Upgrading my old gaming pc!

zayzo · Mar 26, 2014

Hello all! I built pc last year around march. It served me well but i've recently started using 3 monitors for multitasking while gaming. My system takes a huge hit while gaming. I have $500 to spend and i would like to know what the very smart people of this forum would recommend i spend it on! I'll list my current pc specs so you have an idea of what i'm using. I also have 3 1080p 23 inch monitors if that helps.
Current pc specs:

- i5 3350p

- Asrock z75 pro 3

- 8gb of 1600 mhz

- Corsair cx430

- Phantom 410 case

- Seagate 1 tb HDD

- Galaxy GC Gtx 660

envy14tpe · Mar 26, 2014

Since the issue is mostly with graphics I'd suggest getting a new GPU. Look for a 770 2GB or 280x 3GB instead of a 660 and upgrading your PSU to a 550-650W. Since you want multitasking across 3 monitors I'd look for 3GB models.

IRONBATMAN · Mar 26, 2014

envy14tpe :

+1

However, AMD cards may be a little overpriced due to the bitcoin mining craze

zayzo · Mar 26, 2014

I have a buddy who is selling his evga classified gtx 770 4gb model for $300. He's only had the card for a month. There is still warranty on it too. Should i go with that?

IRONBATMAN · Mar 26, 2014

Ask for $280 or $250 , and treat him to a meal

zayzo · Mar 26, 2014

IRONBATMAN :

He' asking $350 to other people but i'm already getting a $50 discount for being a friend.

The card is $450 on newegg.... (holy crap) I don't think i can lower it passes $300

Rationale · Mar 26, 2014

zayzo :

Only problem is you'll probably need to upgrade your PSU as well. But yeah, with the warranty still in effect it's nearly impossible to find a better deal than that. I'd take the $300 offer. A 4GB 770 Classified will last years, it puts the PS4 and X1 to shame.

A word of advice: The Galaxy 660 GC performs at 660 TI levels for a lower cost with better cooling. There's a reason they sold out on Newegg. You could get a pretty nice amount for that on eBay if yours is in good condition.

IRONBATMAN · Mar 26, 2014

i was looking at the 2GB models which were close to $300. Try adding some other favors like meals or something

zayzo · Mar 26, 2014

Well, let's say i can get the gpu for $280-300, i still have about $200 to spend on a psu and what else? I was thinking an ssd would be nice and not too difficult to fit in the price area.

IRONBATMAN · Mar 26, 2014

How long does your PC take to boot ? 20 secs ? If so, you don't need a SSD. you could buy peripherals too.

envy14tpe · Mar 26, 2014

For what you want I highly recommend buying the 770 4GB from your friend. I have yet to get F'd over by a friend when it comes to selling/buying stuff. Also, it's a great buy for the price.

Just spend an additional $76-85 on a decent 550-650W PSU. You have a locked CPU and non overclocking mobo so you could easily run 550W with that GPU. However, since you might consider upgrading system further in the future you should look for a 620-650W PSU.

Bitcoin craze affects prices but depends on where you live. 770s sell for around $400usd and 280x sell around $330usd where I live. Yes, that is correct. I thought about buying some 280x and bringing back stateside with me to sell.

zayzo · Mar 26, 2014

IRONBATMAN :

Generally my pc is almost never turned off. Even though it is in my bedroom. I have really quiet fans so i can sleep with it on. Usually only for updates will i have to restart the pc.

zayzo · Mar 26, 2014

envy14tpe :

My motherboard isn't capable of overclocking? I've seen people toss 3570ks in here and overclock them just fine. I just want to know if i do plan on getting an i7 a few months down road and do plan on overclocking it, are you saying i'd have to get a new board? Also, do you know any reputable PSU brands? I've only purchased a corsair power supply and that was over a year ago.

Rationale · Mar 26, 2014

zayzo :

I have no idea about your board, but Rosewill, XFX, Corsair, Seasonic, and EVGA are all generally good.

envy14tpe · Mar 26, 2014

Sorry I mispoke. You can overclock with the Z75. I saw you had a locked CPU so I made an incorrect assumption about your mobo. Yes you can overclock a 3570k.

If you are buying for gaming not heavy editing work than a i5 is plenty.

PSUs to buy: Seasonic (any), XFX, Antec, Corsair TX not CX.
Here is a good example. And at around $60 it's a great buy.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/antec-power-supply-hcg620m

zayzo · Mar 26, 2014

This card needs two 8 pin pci connectors... oh boi

IRONBATMAN · Mar 26, 2014

Read this for PSU help
http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1804779/power-supply-unit-tier-list.html

Seasonic is the best.

Z77 is the most common chipset to overclock on with a ivy bridge CPU. I rarely see people use a Z75 board to OC.

Upgrading my old gaming pc!

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