What should i Upgrade first??

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Zeus88

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Aug 13, 2013
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Hello all!
I recently purchased a Used custom computer. Just getting into building computers myself. I would love to get your advice on what i should upgrade first. here is a list of my current hardware

Motherboard: Biostar A770E am2+
CPU: AMD Phenom ii X2 555 (i have successfully unlocked to an X4)
GPU: Radeon 4850
Memory: 4GB

I was thinking the first choice would be a graphics card. i want to be able to play more games. Is this a good start? Which card would you recommend?

Before i Unlocked the two additional cores on the CPU it was overclocked from 3.2 to 3.8. now that i unlocked the cores i THINK its running around 3.2 maybe even 3.0. Should i try to up the voltage to get the other cores running higher?

Thanks in advance for any feedback. i know my system is not the newest. just trying to get my feet wet in building computers.
 
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If you are looking to spend 150$ look no further than a GTX 650ti Boost or a HD 7850.If you are looking for a more modest option then the HD7790 is perfect.If you are looking to play the newest titles whilst spending the absolute minimum get the HD 7770.It's under a...
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Zeus88

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Aug 13, 2013
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I Just Bought a house so cash is limited. i dont think i can really upgrade the CPU without upgrading the MB also so that is probably something i will do in the future. as far as the GPU i was thinking Under 150. maybe closer to 100. As far as memory i have to available slots do i need ot put in exactly what i have now? I'm not sure exactly what that is the computer is at home i'm at work.

If i upgrade the GPU am i looking at a significant improvement for gaming?
 
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mictlantecutli

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Feb 6, 2012
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Your CPU is decent enough to give playable framerates.I wouldn't expect it to hit the framerate cap,but paired with a 7850 2GB,you should be able to play most titles at med-High settings with low levels of AA.I wouldn't go anything above a GTX 660/HD7870 if you are planning to stick with the rest of the rig for a while.
 
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macymood

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Aug 11, 2013
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upgrading the gpu would defiantly improve the gaming experience as the Radeon 4850 is a discontinued GPU(that means they dont produce it no more )

i would go with the power colour radeon HD 7770 it costs round about $115 and i would spend the rest to upgrade your ram to at least 8gb because that is an important factor in a gaming pc make sure you get DDR3 ram
 
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mictlantecutli

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If you are looking to spend 150$ look no further than a GTX 650ti Boost or a HD 7850.If you are looking for a more modest option then the HD7790 is perfect.If you are looking to play the newest titles whilst spending the absolute minimum get the HD 7770.It's under a 100$ on newegg.


Looking at your system,i see that you are not gunning for 60fps on ultra settings.In that case the 4GB ram should be good enough.Not ideal,but enough.Anyhoo,You should see a significant boost to the general"Playability" if you upgrade.
 
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Zeus88

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Aug 13, 2013
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Thanks Everyone for your help. I ended up getting the PNY 650 2GB at bestbuy. They price matched newegg so i got it for 129. Its not the ti boost is it still a decent card?
 
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mictlantecutli

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If i were you I would return that and get a radeon 7790.It's faster than a GTX 650 ti and costs the same.And Don't worry about the 1GB vram.You will saturate the GPU before you saturate the VRAM.

BTW When buying hardware Amazon and Newegg have the best prices.
 
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coozie7

coozie7

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Jun 2, 2007
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@Zeus88: To clear up a few points:
Extra memory my help, but you'll need to have a 64 bit operating system installed-the info can be found through the Control Panel in the 'sysem' section.
A 32 bit OS can only use 4Gb of memory, so adding more will just be waste of money if your system has a 32 bit OS.
It is not actually possible to mix DDR3 and DDR2, the slots are 'keyed' with small bumps in them that engage in cutouts in the memory modules to prevent this.
What is the display resolution? Not size, the resolution.
Be nice to the Bestbuy people: the GTX650 is not really much better than the HD4850:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/gaming-graphics-card-review,review-32740.html
See the chart at the end.
You should try to exchange it for something in the HD7770/7790/GTX650Ti class if possible.
 
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Zeus88

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Aug 13, 2013
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Thanks for the reply. when i got back i realized the gtx 650 was not that great so i went back and paid a little more to get the Radeon 7850 with 1gb ddr5(is this better?). I'm pretty happy with it i know the windows experience isn't the best indicator but i got a 7.9 on both graphics measures with this new video card.

I am almost positive i have 64gb windows 7. I have program files and program files x86.
I'm wondering if its worth it right now to buy more ddr2 when i plan on upgrading the cpu and motherboard at christmas time.


My screen resolution is 1920X1080. i'm using a 32in tv.

The 7850 says it requires a 500w psu. i have a NAXN model number ENP450AST. 450w total power 495w Peak power. is this a concern right away or can i upgrade later?

 
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coozie7

coozie7

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Probably have Win 7 64 bit, but Start>Control Panel>System and Security>System>view amount of RAM and processor speed, it'll say in the box if the system is 32 or 64 bit. Either way I'd not bother with extra memory, unless you can find it dirt cheap.
Windows Experience is the most useless way to determine how a graphics system will behave ever conceived. Try the excellent (and very pretty) Unigine Valley benchmark instead.
Personally I'd say the 7850 is a good choice It's a bit too strong for the current CPU but should be good enough to carry over into the upgrade later.
I would change the power supply BUT make sure it will work in the planned upgrade-no sense in buying it twice is there? ;)
 
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Zeus88

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Aug 13, 2013
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You're right about the Power supply. i Think this setup is good for now im going to start saving up for my next build! this stuff can get addicting! I will def check out Unigine Valley benchmark thanks for the tips
 
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