planning to upgrade my pc

clone65 · Oct 7, 2015

Planning to upgrade my desktop before years end. Mostly playing games so looking for something games oriented. Also this one I had for a little over 6 years now, I have only upgraded GPU from GTX 275 SLI to GTX 670. Im looking for something that will last me another 5-7 years, but I plan to change GPU every 2-3 years. Any suggestions. O yeah and my budget is around $1500-$2000 maybe a bit more.

Here my specs:
Intel Core i7 920
Asus Rampage II GENE
12GB RAM DDR3
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670

WVMountie07 · Oct 7, 2015

If you were going to pick one single item out of that list, definitely the processor. i7 920 specs show only 2.66 ghz so probably only capable of around 3.0 with OC. Maybe step up to something like i5-4690?

Joseph DeGarmo · Oct 7, 2015

Look for something like an i5-6600k or i7-6700k (depending on other PC tasks) and a Z170 motherboard. You should also get at least 16 GB DDR4 RAM. If upgrading the GPU as well, then get at least a GTX 970.

clone65 · Oct 7, 2015

WVMountie07 :

Well I was thinking of changing everything, I'll maybe keep RAM's. And I can afford upgrade in range $1500-$2000 maybe little more.

geofelt · Oct 7, 2015

Some games, like sims, strategy, and mmo types tend to be cpu limited and single threaded.
Others like fast action shooters tend to be graphics limited.
------------------------------------------------------------
To help clarify your CPU/GPU options, run these two tests:

a) Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 70%.
Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.
Conversely what a 30% improvement in core speed might do.

You should also experiment with removing one core. You can do this in the windows msconfig boot advanced options option. set the number of processors to less than you have.
This will tell you how sensitive your games are to the benefits of many cores.

If your FPS drops significantly, it is an indicator that your cpu is the limiting factor, and a cpu upgrade is in order.

It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system, and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS.
-------------------------------------------------------------

If you think you need a better cpu, then something like a i5-4440 would be about 2x the capability of your I7-920.
If you think your graphics needs to be better, make it a big jump or you may be disappointed if you do not see great improvement.
Think GTX980 or GTX980ti.
I suppose sli GTX670 would be an option, but dual cards always seem to have issues.

geofelt · Oct 7, 2015

I now see your budget.
With Skylake now available, there is absolutely no question in my mind that a new build should be Skylake.
1. Prices for cpu, z170 motherboard and ddr4 ram are almost precisely the same.
2. 6600K has an estimated 5-10% performance improvement per clock over haswell.
3. 14nm runs cooler, you get a decent overclock without the need for exotic cooling.
4. The Z170 chipset permits the use of much faster ssd devices on the horizon. Samsung 950 pro for example:
http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/minisite/SSD/global/html/ssd950pro/overview.html

Joseph DeGarmo · Oct 7, 2015

Here's a nice suggestion. Feel free to add new SSDs if needed.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($359.99 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VIII HERO ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($219.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB Superclocked+ ACX 2.0+ Video Card ($669.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home Full (32/64-bit) ($119.99 @ B&H)
Total: $1504.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-10-07 15:34 EDT-0400

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