Upgrading an older computer

headbusta

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Feb 14, 2014
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My computer is really struggling to run almost any game now. I bought it somewhere around 8 years ago and now it desperately needs upgrading. I have been doing some research on new parts, but I'm beginning to get overwhelmed. I really liked the i5 CPUs, but couldn't decide on one, and I would need a new motherboard i believe. I need to upgrade the CPU, GPU, Motherboard and maybe the RAM. My budget right now is $500, but I can save up a little more if need be. Anyway, here are a few specs it has. Thanks in advance!

Motherboard - ASUS M4A77TD Pro
CPU - AMD Phenom II X3 720
RAM - 2x2GB (4GB) DDR3
GPU - Nvidia GeForce GT 520
HDD - 500 GB
PSU - 700W
Case - AZZA Orion
 

tcb1005

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Feb 11, 2014
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Well you can and should upgrade the motherboard and CPU, I would suggest an i5. That will cost 300$ in total. Then you could buy 4 more GB RAM for 30$ an finally a GTX650ti GPU for around $150.
 

verma1891

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Jun 18, 2011
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You can keep the 500W HDD. You can keep the PSU if its a good quality one plus your case is also good to go. For remaining core components, heres a recommendation-
CPU- http://pcpartpicker.com/part/amd-cpu-fd6300wmhkbox
Motherboard-http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-m5a97ler20
RAM-http://pcpartpicker.com/part/crucial-memory-bls2kit4g3d1609ds1s00
GPU-http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-video-card-gtx760dc2oc2gd5
 

headbusta

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Feb 14, 2014
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Ok thanks. Any recommendations for the motherboard and CPU? I was having trouble deciding on which i5 was best for the money. I looked at this review http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106-6.html , but i5-3350 and the i5-4670 were the only i5's tested.
 

headbusta

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Feb 14, 2014
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ok thanks again guys! much help