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Should I upgrade my CPU or GPU?

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  • GPUs
  • CPUs
  • Build
Last response: in CPUs
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February 6, 2014 3:52:26 PM

Here's the build I currently have: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/haseo1998/saved/3FJP
I'll be getting $100 next month and I'm planning on selling more things to get about $100 more dollars, so using the money, would it be better to upgrade my CPU or my GPU?

More about : upgrade cpu gpu

a c 110 à CPUs
February 6, 2014 3:56:19 PM

your gpu hands down. wait until you have a better graphics card to get a better cpu. unless of course this computer isn't meant for gaming. there is no point in upgrading your cpu when even your i3 is more than enough cpu for your gpu.
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a b à CPUs
February 6, 2014 3:58:26 PM

If you game heavily, I would get the GPU first. But with a dual core CPU, you will be unbalanced with a faster GPU. Some games dont need more than 2 cores, or do well enough with 2, that the GPU should be your first upgrade.

Also, dont build on the socket 1155 platform, its dead. Think about getting a whole new board+cpu. Maybe get a used quad core cpu?
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February 6, 2014 4:11:23 PM

ethereal essence said:
your gpu hands down. wait until you have a better graphics card to get a better cpu. unless of course this computer isn't meant for gaming. there is no point in upgrading your cpu when even your i3 is more than enough cpu for your gpu.

I was talking to my friend and he has an old GTX 570 Fermi 2.0 he has that he's willing to trade for $100 plus an old razer deathadder I don't use, would that be enough to run PlanetSide 2 better?
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February 6, 2014 4:12:39 PM

festerovic said:
If you game heavily, I would get the GPU first. But with a dual core CPU, you will be unbalanced with a faster GPU. Some games dont need more than 2 cores, or do well enough with 2, that the GPU should be your first upgrade.

Also, dont build on the socket 1155 platform, its dead. Think about getting a whole new board+cpu. Maybe get a used quad core cpu?

Is it really worth getting a new board?
If so, I can probably get a new board + used cpu next month/2 months
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a c 473 à CPUs
February 6, 2014 4:17:23 PM

Your motherboard is fine. Since it's Z77 it's plenty futureproof if you look towards a 3570k or 3770k. LGA 1150 only has marginal performance improvements over LGA1155.

In your position I'd say upgrade to an i5 3570k and possibly a better GPU down the line.
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a b à CPUs
February 6, 2014 4:28:31 PM

CPU first.

A slower GPU means that you can turn down the graphical fidelity. A slower CPU could be the difference from playing or not playing at all.

On top of that, your GPU should be expected to be replaced far sooner than your CPU so its not really wise to siphon CPU performance (a part that should be rarely replaced if at all) just to get a faster GPU that you will probably replace in around 18 months.

I would try to go up to the i5-4570. Plus, you can usually get the GTX 650 Ti for the price of the GTX 650 now.
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a b à CPUs
February 6, 2014 4:49:33 PM

4570 is a socket 1150 he has 1155. Hence my point to not invest in a new CPU at this time.

haseo1998, you will need a new CPU for optimal gaming. The question is whats the best path for upgrading, I suggest getting a new board and cpu at teh same time since you are already on old tech. Wait for the next series of chips (Broadwell or Broadwell-E) and get one of those.

Whats the point of paying $200 for a quad core chip that is 3 gens old (the 3570) when you can spend $200 (probably) and get a similar performing quad core on a brand new chipset?

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