What in my system needs an upgrade?

MeesL · Oct 13, 2014

Hello everyone, I have a minor question.

I saved up some money, about 350 bucks, and I was wondering what it is in my system that needs an upgrade.

My system specs are:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 3770k 3.5Ghz
- Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V Premium
- GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 580
- PSU: Cooler Master 80plus 1000W
- RAM: 16GB Dominator (1333 Mhz)
- CPU Cooler: Zalman
- OS: Windows 7 Professional

I personally find that I run out of VRAM when I play games like LoL or Skyrim on Ultra settings, therefor I was thinking about upgrading to a GeForce GTX 780. I don't really know which manufacturer I should get, EVGA; MSI; Asus etc.

Also I would like to know what I should do with my old Graphics Card, maybe leave it in and have it be a PhysX card or something similar.

I would like to have your expertise on this subject and explain to me what I should do.

Thanks in advance!
Mees

Cem Goker · Oct 13, 2014

For the graphics card, you could sell your GTX 580 and go for the GTX 970 (a lot cheaper and stronger than the GTX 780). With the remaining money, you could get another CPU cooler like the Hyper 212.

faalin · Oct 13, 2014

if your going to spend the money on a 780 then get a 970 instead. Also look at some new ram, for gaming ether 1600mhz or 1866mhz look at G.Skill, Mushkin, or kingston ram.

prit87 · Oct 13, 2014

you still have a strong PC if you want to upgrade then upgrade the GPU and dont go for gtx 780 its has been discontinued any way because of the new gtx 900 series has taken its place go for gtx 970 much better than gtx 780 at low price.

http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-STRIX-GTX970-DC20C-4GD5-Graphics-Cards/dp/B00NJ9BJ8G/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1413197811&sr=1-1&keywords=gtx+970

rohitsharma359 · Oct 13, 2014

Well, looking at your system the only thing that needs immediate up-gradation is your graphic card. If you go with 780 and then on ultra settings and PhysX on the frame rates will drop. So, it's better to use your old card as PhysX Card. If you are ;ooking for editions, Go for ASUS DirectCU II.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-video-card-gtx780dc2oc3gd5

MeesL · Oct 13, 2014

Cem Goker :

prit87 :

Thanks for al the replies!

You convinced me, I am buying a GTX 970. Though what is the best manufacturer, and what version of the card? There are many different ones out there..

Thanks!

prit87 · Oct 13, 2014

Asus strikx , gigabyte windforce and the MSI twin frozer has some good reviews the evga has some heating problem so you can go for any of these three brands.

Cem Goker · Oct 13, 2014

It will depend on your case. But the best brands are Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte for the GTX 970.

MeesL · Oct 13, 2014

prit87 :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127832 I assume you mean this one with Twin Frozr.
And what about the regular MSI GeForce GTX 970 (this one: http://prntscr.com/4vqg0r ) Does it have any problems? It is a little cheaper..

EDIT: I have a Cooler Master Storm Sniper Case --> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119194

prit87 · Oct 13, 2014

twin frozer has better cooling than the normal one and i cant find the GPU clearance of your case so check that the GPU clearance is at least 12 inches in your case.

MeesL · Oct 13, 2014

prit87 :

The EVGA GTX 580 fits. But I dont really know how to check GPU clearance... Any advice on how to check that?

MeesL · Oct 13, 2014

prit87 :

If I buy the MSI GeForce GTX 970 Gaming 4G, can I then use my EVGA GeForce GTX 580 as a deticated PhysX card?

prit87 · Oct 13, 2014

No you cannot use 2 GPU of different model and for measuring the GPU clearance take a measuring tape measure how long card the case can fit.

faalin · Oct 13, 2014

MeesL :

prit87 :

Yes you can use both cards, the 970 as your primary and the 580 as a dedicated physx card. I run a 980 with a 580 for physx but you only notice the difference if the game uses physx

MeesL · Oct 13, 2014

prit87 :

Hahaha, I figured as much and I think it'll fit!

prit87 · Oct 13, 2014

great.

MeesL · Oct 13, 2014

faalin :

MeesL :

prit87 :

Yes you can use both cards, the 970 as your primary and the 580 as a dedicated physx card. I run a 980 with a 580 for physx but you only notice the difference if the game uses physx

So I can just plug in the 970 in the second PCI 3.0 port and install the drivers. But then how do I tell my system to use the 970 as the primary card?

Thanks!

What in my system needs an upgrade?

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