Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Your question
Solved

What upgrades can I make to my build to improve gaming and general performance for a budget?

Tags:
  • Western Digital
  • Build
  • Systems
Last response: in Systems
Share
November 12, 2013 9:50:36 AM

My build is
-AMD FX-4100 Zambezi 3.6GHz

-SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB 128-bit GDDR5
-G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB
-MSI 970A-G46 AM3+
-Western Digital WD Blue 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache
-Diablotek 650W Power Supply

I dont want to spend too much money but was wondering if there is any upgrade worth going to.

More about : upgrades make build improve gaming general performance budget

Best solution

November 12, 2013 9:53:36 AM

The GPU is the major bottleneck here. The CPU is not great but it should be able to handle a GPU upgrade.

The PSU is GOD AWFUL. It is a miracle it hasn't fried your entire system. Replace that ASAp with a 500w unit from antec, xFX, Corsair, Seasonic.
Share
November 12, 2013 9:56:47 AM

The system you got is decent, and upgrading depends on the games you're going to play.
For upgrade, I would change the graphic card, like a R9-280x
Then the CPU to a FX8320, but before doing all of that I would first change the PSU to a better one.

Here's a good one to start with
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $59.99
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-12 12:58 EST-0500)

Also what is your budget?
m
0
l
Related resources
November 12, 2013 10:44:26 AM

tiny voices said:

The PSU is GOD AWFUL. It is a miracle it hasn't fried your entire system. Replace that ASAp with a 500w unit from antec, xFX, Corsair, Seasonic.


Sorry i thought i had a different psu. This is the one i have now diablotek psul675 675W.
m
0
l
November 12, 2013 10:45:34 AM

That is still a VERY low quality and terrible unit. Needs to be replaced ASAP. It likely makes 400w max. Complete junk.

Use ONLY the brands I listed.
m
0
l
November 12, 2013 10:46:15 AM

What does bottlenecking mean? i thought it was a pretty good gpu, i can run all games on ultra.
m
0
l
November 12, 2013 10:48:52 AM

kadams161 said:
What does bottlenecking mean? i thought it was a pretty good gpu, i can run all games on ultra.


What resolution do you play at? at 1080p a 7770 will barely play at medium settings.

You CPU bottlenecking means it isn't powerful enough to keep up with a high end GPU and it will slow the system down and not allow you to use the card to its full potential.

Why are you upgrading if you can max all games?
m
0
l
November 12, 2013 1:45:19 PM

tiny voices said:
kadams161 said:
What does bottlenecking mean? i thought it was a pretty good gpu, i can run all games on ultra.


What resolution do you play at? at 1080p a 7770 will barely play at medium settings.

You CPU bottlenecking means it isn't powerful enough to keep up with a high end GPU and it will slow the system down and not allow you to use the card to its full potential.

Why are you upgrading if you can max all games?


I play 1080 on ultra with games like far cry 3 but i wanted to upgrade for better performance on newer games coming out soon and for my pc to open applications and multitask faster.
m
0
l
November 12, 2013 1:55:35 PM

In order to multitask better you need a better CPU.
To open applications faster you need an SSD.
For better gaming performance you need a better GPU.


I really doubt that you play at ultra settings at 1080p with a 7770. Farcry 3 may be possible because it isn't hard to run, but others there is no way.
http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/msi_radeon_hd_7770...

BUT before ANYTHING you NEED to replace the PSU with a quality unit.
http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx here you can see it is listed as lowest quality, replace ASAP.
m
0
l
November 12, 2013 5:33:49 PM

tiny voices said:
In order to multitask better you need a better CPU.
To open applications faster you need an SSD.
For better gaming performance you need a better GPU.


I really doubt that you play at ultra settings at 1080p with a 7770. Farcry 3 may be possible because it isn't hard to run, but others there is no way.
http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/msi_radeon_hd_7770...

BUT before ANYTHING you NEED to replace the PSU with a quality unit.
http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx here you can see it is listed as lowest quality, replace ASAP.


Ok thanks a lot! yea idk why i can run all my newer games at ultra but i can lol. what is wrong with my psu? It has good reviews even though its not a name brand. Arent they all basically the same? Thanks again
m
0
l
November 12, 2013 5:39:45 PM

NO, All PSUs are not the same. It is a VERY low quality unit. It should be definitely be replaced. Did you look at the link I sent about PSU quality? There is a BIG difference between quality PSUs and junk units. It is basically the difference between reliability and ruining all your components and burning your house down.

Diablotek is about as bad as it gets. I'm honestly surprised it hasn't fried your computer yet.

IT is trash: http://www.hardocp.com/article/2010/12/17/diablotek_phd...

-failed at 467w.
-VERY low efficiency
- Ran hot

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2010/12/17/diablotek_phd... conclusion. 100% junk.
m
0
l
November 12, 2013 6:05:38 PM

tiny voices said:
In order to multitask better you need a better CPU.
To open applications faster you need an SSD.
For better gaming performance you need a better GPU.


I really doubt that you play at ultra settings at 1080p with a 7770. Farcry 3 may be possible because it isn't hard to run, but others there is no way.
http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/msi_radeon_hd_7770...

BUT before ANYTHING you NEED to replace the PSU with a quality unit.
http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx here you can see it is listed as lowest quality, replace ASAP.


tiny voices said:
NO, All PSUs are not the same. It is a VERY low quality unit. It should be definitely be replaced. Did you look at the link I sent about PSU quality? There is a BIG difference between quality PSUs and junk units. It is basically the difference between reliability and ruining all your components and burning your house down.

Diablotek is about as bad as it gets. I'm honestly surprised it hasn't fried your computer yet.

IT is trash: http://www.hardocp.com/article/2010/12/17/diablotek_phd...

-failed at 467w.
-VERY low efficiency
- Ran hot

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2010/12/17/diablotek_phd... conclusion. 100% junk.


Ok thanks! yea i guess ill get a new one. though you linked me to the 650 w its the 675 which had better reviews but now i get that its not a trustworthy brand
m
0
l
November 12, 2013 6:12:03 PM

Yeah, diablotek is a brand to stay FAR away from. Stick with Antec, XFX, Corsair, Seasonic.
m
0
l
!