Updating OLD *gaming* Computer

Solution
Here's a starting point in your $800-$850 range with some good quality parts. There's room to trim a few dollars and wiggle parts around based on your priorities.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/26Jvt

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($184.98 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($73.98 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive...

purerock100

Honorable
May 2, 2013
15
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It's got W7 already.
Would I need a cooler? I'm on around a $800-$850 budget.
I don't mind noise, however I don't want the CPU to overheat. Any suggestions on coolers?

 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


Win 7. Is this OEM or retail? It makes a difference.
As far as the cooler...you've chosen overclockable parts. You'll need a better cooler than stock.
The Cooler Master 212 EVO will work quite well, for a small price. As long as it fits in your case.
 

purerock100

Honorable
May 2, 2013
15
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10,510


I more than likely will not be overclocking the parts, as I have never actually overclocked anything before.

The old computer is a store-bought, so I'd assume it's a Retail W7.

 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


If it is a store-bought PC, I'd assume a OEM Windows 7. In which case it will not work with your new hardware.

Next, depending on exactly what it is....you may need a new case. Old, 'store bought' PC's may not take that PSU and motherboard.

So....let's remove the word and concept of "upgrade" and instead think of "build new".

Overall budget, and where you are buying from?
A few people will be along presently to suggest a parts list.
 
Here's a starting point in your $800-$850 range with some good quality parts. There's room to trim a few dollars and wiggle parts around based on your priorities.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/26Jvt

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($184.98 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($73.98 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling Silencer Mk II 750W 80+ Silver Certified ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($82.99 @ NCIX US)

Total: $826.87

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-22 17:57 EST-0500)

Note - The case listed is white because it was a few dollars less than the black model. If you don't like white, the Black version is only about $5-$10 more.
 
Solution

EricMalcolm

Honorable
Nov 14, 2013
62
0
10,660


There are a lot of great cases right now at prices that are a steal, but it would depend on what feature is most important to you, noise, cooling, or over-all "coolness" factor as I like to call it. Or all three.
 

purerock100

Honorable
May 2, 2013
15
0
10,510


Thank you. How would this fare on say, Battlefield 4 Ultra settings? I'm not going to be doing any crazy games like Crysis 3 (Maybe on medium). I'm mainly going to be doing so BF4 though. (Sorry for the late reply!)
 
BF4 and Crysis 3 are both examples of multi-core optimized GPU heavy games. A good i5 or i7 K series and the FX 8350 get good frames @ 1080p on Medium to High with a single GPU. Ultra with dual GPUs in crossfire or SLI.

For BF4 I recommend trying to get a 7900 (7950 or 7970) or R9 (270, 280 or 290) GPU instead of the 7870 on the list. It will add around $100 to the total, but performance will be better on those games.

As an aside, I've had an 8350 at 4.4GHz on stock voltage under the cooler on the list and it kept it under 56-57c at full load. I wouldn't get too crazy with your OC though, as you'll need BIG air or water to go any higher safely.