Outdated PC build?

eadlef · Jan 6, 2014

Hey!
I've got this about 5 year old PC and I'm wondering if I can make it work smoothly with at least medium settings on new games. I don't know a lot about the older parts and this computer was first used to code with. Can I simply make this computer game better by upgrading the graphics card? How much would I be able to upgrade it without it being bottlenecked by the CPU?

My specs:
Mobo - P6T Deluxe V2
CPU - Intel Core i7 940 @ 2.93GHz
GPU - GeForce 9600GT
PSU - 450W, not sure what make
OS - Windows 7 Enterprise
RAM - 12GB, not sure what make

Thanks.

wanderer11 · Jan 6, 2014

That cpu is still fairly powerful. You could definitely upgrade the gpu, but it looks like you would need a new psu too. Budget?

rgd1101 · Jan 6, 2014

how did you get windows 7 enterprise?

Poprin · Jan 6, 2014

Depending on your monitor resolution I would say that should already run modern games smooth at medium settings. My second machine that my girlfrield sometimes uses to play Defiance with me can run that at medium settings at 40fps and that a Q6600 / 4gb RAM and an 8800 GT.

Transmaniacon · Jan 6, 2014

I would probably get a new PSU and GPU. Something in the 650 watt range from SeaSonic, XFX, Corsair, or Antec; and then maybe a GTX760. I think above that you will start to be CPU limited, but that i7 should still work fine for a little while.

menetlaus · Jan 6, 2014

A better GPU will definitely make a big difference in games. I wouldn't go much above a $150/$200 GPU as otherwise the CPU/system will become the bottleneck.

eadlef · Jan 6, 2014

@wanderer
No particular budget, just not too expensive.

@rgd
Work.

@Poprin
I have a 1920x1080, 60Hz. I tried Battlefield 4 on this computer the other day. Low settings, 70% resolution, 20 fps and minor lag.

Poprin · Jan 6, 2014

OK if you want to play battlefield 4 at 1080p then yes I would try and push to a GTX 760, if you are on a tighter budget I would look to be getting a GTX 660. My 560Ti runs most stuff at high to medium at 1080p but I've not tried Battlefield 4 in fairness. Also agree with the above statement, you need really about a 550w + power supply really.

eadlef · Jan 6, 2014

I know that I have to upgrade the GPU. I'm just wondering how much I can upgrade before the rest starts bottlenecking it. If I'm gonna be buying a GTX 700+ card I'll ofc need a higher PSU.

Transmaniacon · Jan 6, 2014

I think the 760 would suit you well. It's a good mid-range card that will let you turn up most games all the way. Given that you are only gaming at 1080P, you should still do fine that CPU.

eadlef · Jan 6, 2014

Would the GTX 760 be bottlenecked by the system?
Would the GTX 770 be bottlenecked by the system?
Is it worth buying a new computer?

Transmaniacon · Jan 6, 2014

I don't think you would get a big enough performance jump by building a new computer. Your current CPU is still fine, a GTX770 might be bottlenecked a little bit, but you will still have better performance compared to a 760.

The 770 might be a better option because it will last longer and allow you to continue using it when you do upgrade to a new CPU.

eadlef · Jan 6, 2014

Is the EVGA GTX 770 and XFX ProSeries 750W Gold 80+ compatible with these components?

Transmaniacon · Jan 6, 2014

Yeah they should work well. Depending on your case, you will want to check clearances for the GPU and PSU.

shortstuff_mt · Jan 6, 2014

You've got some good suggestions so far. Another thing to keep in mind is that if you do become CPU limited your CPU should have a bit of overclocking headroom. If you buy a decent air cooler you should be able to get a decent overclock to eliminate the bottleneck.

eadlef · Jan 6, 2014

So, if I would upgrade to the XFX ProSeries 750W Gold 80+ and the GTX 770 how long would the computer last as a gaming build?

eadlef · Jan 7, 2014

*sorry*

shortstuff_mt · Jan 7, 2014

Bumping threads is against the forum rules. There's really no good answer to your question, anyway. How long a gaming system will be relevant is an open-ended question with too many variables. That depends entirely on the resolution you're gaming at, what games you're playing/will play in the future, what FPS you consider acceptable, the system requirements for upcoming games, what graphic settings are available in new games, etc... Nobody can really tell you how long the computer will last as a gaming build. It will last until the system isn't performing as well as you would like.

Transmaniacon · Jan 8, 2014

I would say you should be able to have good performance at 1080P in most games for another 1.5-2 years.

But this is just an estimate based on the current trends and in no way a guarantee. PC technology changes very quickly and trying to future proof is a futile effort. Buy the system that fits your needs today.

Outdated PC build?

Honorable

Honorable

Don't

Honorable

Distinguished

Distinguished

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Distinguished

Honorable

Distinguished

Honorable

Distinguished

Glorious

Honorable

Honorable

Glorious

Distinguished

Share this page