should I get a new graphics card or GPU?

ryuk7533 · May 28, 2014

OI recently got a low end PC of craigslist and it's main use is for gaming and internet use. It currently has an athlon 445 x3 running at 3.1ghz and a pny nvidea gt 630. I was considering upgrading to a fx 6300 since its only $120 but I wanted to know if I should get a new gpu first. The PC can handle most of the newer games "okay" on low settings at 720p but I only get about 45fps average. I have a 1080p monitor and would like to take full advantage of it when playing games. So, what first? CPU or GPU? Or both at same time?

MalakiArtook · May 28, 2014

What is your PSU? you cant upgrade if your psu cant handle it.

dutch13 · May 29, 2014

Having had a similar processor in the past, I can tell you that both the CPU and GPU are matched. If you want a faster system, you will need newer versions of both, IE gpu and cpu, assuming you have a big enough power supply. If you tell me you're budget mate, I would love to help you out. Personally, I would upgrade the CPU, mainly because the socket the Athlon sits on is most likely AM3 and that is reaching the end of it's life span, thus processors will be harder to find. If you want help with finding what card or processor, let me know

JOOK-D · May 29, 2014

Upgrade both.

I'm guessing you'll need a new motherboard too to support the new FX, and possibly RAM if yours is DDR2. As well as possibly a new PSU.

dutch13 · May 29, 2014

If you it doesn't require a complete overhaul, get a newer processor, if it does, than a new gpu like the gtx750ti would be a great for a cheap/fast card ^_^

bicycle_repair_man · May 29, 2014

If you want to take full advantage of games at 1080p, you really need to change the GPU, CPU and motherboard. There's also the possibility that you'll need a new PSU and RAM, depending on what you have now. A new motherboard will also mean reactivating Windows if you have an OEM version. Microsoft are usually pretty generous and will allow multiple activations, but if you can't activate Windows you'll also need to budget for an OS unless you go Linux.

If you upgrade the GPU or CPU individually you'll probably find that one will bottleneck the other, so the performance gain may be somewhat underwhelming.

In all likelihood, the computer needs a complete overhaul.

ryuk7533 · May 29, 2014

My PSU is a thermal take 600w and my motherboard is a MSI 760gm-p34 and can take fx CPUs. I have 8gb of crucial ballistix ram at 1333mhz. Also, budget would be around $300

JOOK-D · May 29, 2014

The best CPU that motherboard can support is the FX 6300 (excluding the 8300 since they're somewhat rare).

ryuk7533 · May 29, 2014

dutch13 :

My PSU is a thermaltake tr2 600w and my motherboard is a MSI 760gm-p34 and can take fx CPUs. I have 8gb of crucial ballistix ram at 1333mhz. Also, budget would be around $350

bicycle_repair_man · May 30, 2014

ryuk7533 :

With that spec you should be fine for a CPU and GPU upgrade. Ideally, you want both so you don't run into any bottlenecks.

An FX-8350 is the best CPU open to you. Your motherboard doesn't have the best chipset for it, but don't let that put you off. I don't recommend the FX-6300 at all; it's not a six-core processor despite what everyone says, and its single-core performance is pretty poor. Go straight to the FX-8350.

As for the GPU, a GTX 750 Ti or GTX 760 are ideal. I'd recommend the 760 due to its memory bus being 256-bit rather than the 128-bit that you get in the 750.

I'm in the UK so I can't say much for prices.

JOOK-D · May 30, 2014

OP's motherboard does not support the FX 8320 or FX 8350. Hence why the 6300 would be the best choice.

bicycle_repair_man · May 30, 2014

It's compatible providing you upgrade to BIOS version 7641vHB.

JOOK-D · May 30, 2014

Really? I can't find it anywhere. Only the FX 8300 which is 95W TDP and surprisingly rare.

http://www.msi.com/support/mb/760GMP34_FX.html#support-cpu

bicycle_repair_man · May 30, 2014

Ah, hang on, I didn't consider the TDP, good call.

OP, whilst the FX-8350 is compatible with a BIOS flash, there's a good chance that the increased TDP will damage your motherboard. Personally, I wouldn't recommend taking the risk. The FX-8300 is your safest and best bet.

ryuk7533 · May 30, 2014

bicycle_repair_man :

im currently looking at the MSI 970A-G46 for a new motherboard with 8350 since its in my price range. but, would there be a noticeable difference between the 750 ti and the 760? just dont want to waste the extra $100 (59.77 pound)

dutch13 · May 30, 2014

Yeah man at your res, you can NEVER go amiss with the added memory bus. For me, my limiting factor has always been in regards to bus or amount of memory :/ So don't make the same mistake ^_^

dutch13 · May 30, 2014

http://benchmarkreviews.com/12744/nvidia-geforce-gtx-750-ti-benchmark-performance/ here man, so you don't have to take our word is gospel xD Note the trend identified in these tables.

ryuk7533 · May 30, 2014

dutch13 :

for an average 15-20fps increase for $250, id say im starting to lean towards the 760 over 750ti. but, i dont got the money for it lol

dutch13 · May 30, 2014

Remember it is your decision in the end. Can the 750i satisfy your needs? Those charts can tell you what to expect of it. You could always look up the r260x?

ryuk7533 · May 30, 2014

decided on the fx-8320 and the 750ti. thanks everyone for the advice and informing me on how te fx-6300 isnt a "true" six core. will also be upgrading to a MSI 970A-G46 as well. LET THE GAMING BEGIN lol

should I get a new graphics card or GPU?

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