Need advice in upgrading my CPU

zeightz

Reputable
Mar 16, 2015
4
0
4,510
Hello, I have read the beginner's guide and buying guide as well, but still I wasn't satisfied with the answers that I've found.

So this is my CPU right now:

  • Processor : Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 @ 2.53 GHz
    RAM : 4 GB
    Windows 8.1
    GPU : GeForce GTX 650 Ti (managed to upgrade it on 2013).
    Har Disk : 500 GB (spinning drive, not SSD)
Please let me know if you guys need more information.

I'm currently trying to figure out on how I should upgrade my PC. From lurking around, I think I need to build almost a new CPU, but from what I remember, my RAM is already DDR3.

What I'm trying to achieve is that to have a good time in playing games, I currently play FF XIV Online with minimum setting. It would be great if I could run it on max setting. I am also looking forward to be able to catch up with any game released in next 2 years (hopefully).

Please kindly advise, even though I am currently living in Indonesia, I think it won't be that hard and much difference in the availability of the Board/GPU/Processor. Oh, and I think I only have around USD 1k to spend, but if you think it's impossible, just let me know and I will look if I could stretch the budget.

Thanks!
 
Solution
SSDs are great, but they won't improve your FPS

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($186.56 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($79.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($64.99 @ Micro Center)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($321.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($43.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $802.40
Prices include shipping...

zeightz

Reputable
Mar 16, 2015
4
0
4,510


I am sorry for double posting, but should I use SSD as well? Will it actually affect my gaming experience?
 
SSDs are great, but they won't improve your FPS

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($186.56 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($79.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($64.99 @ Micro Center)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($321.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($43.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $802.40
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-16 10:12 EDT-0400

Any 4th gen i5
Any H97 motherboard
8gb DDR3 ram
A GTX 970
An SSD.
 
Solution
No problem, I've tried to keep the requirements loose to make it easier for you when shopping for parts. The GTX 970 is a very, very strong card but unless you have a 1080p monitor or higher there's no point buying one. If you're gaming at 1366x768 for example, then a gtx 960 would do you just as well.

For SSD, any crucial or Samsung would be just fine :)