Where to go from here....

Deviousdb1 · May 7, 2015

So, this is my setup at the moment, and while I know that I need to upgrade a LOT, I'm trying to figure out where to start. I've put this whole setup together for about $400, and I've been okay with it. I've seen it's limitations as well as been impressed due to the price point. So, I'm going to have some extra cash coming in soon and I'm wondering where to start upgrading this thing.

My Setup:

Proc: [strike]AMD FX-8310[/strike] AMD FX-8350
Motherboard: [strike]GA-78LMT-USB3[/strike] ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0
Memory: [strike]Kingston HyperX FURY 8GB Kit (2x4GB) 1866MHz DDR3 CL10 DIMM[/strike] PNY Electronics 8192 MB (DDR3-1600) - XMP 1.2
Videocard: [strike]EVGA gt730[/strike] STRIX-GTX970-DC2OC-4GD5
OS: [strike]Windows 7 (6.1) Ultimate Edition 64-bit[/strike] Windows 10 Pro
SSD: SAMSUNG 850 EVO 250gb
HDD Storage:1tb and 2tb 7200rpm drives
Power Supply: [strike]550 watt cheapie[/strike] EVGA SuperNOVA 750 80PLUS
Cooling: [strike]Cheapie fansink[/strike] [strike]CM Hyper 212 EVO Cooler push pull with a corsair AF120[/strike] Hydro Series™ H100i GTX

Like I said, I know my videocard is going to be the first, but I'm looking for a next step to maximize my computer without running into any hardcore bottlenecks during the process. Thanks for your time!

Lots of updates on this.... http://pcpartpicker.com/b/PsQV3C

http://valid.x86.fr/v5w0fe CPU-Z validation.

Wolfshadw · May 7, 2015

1) Graphics card
2) SSD
3) Core system (CPU/Motherboard)

That's what I'd do in order.

-Wolf sends

DonkeyOatie · May 8, 2015

240Gb+ SSD whenever you feel like it. Doesn't matter when, but it will make you feel good.

1. GPU. Save like crazy and get the best you can not quite afford. Your PSU will handle it, and it will fit in any future system.

2. Motherboard and CPU? You will have to decide where your future lies. We are waiting for the 'next big thing' from AMD. I hope Zen is it in 2016. Otherwise, Intel seems to be the only sensible future. If you stay with this tech. AMD you will need to start serious overclocking.

Deviousdb1 · May 18, 2015

Any specific answers? I mean, I appreciate the general already stated in the op opinions, but I'm looking for specific models/items that I should be looking at.

DonkeyOatie · May 18, 2015

Specific answers are only of help if you agree with our general ideas.

A GTX 970 will run on any future system and will be good for several years. We don't even know what country you are in, so it's hard to make specific recommendations. Exact budget, and 'deals' at the time of purchase make that sort of thing of limited value. To the end of 17 of May Newegg was selling one of their great 550W Rosewill CAPSTONE Gold PSUs for $40. I would recommend that anyone building a system that could use that PSU to buy it. Today, the offer has expired, so my recommendation changes.

A decent aftermarket cooler Cooler Master HYPER 212 EVO, if it will fit in your case, will allow you to start overclocking.

You motherboard will not support overclocking an FX8, so that would need to be replaced.

Since you have to replace the motherboard, going with an i5/H97 combination for a total of about$250 would seem to make sense. (i5 4460 and $70 motherboard with H97 chipset)

Deviousdb1 · May 21, 2015

I ended up picking up http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121899 today for 270 from frys. Open box + Promo code for 289.30. SUPER stoked, and I get witcher 3 for free.

Edit: So, I guess you get Batman Arkham Knight as well with a 970 purchase...sadly it doesn't come out until June 23....-_-

DonkeyOatie · May 21, 2015

Wow! That's a fantastic buy, well done.

Deviousdb1 · May 22, 2015

Yeah, I was really stoked. Oh, that 289.30 was BEFORE the 18 bucks off for it being an open box. That sale ends on Saturday, so if anyone else needs a good upgrade for cheap, grab that!

I've been looking at mobos, and I think I've decided to go with the i5-4690k, because I do plan on going watercooled, for OC'ing. Just not 100% on which board to go with.

DonkeyOatie · May 22, 2015

ASRock Z97M OC Formula for $100 is a good overclock and SLI bargain board in mATX. On sale at Newegg. That will be plenty for an i5. In the $140 - 170 range every manufacturer has a good board that would work for you.

The best deal on an ATX board for overclocking and SLI would be the Gigabyte Z97X - Gaming 5.

Deviousdb1 · May 23, 2015

So, I've decided that for NOW my proc is fine. After doing a ton of scouring on a couple different sites, I think I'm going to go with
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131851
instead of replacing my proc as well. From what I've read, it has great reviews and a damn good price.

