Need help with upgrading gaming PC

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saternal

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I'm quite a novice with computers and currently have a recently repaired/upgraded 4 years old desktop PC. I decided to play Dota2 recently and I think my computer can't cope with the game and is giving me problems thus I'm upgrading some parts to make it better.My current PC has the following:

CPU: Intel i5 2300 2.8ghz
Motherboard: MSI B75MA-P45 Micro ATX
Memory: Kingston 4 GB ram
Display: GeForce GT 435M
HDD: WD Black 1TB(New)
Casing: Sharkoon MS120 Micro ATX(New)
PSU: 400 W (New)

I really don't know what is causing the problems with my PC but i'm thinking of upgrading the CPU,Motherboard,Graphics Card, and RAM.

My budget for these 4 items should be around $400~. Any recommendation will be good. I know my PSU aint much but i don't really want to buy a new PSU although i know its a bit underpowered so I hope you can suggest something that won;t require me to get a new one but I really don't mind getting a cheap and better replacement.

Hope u guys can help me out. thank You.

 
Solution
geofelt
All modern motherboards will have at least one X16 graphics card slot. That is all you need.

If your psu has been working ok, and your graphics upgrade is limited to a GTX750ti, then I would not change it out.
If you do buy a new psu, overprovision a bit and look at 600-650w. That is enough to run a very strong card like a GTX780. A stronger psu will only consume the wattage demanded of it regardless of it's max rating.
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm
It will run more efficiently and cooler in the middle third of it's range.
Buy only a quality psu.
Here is a list:
https://community.newegg.com/eggxpert/computer_hardware/f/135081/t/45344.aspx?Redirected=true

G.skil is good, as is corsair, Kingston...
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geofelt

geofelt

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Oct 9, 2006
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I am confused.
The GeForce GT 435M indicates a laptop graphics chip.
How did you get that info?

The i5-2300 is actually a very capable cpu, No need to change it out.
If you are using the integrated HD2000 graphics, that is undoubtedly the cause of your performance issues.

The solution is to simply buy a good gaming discrete graphics card.
With a 400w psu, the strongest card you can buy would be a GTX750ti which is about $150.
Exactly what brand/model is your psu?
If it is a cheap one, I would replace it regardless.

Most games do not use more than 2-3gb of ram so your 4gb should be sufficient if you are also not multitasking.
Ram is cheap enough that 8gb would be good. That assumes that you have a 64 bit version of windows.

 
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saternal

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yes. You are correct. It is a laptop Graphics Card. 4 years ago when I was looking for a full system desktop, I came across this ACER desktop at a local computer mall. I looked at the specs and thought it was a good deal and I bought it. I only realized that the Graphics Card was meant for a laptop a year ago when I suddenly started having graphics issues with my PC. Well, I was even more of a novice 4 years ago but at least I know more now. Lesson Learnt, 2GB of dedicated memory doesn't mean nothing when your FX card is actually meant for a laptop.

And yes, I do have a 64 bit version of Windows. So the only thing I need to buy should be a new PSU, and 8 Gb of ram. I was thinking of RipJaw for ram and I am definitely considering your suggestion of getting the GTX750ti. I am only playing Dota2 and I don't think its that tolling on the FX card.

What about the motherboard? Is my motherboard gonna be fine with the new FX card and RAM? My motherboard is actually a new one. Had the exact same one and it fried about a year ago so I just got the same one for easier installation. What Wattage Power supply would u recommend? I do intend to upgrade more in the distant future. Thanks for your valuable input.
 
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geofelt

geofelt

Titan
Oct 9, 2006
54,298
4,146
174,240
All modern motherboards will have at least one X16 graphics card slot. That is all you need.

If your psu has been working ok, and your graphics upgrade is limited to a GTX750ti, then I would not change it out.
If you do buy a new psu, overprovision a bit and look at 600-650w. That is enough to run a very strong card like a GTX780. A stronger psu will only consume the wattage demanded of it regardless of it's max rating.
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm
It will run more efficiently and cooler in the middle third of it's range.
Buy only a quality psu.
Here is a list:
https://community.newegg.com/eggxpert/computer_hardware/f/135081/t/45344.aspx?Redirected=true

G.skil is good, as is corsair, Kingston, patriot...
You want documented ram compatibility. If you should ever have a problem, you want supported ram.
Otherwise, you risk a finger pointing battle between the ram and motherboard support sites, claiming "not my problem".
One place to check is your motherboards web site.
Look for the ram QVL list. It lists all of the ram kits that have been tested with that particular motherboard.
Sometimes the QVL list is not updated after the motherboard is released.
For more current info, go to a ram vendor's web site and access their ram selection configurator.
Enter your motherboard, and you will get a list of compatible ram kits.
While today's motherboards are more tolerant of different ram, it makes sense to buy ram that is known to work and is supported.

 
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saternal

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Ok. I've decided on the stuff I'm gonna get to upgrade my PC. I followed your advise and decided not to upgrade the CPU and motherboard. Meaning I can spend a bit more on the other stuff u recommended. So with the new upgrades, this is what my PC will have:

CPU: Intel i5 2300 2.8ghz
Motherboard: MSI B75MA-P45 Micro ATX
Memory: G Skill Rip Jaw 1600 4GB x 2
Display: MSI GAMING N750Ti TF 2GD5/OC G-SYNC Support GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB 128-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
HDD: WD Black 1TB
Casing: Sharkoon MS120 Micro ATX
PSU: SilverStone 700W ST70F-ESB

So how does it look? Will anything be bottlenecking anything? Any other recommendations? Will this be sufficient to play Dota2 smoothly?
 
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geofelt

geofelt

Titan
Oct 9, 2006
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Looks appropriate to me.


I will never again build without using a SSD for the OS.
It just makes everything you do so much quicker.
A one hour widows update will take 15 minutes.
Files open instantly.
A 120gb ssd will hold the OS and a half dozen games.
With a 240gb ssd, you may never need a hard drive.
I like Samsung EVO for the ssd.
 
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saternal

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Sep 8, 2014
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Your advise regarding ssd will be taken under consideration. My friend actually advised me to get a better fx card if I have extra budget. Think I will follow his advise and get the GTX760.
 
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