Build Suggestions? Mobo/GPU/CPU/RAM with $450-500 budget.

PMoney

Honorable
Dec 8, 2013
8
0
10,510
I want to upgrade my gaming PC's CPU and GPU, which will mean I need to update my RAM and MoBo for compatibility. I have $450 budget pre-tax, but if it will make a HUGE difference I can go a bit higher.

I want to use it mainly for gaming. I need something very dependable. I don't anticipate making too many more upgrades like this (knock on wood).

Any newegg or Amazon deals or combos you can suggest? I want to buy in the next few days.

My Current Rig:
CPU - Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3GHz
Mobo - MSI P7N SLI NVIDIA nForce (need to upgrade for a quad core)
GPU - NVidia GeForce GTS 450
RAM: 8GB DDR2
PSU: CORSAIR Gaming Series GS600 600W ATX12V v2.3 80
Windows 7 (64 bit) - I have a vista disk and Windows 7 digital upgrade that I should be able to re-apply.
ATX Corsair case with added fan.

As always, thanks for your help!
 
Solution
Here would be my suggestion

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G46 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 270X 2GB Video Card ($215.91 @ Newegg)
Total: $382.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-25 23:00 EST-0500)

Adding the ram that Dr.bones found:

Ram: Team Dark 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) = $64.99 w/Free Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

It would be about $447 total and...

drbones8472

Distinguished
Apr 3, 2010
266
0
18,960
Ok here ya go. I set you up with a parts list that comes right up to your $450 limit. It should show as a pretty good upgrade to what you have now. All products listed are from good/name-brand companies.

Proc: AMD FX-4130 Zambezi 3.8GHz Quad-Core = $99.99 w/Free Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113291

Mobo: MSI 970A-G46 AM3+ AMD 970 = $69.99 w/Free Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130637

Ram: Team Dark 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) = $64.99 w/Free Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820313080

GPU: GIGABYTE GV-R927XOC-2GD Radeon R9 270X 2GB = $209.99 w/$5.92 Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125476

Total Cost = $450.88
The Mobo also comes with a $10 Mail in Rebate if you absolutely HAVE to have that $10 back. But all in all those parts should show a huge difference in how your games play. Hope it helps. :)
 

Abscent

Honorable
Dec 23, 2013
375
0
10,960
Here would be my suggestion

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G46 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 270X 2GB Video Card ($215.91 @ Newegg)
Total: $382.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-25 23:00 EST-0500)

Adding the ram that Dr.bones found:

Ram: Team Dark 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) = $64.99 w/Free Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

It would be about $447 total and you have a better CPU this way.
 
Solution

PMoney

Honorable
Dec 8, 2013
8
0
10,510


Thanks Abscent and Bones! I went with Abscent and pulled the trigger! Will try to remember to post my impressions. Here goes nothing!