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Need help with Motherboard & CPU upgrade for Gaming

Tags:
  • Gaming
  • Intel
  • Motherboards
  • AMD
  • Gigabyte
  • CPUs
  • MSI
  • Upgrades
  • Asus
  • Homebuilt
Last response: in Systems
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October 10, 2014 7:56:36 AM

I have been having some issues with my computer slowing down so i'm thinking its time to upgrade some hardware. I currently have an Asus M5A97 MB, FX-4100 CPU, with GTX 660ti GPU. I believe my graphics card will have to do for now because i don't believe my CPU can handle much more, so i'm looking to upgrade MB and CPU and need some input on which way to go. I don't really have a preference towards AMD or Intel so i'm open to all suggestions that will give me the best performance for under $500. Thank you in advance for all your help.

More about : motherboard cpu upgrade gaming

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October 10, 2014 8:07:32 AM

I'd suggest to get a i5 4690k, one of the best price to performance CPUs out there. In Gaming, it's almost as strong as an i7 4790k. Here it is on PCPartPicker:
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54690k

As for motherboard, I'll look into it.
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October 10, 2014 8:09:06 AM

kayper said:
I have been having some issues with my computer slowing down so i'm thinking its time to upgrade some hardware. I currently have an Asus M5A97 MB, FX-4100 CPU, with GTX 660ti GPU. I believe my graphics card will have to do for now because i don't believe my CPU can handle much more, so i'm looking to upgrade MB and CPU and need some input on which way to go. I don't really have a preference towards AMD or Intel so i'm open to all suggestions that will give me the best performance for under $500. Thank you in advance for all your help.



PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($177.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($137.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $345.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-10 11:07 EDT-0400

Something like this would be great for gaming. If you plan to overclock your CPU, then that could be upgraded to a 4690K. There are also cheaper motherboards, but Z97 is worth it if you are OK with spending a few extra dollars.

I assume you will need a CPU cooler too, so I put one on the list. You don't want to use the stock cooling if you are stressing the CPU, but if you already have an aftermarket cooler, you probably don't need the EVO.
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October 10, 2014 8:45:48 AM

wow that was fast, and extremely helpful. So judging from my system specs would you agree that this is my best upgrade choice at the moment and stick with the GPU i currently have?
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a b à CPUs
October 10, 2014 8:47:43 AM

That 660Ti is still a good GPU, it's a little faster than the R9 270X which a good 1080p high/ultra performer.
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October 10, 2014 8:51:20 AM

i was originally thinking that it was the problem because i would get random display adapter crashes and some bottlenecking during gaming, but someone told me that this is most likely caused my my under powered CPU struggling to keep up with the GPU. as for the MB i fugured it's kind of old, so i might as well replace it with the CPU.
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October 10, 2014 3:53:28 PM

thanks for the help guys. I ended up going with
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/JYckgs
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/JYckgs/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($234.95 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($137.99 @ NCIX US)
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