Budget AMD APU build, better to upgrade to new processor or discrete graphics card?

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Polyneye

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Apr 28, 2014
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I'm sure you guys are getting sick of answering these APU build questions but with the release of the a10 7870k I was wondering if there was much point in upgrading to one. I currently have a friend with an
ASUS A78M-A mobo
550w psu
an amd a8 series apu(can't remember exact model)
4 gb of ram, running at 1866mhz I think.
Some recommended upgrade paths would be excellent, I have a budget of about $500 U.S.
He's not opposed to replacing anything except the mobo. He recently bought it as a replacement for a burnt out one, and would hate to blow money buying another right away.
 
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tambeshakunt

tambeshakunt

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Jun 5, 2013
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Well on that motherboard you will only get APUs and cannot install FX series AMD cpus or intel cpus. Assuming the system will be used for gaming, and keeping the board, this is probably the best route: (also try and get make and model of PSU - it may need replacement too)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 750K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 270X 2GB DirectCU II Video Card ($143.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $308.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-02 16:06 EDT-0400


^ you can add an SSD if you want.
 
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Polyneye

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Apr 28, 2014
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I know I can only upgrade to another apu with the mobo I have. That's what I'm asking... With my current setup would I get enough of a bang for my buck by upgrading the apu to a better one. Or should I save my money and avoid that in favor of a discreet graphics card? If so what card should I aim for to avoid bottlenecks at the processor?
 
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VyperGaming

VyperGaming

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You realize that the 750K is a downgrade from the A10-7850K. That is on the same level as the Athlon 860K.
My recommendation is to purchase the 760K and a 750Ti/270/370. Even a CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Evo will be great, especially if you want to overclock for more performance.
 
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Polyneye

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Apr 28, 2014
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Yes I know that as well, that isn't my build it's tambeshakunt's suggested build. I can't even find the processor he posted for sale anywhere. The 860k is now the standard athlon that's available. I think I've come up with the build that I'm going to go with, just needs a few more tweaks, then I'll post on here to see what you guys think.
 
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Outlander_04

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Thats even worse advice than recommending an athlon 760K instead of the 860k .
For the same money you always buy the stronger card . There are no situations where that is a bad idea
 
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VyperGaming

VyperGaming

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I meant to say the 860K. There is, when there could be a possible bottleneck. The 280 up against one of the worst CPU's out isn't a good idea.
 
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