Help me upgrade my modest gamer please!

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Elizabeth_B

Elizabeth_B

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Jan 12, 2008
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Hello all,
I would like to upgrade my system which currently is set up with a core 2 quad 9550 and a Gigabyte P45 MB. I want to keep the case and hopefully the PSU but upgrade the CPU, MB, memory,GPU and I would like to add a ss drive for the OS and programs and retain the current WD Black 640GB drive for data and storage. Going with a Tom's suggestion, I would like to use this GPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202025

I have a CoolerMaster Storm Sniper case and a Corsair 620w modular PSU.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119194


I do not need cutting edge and would prefer to keep it under $500 if possible.
Many thanks in advance!
 
Solution
AMD Radeon
i hope it will help you

intel haswell build instead of ivy bridge

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.28 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: MSI H87M-G43 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.24 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $569.49
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by...
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Elizabeth_B

Elizabeth_B

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Jan 12, 2008
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Forgot to mention, we currently play Skyrim with a Sapphire HD 4770 512MB 128-bit and the current system and all components are now 4 years old. We could really use an upgrade! I will happily take all suggestions.
 
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AMD Radeon

AMD Radeon

Judicious
Dec 23, 2011
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this is an AMD fx 6300 build, an intel build maybe around $600

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($99.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($93.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $531.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-09-30 12:45 EDT-0400)
 
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Elizabeth_B

Elizabeth_B

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Jan 12, 2008
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Sorry for not giving enough info.
I am in the U.S. and would prefer to use Newegg, Amazon or TigerDirect.
This build is a home PC that is also used for gaming about 4 days per week but not for long duration. We use Steam and play Skyrim , Mass Effect and the like. I do have a cooler already but did not know if that could be re-used. It is a Xigmatek HDT-S1283 120 mm Rifle cooler. I would prefer an Intel chip and have considered the i5-3350P and will not be overclocking.
 
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AMD Radeon

AMD Radeon

Judicious
Dec 23, 2011
5,595
0
36,960
i hope it will help you

intel haswell build instead of ivy bridge

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.28 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: MSI H87M-G43 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.24 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $569.49
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-09-30 13:13 EDT-0400)
 
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Solution
T

thefoxer

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Jun 17, 2011
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The intel build that AMD Radeon posted is actually a micro-ATX motherboard...Not sure if you want a small form factor like that. Also, if you're going to be using this mainly for gaming, you should spend less on a CPU, perhaps an AMD FX-6300, and spend more on the GPU itself since that is going to make your games run nicer/faster. The 3350p you mentioned is a terrific CPU as well.

In regards to your question about RAM and a mobo, Gskill is a very good brand, sometimes seen as somewhat pricey, but good nonetheless.

Gigabyte boards are good, asus boards are good, MSI boards are good, ASRock boards are good. Just make sure you find one with decent reviews before you spend all your hard earned cash on it. I would offer a pcparkpicker list, but i am replying between classes at the moment :)
 
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Elizabeth_B

Elizabeth_B

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Jan 12, 2008
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18,680
Just found out my hubby ordered the old DDR2 Gskill memory for our current set up. Hopefully Newegg will accept it back through RMA without a re-stocking fee? Since we intend to buy all the components of the upgrade from them, I hope they are reasonable. Still trying to decide about a motherboard/CPU combo. I think he might want one with Hyperthreading as he does some programming work on the computer and frequently has multiple programs running. Suggestions?
 
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T

thefoxer

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Jun 17, 2011
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HT will let the computer run faster in what your husband will be doing but with gaming HT does next to nothing. If you're going to go for HT, you're going to buy an i7 however. Most desktop i5's do not support HT. You need to decide on a cpu before you can choose a good mobo.
 
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Elizabeth_B

Elizabeth_B

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Jan 12, 2008
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Looks like we will need a new case as well since our current Snipe only has USB 2.0 up front and the eSATA port is broken. Lao the motherboard should be a full AATX not a micro from what other posters have suggested?
 
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