Upgrading my desktop computer

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MisterManny

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Jan 17, 2014
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So, I've been thinking of upgrading my rig but I don't want to blow the budget and I'm not sure what will fit and what won't, so I want to try and achieve a good gaming computer using only $500 (max), here are my current specs:

CPU: Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E8400, will I need to upgrade or will it bottleneck?
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 275. wanting to upgrade this to a medium - high end card.
Display mode: 1920 x 1080
Case: Thermaltake V9, is it big enough?
Ram: DDR3 4gb, how much should I upgrade this too?
PSU: Thermaltake ToughPower Qfan 750w, Does it have the power to support the parts once they're upgraded?
Motherboard: GIGABYTE EP43T-UD3L LGA 775, Will it support the parts once they're upgraded?

(Sorry if this is the wrong section, I couldn't find a 'all in one' or 'upgrading' section.)
 
Solution
RCguitarist
You are going to want to get a new CPU, Motherboard, GPU and add about 4GB of ram.
For the ram, if you can no longer buy a match set of ram (same brand, model, voltage, speed), then you will be best to just buy a new 8GB 2 piece set. Anything 1600mhz or above will be great.

For the CPU, either go with an Intel 3570 or the intel haswell 4670 (get the "k" version if you plan on overclocking at any point) or get an AMD Fx series (8000 series).

For the Motherboard, just get something compatible with the CPU.

For the GPU, because of your budget, I'd recommend a GTX660 OC edition. You can pick one up an MSI or ASUS one on newegg for around $165 after rebate and it will be able to run every game currently out at 40fps or above at 1080p...
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cookybiscuit

cookybiscuit

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Aug 31, 2012
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Case should be fine, PSU has 1x 12v rail and an 80+ rating so should be fine.

You're gonna need 8GB of RAM, 4GB won't really do it anymore. Processor will certainly need to be replaced.

I personally would go with a 4430 and 760, will land you right about $500. Any cheapo 1150 motherboard will do, MSI Gaming 760 is $250 and the best one there is so no real reason to overspend.
 
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RCguitarist

RCguitarist

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Apr 2, 2013
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You are going to want to get a new CPU, Motherboard, GPU and add about 4GB of ram.
For the ram, if you can no longer buy a match set of ram (same brand, model, voltage, speed), then you will be best to just buy a new 8GB 2 piece set. Anything 1600mhz or above will be great.

For the CPU, either go with an Intel 3570 or the intel haswell 4670 (get the "k" version if you plan on overclocking at any point) or get an AMD Fx series (8000 series).

For the Motherboard, just get something compatible with the CPU.

For the GPU, because of your budget, I'd recommend a GTX660 OC edition. You can pick one up an MSI or ASUS one on newegg for around $165 after rebate and it will be able to run every game currently out at 40fps or above at 1080p (most games run at 60+ fps).

If you did my setup (it is in my signature below), and waited for the very common sales, you can get it all for around $530, like I did.

But if you want to build it right now, and really want to do it as cheaply as possible, then an AMD CPU setup would be better for you.
 
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