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Need advice on what hardware to buy

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  • Hardware
  • AMD
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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January 15, 2014 11:16:45 AM

Hi,

This probably isn't the right place, as I'm asking for advice on multiple things, but whatever. Let me know, and I'll create it somewhere else.

Anyway, I've already got a *decent* rig, but basically, I just want to upgrade it so I can run all games on max without any hardware-related issues.

Also looking to get a new headset/earphones, which I'll come to.

Current specs:

AMD FX8350 Eight-Core Processor
AMD Radeon HD 7770
8GB DDR3 RAM
24" monitor

Probably missed a bunch of stuff, so let me know.

I'm looking to upgrade my:

GPU
CPU (possibly, although PROBABLY not needed, could be wrong, though)
Hard drive/SSD (probably getting a 500GB SSD for general Windows purposes and a 1TB HDD purely for my Steam folder. Not too sure how that's going to work, so any information would be appreciated.)
RAM (probably not upgrading, don't see why I'd need more than 8GB)
Monitors (planning to get another two 24"s)
Power supply (no idea what my current one is, not sure if I'll need a better one)
Keyboard (would like a "gaming" keyboard, but not sure if they're usually overpriced or not. A silent one (or very quiet) would definitely be preferred.)
Mouse (same as above)
Headset (for gaming as well as VoiP, so obviously needs a mic)
Earphones (not sure yet, though)

Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you for you time.

More about : advice hardware buy

January 15, 2014 11:26:41 AM

For three monitors, you definitely want to go sli/crossfire.
This will require a new power supply, unless you have 1000w+ already.
The cpu is fine. I have the same and it beats a lot of the i7 processors. Don't let Intel fanboys tell you to change to an intel, as you will probably gain minimal or lose performance. 500gb for an SSD is a bit overkill, I'd go for 250gb.
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January 15, 2014 11:57:40 AM

Agree on the CPU, the FX8350 is a powerful part, it's not worth the expense to switch to Intel.
You're correct on the memory, no need to up it just yet and when the time comes (if it comes), the stuff's cheap enough and easy to install.
A 500Gb SSD is a hugely expensive way to shave a few seconds off loading/boot times and for just Windows plus a few select programs 128Gb should be plenty, but then again I'm on a machine hacked out of boulders in the Triassic Period!
You NEED to check the power supply, a HD7770 only needs 400Watts from a decent maker and a single 6 pin PCI-E lead to power it, to drive 3 monitors you'll need a much stronger card and it, in turn, will need far more power.
The BIG QUESTION is: Will you game on all 3 monitors? Running three 1080 displays is going to need a top flight card-GTX780Ti/R9 290 class-if you're to get smooth gameplay.
Unless one is already installed, a better CPU cooler is going to come in handy, that FX CPU overclocks pretty well but the stock cooler just cannot handle it, and can even get noisy under stock loads. while the Coolermaster Hyper 212 Evo is popular due to its excellent price/performance there is plenty of others out there.
Oh yes. How much of your money can we spend for you? ;) 
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January 17, 2014 4:09:07 AM

coozie7 said:
Agree on the CPU, the FX8350 is a powerful part, it's not worth the expense to switch to Intel.
You're correct on the memory, no need to up it just yet and when the time comes (if it comes), the stuff's cheap enough and easy to install.
A 500Gb SSD is a hugely expensive way to shave a few seconds off loading/boot times and for just Windows plus a few select programs 128Gb should be plenty, but then again I'm on a machine hacked out of boulders in the Triassic Period!
You NEED to check the power supply, a HD7770 only needs 400Watts from a decent maker and a single 6 pin PCI-E lead to power it, to drive 3 monitors you'll need a much stronger card and it, in turn, will need far more power.
The BIG QUESTION is: Will you game on all 3 monitors? Running three 1080 displays is going to need a top flight card-GTX780Ti/R9 290 class-if you're to get smooth gameplay.
Unless one is already installed, a better CPU cooler is going to come in handy, that FX CPU overclocks pretty well but the stock cooler just cannot handle it, and can even get noisy under stock loads. while the Coolermaster Hyper 212 Evo is popular due to its excellent price/performance there is plenty of others out there.
Oh yes. How much of your money can we spend for you? ;) 


Thanks for the reply!

A smaller SSD would almost certainly be better, I'm not sure what I was thinking when I suggested a 500GB SSD.

I'll check the power supply very soon, but as for your other question: yes, I'd be gaming on all three monitors. I'm pretty sure I've already got a couple of extra fans installed, but would water cooling be efficient here?

As for my budget... I don't REALLY have one. Basically, I don't want to spend stupid amounts of money on upgrades, but if it seems necessary, I can spend up to £800 (or somewhere around there) on a GPU.
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January 17, 2014 5:05:21 AM

Gaming on all three monitors is going to be quite expensive-look for a R9 290 with a dual or triple fan cooler or a GTX780Ti, again with a dual or triple fan cooler. In both cases make SURE it'll fit in the case, some of these top end cards are over 28cm long and although you could return it under the Distance Selling Regulations it would be better to get a card that fits. ;) 

For cooling: Front and side fans IN, top and rear OUT. Aim for stronger intake than exhaust.
You can connect variable speed fans to the motherboard headers and control them through the BIOS or add a fan control module for more precise adjustments. Some, like the Antec Tricool come with a 3 position switch built in.
Adding a better CPU cooler will help to keep things...Cool and lower noise levels but I found my tower cooler (hyper 212 plus) ran hotter with a top case fan running than without, only 3-4C but enough to notice.
Not a great fan (yes, pun intended) of watercooling, I can see its advantages but for most of us decent air cooling is as effective, just as quiet, lower maintenance and it won't leak potentially hazardous coolant.

If you need a better PSU, try for one made by: Antec, Seasonic, Silverstone, Corsair, XFX or EVGA and avoid cheap 'high output' units!
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