Upgrade CPU or GPU

Taohid · Jun 12, 2014

I have a low-end PC. Dont really do much gaming on it, only play FIFA. After finding out the specs of FIFA 15, I'm thinking of upgrading my PC a little bit. I have 120$ on my pocket right now and I've only got two options: upgrade CPU or GPU. I have an intel dual core e5400 with gigabyte gt 610 and 6gb ddr3 ram. Now should I swap my CPU with an i3 4130 or upgrade my GPU. Which one would give more increase on performance? If it is GPU then please suggest a GPU under 120$.
Thanks in advance

MANOFKRYPTONAK · Jun 12, 2014

I wouldn't waste my money upgrading it. I think you are better off saving up to build a better system, or saving for a console. If something is worth doing its worth doing right.

Taohid · Jun 12, 2014

I already have consoles
but i want to upgrade this pc because i like to play tournament mode which is only available on pc
and i'll have more money to spend later but now im quite short on it

MANOFKRYPTONAK · Jun 12, 2014

Taohid :

Like I said I wouldn't upgrade it, its not worth putting more money into IMHO. Besides unless I am mistaken the e5400 LGA 775 is a completely different socket type from an i3-4130 LGA 1150.You can't just take out that cpu and put in whatever you want.So CPU is out of the question.

quilciri · Jun 12, 2014

Actually, if your motherboard works with Xeon's (email the ebay seller below), you can make a major CPU *and* GPU upgrade for about $140

Huge CPU upgrade if your motherboard is compatible. The X5450/Q9650 is roughly equivalent to an AMD FX-6300 @ stock speeds.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/QX9650-Q9650-Intel-Core-2-Quad-Extreme-modified-775-Xeon-CPU-Processor-5450-/301203403791?pt=CPUs&hash=item46211f340f

...and for the video card (also a huge upgrade over the GT 610)
PowerColor Radeon R7 250 1GB Video Card ($69.99 @ Newegg)

with the 6gb DDR3 you already own, you'd have a solid gaming platform.

Taohid · Jun 12, 2014

@quilciri thanks for the suggestion
and i chose the i3 because my brother has a spare h61 mobo that he's willing to give me.

MANOFKRYPTONAK · Jun 12, 2014

quilciri :

Taohid :

In that case that i3 still won't work, the h61 chipset is for second generation i3s. Try an i3-2100 or so instead.

quilciri · Jun 12, 2014

The I3 is a good CPU, and the H61 board will give you an upgrade path to an I5 later. The downside is the I3-2100 is over $120 by itself, and is barely faster than the Q9650 (actually in 3+ thread games, the Q9650 is faster).

If I were in that situation, I would take the motherboard, do the Core2 quad/r7 upgrade and then wait until I could afford an I5 K series and aftermarket cooler to use the H61 board.

That is, of course, assuming your motherboard is compatible with the 775 Xeon's

If not, then saving up a bit more is your only choice.

Taohid · Jun 12, 2014

@quilciri can u suggest any decent gpu
the r7 250 seems way below my budget

quilciri · Jun 12, 2014

I suggested the 250 because that way you can get a big upgrade to both the CPU and GPU right now.

$69 Q9650/X5450
$70 R7 250

if you want a video card that costs $120 by itself, I suggest
PowerColor Radeon R9 270 2GB TurboDuo Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)

Taohid · Jun 12, 2014

Thanks for the help!

quilciri · Jun 12, 2014

You're very welcome; don't forget to contact the seller for the CPU to make sure your motherboard is compatible!

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