will upgrading CPU, RAM, and/or PSU make noticeable increase in performance for me?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
C

Comoletti

Honorable
Jan 9, 2014
12
0
10,510
I upgraded my graphics card from a gts 450 to a gtx 660, there is an increased performance but in some cases and/or games, both graphics cards performed equally. Usually at low fps moments. I was thinking maybe I also need to upgrade other components in my pc to match up with my gpu. Does having a low watt psu cause the performance to go down or is it just a higher risk of blowouts? The pc was stock itself with integrated graphics and I upgraded with the 450 then to the 660 a year later.

What I don't know is if the cpu and my RAM is equal in performance or not matched to my gtx 660.

my specs:
msi GTX 660 2gb (single fan)
6 GB RAM
the power supply doesn't specifically say on it what the wattage is but I'm guessing by what is written it is about 300(I think that is low)
core i3-2120
1tb HDD
two case fans
lenovo made motherboard

that's all I know.

so in conclusion, will upgrading CPU, RAM, and/or PSU make noticeable increase in performance for me?
 
Solution
V
The power supply has no effect on frame rate.
The power supply needs to be rated high enough to power the installed components or you will get unexpected shut downs or the power supply will fail.
300W is barely enough for a Core i3 2120 and GTX 660 (running at about 80% load).
If it is a cheap power supply, be warned that it may fail and damage components or catch fire.

RAM needs to be appropriate for the CPU. Differences in RAM speed will make very little difference to performance.

The CPU can make a big difference to performance if it is not fast enough.
This often effects minimum frame rates more than average frame rates as you have observed.

A Core i3 2120 is socket 1155.
Motherboards for this CPU typically support Sandy Bridge...
Sort by date Sort by votes
Icaraeus

Icaraeus

Honorable
Oct 9, 2013
2,566
0
13,460
Upgrading to an i5 will definitely increase overall performance by a lot. Not many games (at 1080p) utilize 6GB RAM so upgrading that would make little impact.

I would recommend at least a 500W PSU, it can make a huge difference depending on how much power your system consumes. Based on your specs I'd say that the PSU may not be giving the system enough juice, or is running at near max.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
C

Comoletti

Honorable
Jan 9, 2014
12
0
10,510

is the psu a definite need for an upgrade or can it wait?

 
Upvote 0 Downvote
B

Brian Archibald

Honorable
Mar 21, 2013
93
0
10,660
Upvote 0 Downvote
V

VincentP

Splendid
Oct 18, 2013
4,105
1
26,965
The power supply has no effect on frame rate.
The power supply needs to be rated high enough to power the installed components or you will get unexpected shut downs or the power supply will fail.
300W is barely enough for a Core i3 2120 and GTX 660 (running at about 80% load).
If it is a cheap power supply, be warned that it may fail and damage components or catch fire.

RAM needs to be appropriate for the CPU. Differences in RAM speed will make very little difference to performance.

The CPU can make a big difference to performance if it is not fast enough.
This often effects minimum frame rates more than average frame rates as you have observed.

A Core i3 2120 is socket 1155.
Motherboards for this CPU typically support Sandy Bridge or Ivy Bridge processors.
Possible upgrades would be a core i5 2XXX (e.g. Core i5 2400) or Core i5 3XXX (e.g. Core i5 3470).

My recommendation though would be to retire this computer and buy a new one.
Keep your graphics card if you are happy with it.
This system would be best for normal desktop use (documents, web browsing, movies).
Maybe you can get some money for it towards a new system you can design.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
C

Comoletti

Honorable
Jan 9, 2014
12
0
10,510

My pc is only just over a year old and I don't have the money to buy a whole new system noting that I just bought the 660. this is difficult for me to do since I don't have a job and I live with my parents and they don't buy anything for me.(I'm only 16 so don't criticize!). but yeah, thanks for your answer, it was a really big help! I have awarded you as best solution
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
V

VincentP

Splendid
Oct 18, 2013
4,105
1
26,965


I understand that money isn't always available to do what you want.
My concern is that you may spend money on a new CPU and it may not work because the OEM motherboard from Lenovo may not be compatible.

Maybe just design what a new system would cost you with a cheap case + good power supply + core i5 processor + micro ATX motherboard (gigabyte are good value) + RAM.
With the video card you have, I would recommend any of the following power supplies:
XFX Pro 550
Seasonic G 450
Seasonic S12II 430
Corsair CX 500 (not as good as the other three, but OK if these are too expensive).

The XFX Pro 550 in particular is fantastic value if available in your country.
This also allows you to later upgrade your graphics card.
Seasonic G 550 is very good too, but generally more expensive than the XFX.

It's probably not as expensive as you think.
Save your money and when you are ready see if you can get some money for your existing machine.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
A

Alec Mowat

Honorable
Jan 8, 2014
3,244
0
13,460
+1 above

If it's a Lenova based motherboard, I wouldn't bother trying to upgrade it. It will be a waste of money, and it's difficult to get new components to work correctly. The Motherboard doesn't support having components changed that aren't manufactured by Lenova.

You are better off saving and building a new system. With the exception of the harddrive and DVD player, none of those components are really worth keeping.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom