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Need help with upgrading my computer! What Components????

Tags:
  • Gaming
  • Nvidia
  • PC gaming
  • Graphics
  • CPUs
  • AMD
  • Systems
  • Phenom
  • Gtx
  • Graphics Cards
Last response: in Systems
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January 19, 2014 9:12:18 AM

Hello guys , I'm new to Toms Hardware and I need some help from you peoples

So about two years ago my uncle gave me his gaming comp and I played some classic games on it like No On Lives Forever and Hitman 1 and stuff , so it was all cool . Here's the specs :

GPU : Nvidia Geforce 7900 gs
CPU : AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000 +
Motherboard : GigaByte GA-M52L-S3
Tower/Case : Some case made by Tsunami
Power : SUMVISION Power X3 Pro Edition 230 V
RAM : Corsair XMS 2 DDR2 (I have three on the motherboard)


Then as my gaming heart turned to more advanced games like Assassins Creed and Mafia 2 and stuff like that , I figured my machine is not quite up there with performance - meaning I have to sacrifice resolution AND graphics quality to get a nice and comfy frame rate.

A few days ago I bought Just Cause 2 and I was really looking forward to it ( leaving band rehearsal early hoping it was at my door or waiting for me on the table ) and man , i'd watched all the videos and read all the reviews - the game is awesome . But when I installed it and made my account on Steam and all , it game me a Fatal DirectX error :(  7900 gs doesn't support DirectX 10 or higher :(  .

So back to the point , I really want to get myself some good components and my budget is like 200 quid period . So I'd love for someone to recommend me a good CPU and a good GPU that won't bottleneck each other but will let me run games like Far Cry 3 , Just Cause 2 , Assassins Creed IV and other awesome games as such on high settings...

I've done a heck of a lot of research and here's what i've got in mind :

CPU : AMD Phenom II X4 965 or 955??
GPU : Gigabyte GTX 560 ti (OC or not , whichever is safe)
And possibly a nice new cool looking case with better airflow and stuff

(is this one any good? http://www.amazon.co.uk/CiT-Vantage-Gaming-Audio-Reader... )

And also if I keep the case i've got how do I know a GTX 560 ti will fit? Check the dimensions and roughly match them with the space inside the case? Mmm

Thanks a lot forumers , hope you lot can reply soon ... I'm fairly new to this stuff but I wouldn't say I'm completely noob :) 


More about : upgrading computer components

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January 19, 2014 9:17:15 AM

go with the 955 if its considerably cheaper. How much are you paying for the 560ti? we can get you a better gaming card with the same money probably.
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January 19, 2014 9:20:12 AM

looking at your current PC specs you will need (SHOULD GET) a full PC upgrade because if you upgrade one part other will definitly bottleneck or wouldnt even work.
its like a GPU upgrade need new casing + psu aswell as a new cpu which wont be bottlenecking the good GPU we chose abd hence need one mobo too..

However the new KAVERI APUs is a best upgrade.
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a b 4 Gaming
a b Î Nvidia
a c 98 à CPUs
a b À AMD
a b U Graphics card
January 19, 2014 9:21:26 AM

what would be your budget for a whole new system(you probably need it)
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January 19, 2014 9:44:37 AM

Umm well i've seen a gigabyte 560 ti for £100 on amazon , heck , so I'll have to completely buy a new computer? New PSU and motherboard? I'd have to get working then :\
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a b 4 Gaming
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January 19, 2014 9:50:46 AM

yeah it's very dated, if you buy parts now you'll get awful value for money...in my opinion atleast.

you could go for a 955 or 965 and a better GPU but it's a bit expensive now
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January 19, 2014 9:53:15 AM

Well if I can start earning some money and save up I might be able to afford all the necessary components , excluding ram and the DVD thingy and the hard drive , windows and sound card .... But I need some recommendations so I can put them all together , figure out the price and then work from there . What CPU? GPU? PSU? MOBO? And what case to house them all??
Thanks guys
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a b 4 Gaming
a b Î Nvidia
a c 98 à CPUs
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a b U Graphics card
January 19, 2014 9:59:00 AM

If your case supports MATX/ATX motherboards you're fine. You NEED new: RAM,CPU,GPU,PSU,Mobo and Windows(need to install new windows with new Mobo)

How much are you willing to spend?
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January 19, 2014 10:02:36 AM

Bloody heck ermmmmmmmmm 400? 500? I dunno man that's big money :/ 
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a b 4 Gaming
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January 19, 2014 10:11:08 AM

the new AMD APU with a 7850 might be the best for the money.
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Best solution

a b 4 Gaming
a b Î Nvidia
a c 98 à CPUs
a b À AMD
a b U Graphics card
January 19, 2014 10:29:11 AM

new APU not available in the OP's country or atleast I've never seen it

If you've got £500 to spend go for this http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/2DSex decent graphics card(better than youve got now) room to play around with OC as well.

slightly cheaper £450 build (NO OC but potential in future with cooler)
http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/2DSmW

and finally sub £400
http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/2DSq1

this build isn't great for overclocking but will be solid for medium gaming.

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January 19, 2014 10:55:48 AM

Mmmmm okay cool thanks guys, I'll have to start making some money asap

Thanks again
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