DonkeyOatie · May 23, 2015

That's an excellent board and will take an OC you can get from your CPU. What sort of CPU cooler are you planning to get?

Deviousdb1 · May 23, 2015

That's actually something that I could use a bit of direction in. I know that I would like to go with an all in one no maintenance style. Currently using this case, but have been thinking that I may need to upgrade it a bit. Also, the vain side of me would like to have an "viewing port" once I get things cleaned up and upgraded to show it off. lol.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811553003

Also, what SSD's would you recommend? I know Frys has a 500gb 850 Evo on sale for 180. Might pick that badboy up this week.

DonkeyOatie · May 24, 2015

This review http://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/simon-telford/cougar-solution-chassis-review/7/ suggests that the case is noisy.

Good air would do, you do not need fluid. If you WANT fluid, fine, it's your money. For me it's 'go big, or go home' so I would want a 240mm radiator and I prefer quieter. The Swiftech H220-X is a flexible AIO which allows some modification and includes a fan controller. It may be less 'plug and play' than you would like. Check the reviews for noise at load. All good AOI's will give similar thermal performance.

Newegg has a sale on SSDs this weekend, amongst other things. I use Crucial and Samsung exclusively, but other manufacturers are staring to make good product. The key feature is the controller, the chips are all very much the same. That is a good deal.

Cases are a personal choice. I use small board and so like cube cases, but this does not work well for ATX. Think outside of the box, may be you can find a HTPC case you like? There are plenty of good ATX, USB 3.0, window cases, and see if you can get one with decent fans.

Deviousdb1 · May 25, 2015

I should not have started looking at SSD's, it distracted me from looking at powersupplies. lol. So, I've been looking specifically for one that is more than 38a on the 12 rail, but having a lot harder of a time finding one than I thought I would. I was looking at the Antec High Voltage models, as they mostly have a 40a 12v rail.

For the cooler, I think I've decided to go with the Corsair Hydro H55 for now. Until I go with my next proc, I think I'll be good with this one. I'm also picking up a few corsair case fans for better airflow.

DonkeyOatie · May 25, 2015

I use Corsair fans. I like the Quiets. I think that cooler is a waste of money, but it's your money.

There are plenty of PSUs that will meet your needs. Most of the decent 550W or above PSUs for a start. Some will have more than one rail, but that's not a bad thing. The EVGA B2 0750 VR is only $50.

Deviousdb1 · May 25, 2015

The H55 is only 55 bucks at frys(yes, I mention them a lot, but it's because they will price match just about anywhere I find a legit price at). I figured that it wasn't much of a jump in price, I see the HYPER 212 EVO for less than 30 bucks. Perhaps you're right. Now I have even more to think about.

By the way, I really appreciate not only your patience, but your continued help in this matter.

DonkeyOatie · May 25, 2015

Thanks, that's what we do here. Before buying a fluid cooler, read the FrostyTech or other reviews as to cooling power and noise.

Deviousdb1 · May 25, 2015

Where did you find the B2-0750-VR for 50? The lowest I've found it for was 90 with a 30 rebate from NCIXUS.

DonkeyOatie · May 25, 2015

Deviousdb1 :

Prices change all the time. It was $50, now it's $60. Still a great price, just not quite as great, sorry.

Deviousdb1 · May 25, 2015

I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't missing somewhere. I'll be buying that B2-0750-VR tomorrow when I get paid. That thing has +12V@62A which will be great for my setup. Thanks for the heads up on that.

DonkeyOatie · May 25, 2015

At the sub $65 it's the best PSU you can buy for the money. It will support Crossfire too, if your motherboard does.

Deviousdb1 · May 26, 2015

EVGA Power supply and that Asus mobo ordered, I'll be picking up that 212 EVO tomorrow at frys. Thanks again for the help man. Very much appreciated.

Oh, and it did end up being fifty bucks!
http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=97531&vpn=110-B2-0750-VR&manufacture=eVGA&promoid=1323

DonkeyOatie · May 26, 2015

Great. I'm glad to know I did not just imagine that price. Post something when you build your system so that others learn what works and what to be careful about.

Deviousdb1 · May 27, 2015

lol. Sooooooo, I knew I shouldn't have looked at the newegg deals today. lol. In addition to the EVGA 750, ASUS M5A99FX, Cooler Master 212, I picked up a Samsung 850 Evo 250gb on the cheap today. Then I picked up a case fan from frys so that I can go push pull on that 212. lol.

DonkeyOatie · May 27, 2015

So what do you have now (post PCPartpicker)?

Where to go from here....

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