PC Components Upgrade~$200

DoctorHoliday

Reputable
Jul 16, 2014
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So I built a computer awhile back, and with all the new games coming out, I thing it's time for an upgrade. As stated in the title, I have a bugdet of $200-250.
Here are my current specs:

AMD Athlon x2 370K CPU
MSI FM2-A55M-E33 Motherboard
Corsair CX430 PSU
MSI GT630 1gb
4 gigs of 1600 RAM
500Gb @7200rpm WD Hard Drive (Not sure the exact name)
NOTE: *I aslo have a DVD drive thingy and a couple of lights and fans in my case as well.

I'm looking to play games like Bioshock Infinite, Metro Last Light and Arma 3.
What do you guys suggest? Currently I'm looking at upgrading my PSU to a CX600 and my GPU to an HD 7770 or and R7 260X.


 
Solution


I used an overclocked PhenomII x4 965be and a HD 7700 with a CX400 corsair psu for almost a year. That phenomII cpu is a 125W cpu... and i had it under a long term overclock with a slightly weaker psu then the one...
what resolution is your monitor?

cause i'm thinking upgrade the cpu to a Athlon II x4 760k, and the gpu up to a r7-250x...

might be the best "bang" for the buck. i know having owned a CX400, a phenomII x4 965be, and a HD 7770, that your CX430 is more then enough for that combo.

If you can get a hyper 212 evo cpu cooler and a fm2 montherboard with a a75 or a85x chipset and you'll be good to go.
 

blue_smoke

Honorable
Nov 10, 2013
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11,160


get a antec vp-450. on the 2b teir in psu quality. better psu than what you have now. upgrade to a 270x, ditch the 370k and get a 750k and a hyper 212 evo.
 

DoctorHoliday

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Jul 16, 2014
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4,510


I have a 22 inch monitor. I think the resolution is 1920x1080, but I dont mind playing games at lower resolutions like 720p
 
the r7-250x can play most games in 1080p just fine... at medium or so... high if you don't mind turning off AA and the like. As i said i had one for almost a year (the r7-250x is just a rebadged hd 7770)

here is what i would do in your position with $250

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 750K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($79.49 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI A78M-E45 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R7 260 1GB Video Card ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $259.45
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
 

DoctorHoliday

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Jul 16, 2014
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4,510
The parts you guys have suggested seem pretty good, but my main concern at this point is my PSU. I used the online PSU calculators provided by ASUS and MSI and got mixed results for what my wattage should be if i installed the new parts. ASUS said that I'll need at least 550w and the MSI calculator said that i would need 400w. I only have a CX430, so I am somewhat concerned over what my wattage will be when my computer is under load. Keep in mind that I have a DVD/CD drive and some extra fans in my case.
Please help.
 


I used an overclocked PhenomII x4 965be and a HD 7700 with a CX400 corsair psu for almost a year. That phenomII cpu is a 125W cpu... and i had it under a long term overclock with a slightly weaker psu then the one you have. You'll be using a 95W cpu... same basic gpu.

so you should be ok.
 
Solution

DoctorHoliday

Reputable
Jul 16, 2014
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4,510


Okay then, thanks! I've decided to upgrade to an Athlon x4 750k and an R7 260x.