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Unsure whether to upgrade or get a new build

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  • New Build
Last response: in Systems
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September 18, 2014 12:47:29 AM

Hi everyone, this is my first post so I apologize for any mistakes. As the title says I don't know whether or not I should upgrade my current build or make an entirely new one. Basically I would like to be able to stream Dota 2 at a decent/high quality with no performance issues. With my current setup I'm only able to stream at low graphics and even then my fps is rather unstable, often dipping down below 30 fps when there is a lot of activity on screen. I realize that my build is quite old and that building a new computer might be the best choice but I would prefer to upgrade if at all possible/reasonable because I am somewhat limited on funds. Here are my current specs

CPU: Intel i7 860 @ 2.80 GHz
GPU: NVDIA GTX 260
Motherboard: Biostar T-Series TP55
RAM: Patriot DDR-3 1600 MHz 2x4 GB
PSU: HEC Group 550W

Thanks in advance!

More about : unsure upgrade build

September 18, 2014 1:02:08 AM

I would definitely change the PSU and then invest into a quality GPU. Your CPU is still quite fast, and if you overclock it a tiny bit you'll be back up to full speed. What is your maximum budget for this computer, assuming you don't want a complete overhaul?
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September 18, 2014 1:15:06 AM

I didn't really have a specific budget in mind, I'm willing to pay for quality parts if necessary, maybe in the realm of $500 for upgrades? I suspected a GPU upgrade would be necessary so I was considering getting a GTX 770. Would that be too much for this kind of thing? Also is there a specific issue with the power supply? I realize it's not one of the popular brands and the wattage is rather low, would you have a recommendation? Thanks for the reply.
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September 18, 2014 1:20:40 AM

I might keep the ram. Everything else I'd change.

I take it you've got a case. ODD, HDD and OS

Try -

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($134.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.65 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-D3P ATX AM3+/AM3 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($179.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($77.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $491.60


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September 18, 2014 1:35:41 AM

Thanks for the reply! I'd rather not overhaul my computer if possible but if so I'd prefer to go the extra mile and build a more powerful rig. Please let me know if I'm being unrealistic or foolish but do you think it would be possible to do something like Icaraeus suggested?
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September 18, 2014 4:53:11 AM

I would get the Antec 520W PSU i7Baby suggested and use the rest to invest into an Sapphire/Asus R9 280X or R9 290.
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September 18, 2014 12:46:34 PM

Thanks for the advice, I'll be looking into the things you suggested. Also welcoming any other advice if anybody else reads this
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September 18, 2014 1:02:54 PM

New CPU, Board, PSU, GPU.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($88.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: HIS Radeon R9 270X 2GB IceQ X² Video Card ($179.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $508.94
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-18 16:00 EDT-0400

Or get a much faster GPU, a new PSU, and an aftermarket cooler for a bit of overclocking of your i7.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Tri-X Video Card ($414.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $503.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-18 16:02 EDT-0400
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September 18, 2014 1:04:02 PM

i7Baby said:
I might keep the ram. Everything else I'd change.

I take it you've got a case. ODD, HDD and OS

Try -

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($134.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.65 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-D3P ATX AM3+/AM3 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($179.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($77.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $491.60




CPU wise, that would be more of a sidegrade. Gen 1 i7's are about even with an FX 8350.
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September 18, 2014 2:14:47 PM

logainofhades said:
Or get a much faster GPU, a new PSU, and an aftermarket cooler for a bit of overclocking of your i7.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Tri-X Video Card ($414.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $503.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-18 16:02 EDT-0400


^ This is good
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September 18, 2014 2:53:44 PM

Thanks a bunch for the help guys!
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September 18, 2014 4:02:50 PM

The EVGA 500B are tier 3 power supplies per http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1804779/power-su...

Get one from tiers 1, 2a or 2b.

ReaLHardTech says you should have a 650W PSU for a R9 290.

Try Seasonic M12II 620 ($75 @Newegg), XFX 650 or Antec HCG 620M instead.
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September 19, 2014 6:32:48 AM

Actually, the 600b was the one in question. They are decent budget units, nonetheless. I trust jonnyguru over THG, for power supplies, just saying.

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