

I had a quick look at the MB too. MSI manufactured it, but I went and forgot the model number, so I'll have to have another look later if I need too.

clutchc :

I had a look, but a 760 is too far out of my price range, which is a shame. I'll settle for a 660 for now though, even If I can't hit max setting I'll still be able to play more games than I can now. Thanks though!

SNA3 · Jul 20, 2013

Daniel1234 :

clutchc :

I didn't know that actually, I always thought intel's latest processors ran off different sockets, but I'll now probably look at getting a 3rd gen i5 when I get round to replacing it. Thanks!

So I'll go with getting the card first (probably a GX660), but I'll be getting a 500W PSU along with it, so it should work fine.

I had a quick look at the MB too. MSI manufactured it, but I went and forgot the model number, so I'll have to have another look later if I need too.

clutchc :

I had a look, but a 760 is too far out of my price range, which is a shame. I'll settle for a 660 for now though, even If I can't hit max setting I'll still be able to play more games than I can now. Thanks though!

how come ? how much are you paying?

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Should I upgrade my CPU or get a dedicated GPU first?

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