Is it even worth upgrading a three and a half year old computer?

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heisenfgt

heisenfgt

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Nov 3, 2015
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Here are my specs

Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600K CPU @ 3.40GHz (8 CPUs), ~3.7GHz
GeForce GTX 560 Ti
8192MB RAM
H61m-d2-b3 motherboard
OCZ ZS PSU.

I really want to buy a new graphics card, but is it worth when the computer is three and a half years old? I've heard arguments like "It's going to break any minute". Worth upgrading or nah?
 
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migronesien

migronesien

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Jun 3, 2015
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Just drop in a new GPU and you're right back with a high end gaming rig. Maybe get an aftermarket CPU cooler and go for 4.2-4.5Ghz on that i7 and you'll be running anything on ultra @1080p/1440p (depending on the GPU you drop in). :)
 
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DSzymborski

DSzymborski

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Nov 19, 2010
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No reason to not upgrade the PC. A 2600k is still an excellent CPU - it was a high-end CPU to start with and gains since then have been incremental rather than revolutionary. Now, you wouldn't go out and *build* a PC with a 2600k (just like I'd never propose anyone make a new rig with the 3770k I have), but the marginal cost of an upgrade just isn't worth what is a real, but relatively small boost. Assuming your PSU is in good working order, a new GPU is all you would need.
 
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heisenfgt

heisenfgt

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That's the thing, a few times when booting up the computer, it has gone to one of those "repairing.." screens. It pretty much randomly starts repairing itself, so I don't know how good shape it's in. Happened a fair amount of times
 
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Grimwinder

Grimwinder

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That's probably a software issue and you need to do a fresh OS install. Also, just to be sure, go to your hard drive maker's website and download and run their diagnostic software just to make sure your drive is good to go.
 
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clonazepam

clonazepam

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Jul 10, 2010
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The weak link of the current build is the motherboard. With that said, it's still plenty good enough to be running the 2600K at stock (lacking overclock options, H61 chipset, 4-phase power design).

You can put any graphics card you want in that baby and go to town.
 
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J

jitpublisher

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May 16, 2006
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Look at my signature, almost the same thing as you, except yeah I got a couple of 560ti's. This has been an amazing PC, and all I am going to do here in a few weeks, hopefully when a sale comes up, is upgrade the 560ti's to a single new GPU. (The SLI thing has been fun, and has worked flawlessly for me for years now, but a powerful single card now will do me fine).

Put a new GPU in it that thing, and enjoy it for a couple more years!
 
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clonazepam

clonazepam

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I upgraded from 500 series earlier this year. In SLI, they can still get it done, that's for sure. I opted for a more set it and forget it mentality.

The Original Poster, heisenfgt, needs to troubleshoot the issues. It's not like an out of warranty piece of electronics that has no user replaceable parts. It's a great learning experience, unless you don't have the time to fiddle with it. The comment about it breaking any minute just comes from a lack of understanding of the issues. I would even suggest creating a new post in the appropriate forum to have it looked at. I'd also include more detailed system specs (storage, RAM details, etc).
 
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DSzymborski

DSzymborski

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Nov 19, 2010
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If you haven't done a fresh install since building it, I would definitely recommend one. Even as careful as I personally am with Windows crud, I still find a fresh wipe every few years to be beneficial.

If you're going to do a fresh install, it's a good opportunity to get a SSD and install onto that (killing two birds with one stone).
 
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heisenfgt

heisenfgt

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I do have a SSD, do you mean I should install Windows on it? Because my hard drive IS pretty full.

Well, I just learned that our OS (not only my computer..) is kind of.. um... pirated? I think at least?
 
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heisenfgt

heisenfgt

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Now that I think about it, is it even possible to replace the GPU with a pirated Windows? Don't you have to reactive Windows or something?
 
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