Looking to upgrade don't know where to start

mag77

Distinguished
Jul 2, 2011
20
0
18,510
Hi, about a year ago I purchased a iBUYPOWER desktop and am now looking to upgrade. I would like to improve its performance in gaming and overall speed. As of right now the computer takes a long time to boot and most games I play must be run on low settings (Heroes of the storm, WoW, Rocket League). With one game running CPU usage is maxed out and begins to slow down. I have heard that a SSD would be the most noticeable upgrade but I am still worried about the GPU and CPU. I am looking to spend around $200-$300 Sorry if this lacks detail, let me know if there is anything else you would need to know. Here are the specs:


http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16883227594

Processor: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2 GHz
Ram: 8 GB DDR3 1600
GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GT 730 2 GB
PSU: 350W
Motherboard: Intel Z97

Thanks for helping
 

lodders

Admirable
How to put this tactfully.... all the components in your PC are well matched to each other, in that all except the memory and possibly motherboard could do with an upgrade.... Actually are you sure this is a Z97 motherboard - I would have expected H81 in this machine....

Unfortunately, in order to improve any of the other components, you are probably going to have to upgrade the power supply first e.g. to a EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply, and there goes 1/4 of your budget.... The rest I would spend on $150 GPU, and then save up for an i3 / i5 and SSD later.
 

80-watt Hamster

Honorable
Oct 9, 2014
238
18
10,715
I don't think any of the games mentioned are highly threaded. A 4GHz 3258 is probably enough for the moment. For in-game slowdown, I'd suspect the GPU. The power supply is a limiting factor there, but a 750ti can be had for around $100, or a 950 or R9 370 plus PSU upgrade would stay around or a little over the $200 mark. If that's not enough, CPU can be looked at later when funds allow.