Looking to cheaply upgrade my PC

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TheFossilMan

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May 4, 2014
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A little over 2 years ago I bought a pre-built, refurbished HP computer. I was in a hurry to purchase it and didn't pay as much attention as I should have. The problems with it are, I can only have a max of 8gbs of RAM, PSU is 300w, Graphics card is awful. Now I am looking to upgrade the computer and came to realize that I really don't have a lot of options. I currently have a 2nd Gen Intel I5-2400 in my computer. I really want to spend as little money as possible, could I possibly use that CPU in a new computer that I have put together just to change it later? I know I need a lot of new things but the GPU is going to be expensive. I have so many more questions about what should go in to the build in order to some moderate gaming in at least 1080p. The machine is pretty much used exclusively for gaming but I don't require awesome graphics just playable. I tried to play the beta of Wildstar this weekend and failed miserably. Any help would be nice.

By the way, I am pretty novice with computers, I have replaced my memory in old systems and video cards and that's about it. Am I just in over my head with trying to build one?
 
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Onus

Onus

Titan
Jan 27, 2006
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Well, you actually do have some decent options. If you get a GTX750Ti, that card will run on your OEM 300W PSU (it only needs 60W), and is a good, moderate gaming card. Second, assuming you've got two RAM slots, get a 2x4GB kit of DDR3-1600 CAS9 RAM that needs no more than 1.5V. The i5-2400 is a perfectly competent CPU for modern games.
 
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Onus

Onus

Titan
Jan 27, 2006
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shnuhh has listed a couple of very nice parts, but I probably focused mostly on the adverb "cheaply." Depending on your budget, his selections would be good because you could re-use both in a new build. IMHO the GTX750Ti is also "good enough" to move, even with a more powerful PSU, but the R9 270 is a little stronger (one tier on the monthly chart).
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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Oct 9, 2006
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You need to determine what you actually need to help YOUR games.

To help clarify your CPU/GPU options, run these two tests:

a) Run your games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 70%.
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.


Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
set to 70% and see how you do.


You could also experiment with removing one core in the bios. This will tell you how sensitive your games are to the benefits of many cores.

If your FPS drops significantly, it is an indicator that your cpu is the limiting factor, and a cpu upgrade is in order.

It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system, and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS.

The i5-2400 is a very decent cpu. I suspect that a graphics upgrade to a GTX750ti would be an effective change.
 
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TheFossilMan

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May 4, 2014
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I have been looking for the GTX 750 ti and I see that there are so many different types made what looks to be different companies. What is the difference? I can't seem to figure it out.
 
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Onus

Onus

Titan
Jan 27, 2006
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Not much. Cooler and factory clocks will be the only real differences, and they'll count for less than usual. The card produces so little heat that the differences between one cooler and another will be minimal, and clocks you can typically alter yourself. One difference is that, although really not needed, a few models (Gigabyte?) have included a PCIe power connection which really shouldn't be needed, even on an overclocked card.
 
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