Upgrading my old PC (Tips needed)

Mind Games · Oct 3, 2013

I recently had a Gigabyte Motherboard (MA770T UD3P+) burn out on me and cause freezing so I bought a new HDD and motherboard on this 5 year old build.

The current specs
________________________
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G46 AM3+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130637
CPU: AMD Athlon X2 250
GPU: Nvidia ZOTAC GTX 260 768MB
PSU: 500w

I plan on upgrading the GPU and CPU with 300 dollars. I was wondering if I could split even and pay 150 for a higher performance GFX card and 150 for a better CPU with 4 cores. (FX series included, my bios is version 2.5 so it can support 125 watt cpus but I'm hesitant)
I can go cheaper with the cpu and get a stronger gfx card since it really isn't that easy to bottleneck.

If you need any more information, please ask.

tiny voices · Oct 3, 2013

What brand is the PSU? this is VERY important.

Get an fx-6300 and use the rest on a GPU. This is the best option by far.

Mind Games · Oct 3, 2013

FX-6300 is a good choice, I've read several reviews over the past few months and studied benchmarks for it. The PSU came mounted in this DYNEX case, can't do much about it.

tiny voices · Oct 3, 2013

YOu need to get a new PSU if you want a GPU. GE ta 500w unit from antec, XFX, Corsair, Seasonic. Not worth risking ruining every components in your system by using that PSU ANYWHERE near its limit. It likely makes 350w.

Mind Games · Oct 3, 2013

Based on what I've run in this case before, it has exceeded 430 watts of power, so I'm pretty sure that it is capable to sustain a budget gfx card.

WarWolverineWarrior · Oct 3, 2013

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/q8WD I think this will suffice.
FX 6200 or FX 6300
and GeForce GTX 660

Ur PSU will handle it

Mind Games · Oct 3, 2013

Forgot to mention, this will be purchased with a $300.00 bestbuy gift card.

thx1138v2 · Oct 3, 2013

Definitely update the PSU and don't forget to consider your case cooling. May need another fan to get the heat out.

Out of spec power and heat are the two most detrimental factors and they feed off of each other.

Mind Games · Oct 3, 2013

I added my specs and it estimated I'd achieve around 390 watts. New PSU will not be fun to get, just finished the cable management in this case. I think I'll just buy a new case with a newer PSU. I've always had CORSAIR products fail on me especially some name brands which is why I'm hesitant about them.

tiny voices · Oct 3, 2013

Honestly get a new PSU. It is the most important part of a PC BY FAR.

Here is the review of the 400w Dynex model. http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Dynex-400-W-Power-Supply-Review/557/10 Its crap.

Mind Games · Oct 3, 2013

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817494002
Thoughts?

tiny voices · Oct 3, 2013

That is actually a decent unit. By far not the best but ALOT better than what you have. I would actually trust it farther than I can throw it.

Mind Games · Oct 3, 2013

Haha, alright, I'll do some convincing and see if I can sort out in the order I want to upgrade. What should I upgrade first after getting the psu? The cpu or the gpu?

tiny voices · Oct 3, 2013

Getting the CPU alone will not show a large gaming improvement.

Getting the GPU first will give you a bottleneck around the old CPU.

I would get the CPU first, then spend as much as possible on the GPU.

Mind Games · Oct 3, 2013

Thanks, I'll come back from the grave in two weeks when I get the parts.

tiny voices · Oct 3, 2013

Always glad to be able to help!

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Upgrading my old PC (Tips needed)

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