Need help looking for CPU upgrade

DevilxDog · Nov 23, 2015

I am looking at upgrading my CPU. My specs are:

CPU: A8-5500
GPU: R7 250X
RAM: 8GB
PSU: 500W
Resolution: 1440X900

I'm looking at upgrading my CPU for gaming purposes. I'm looking at games like GTA V, Fallout 4, Squad, etc. I'm not looking at getting ultra settings. I have a budget of $200. I might be able to do $250, but around $200 would be best. I know I will have to upgrade my motherboard as well. I'm not an AMD or Intel guy, I'm just looking to get the biggest bang for my buck for something that will last.

I'm not a computer person so trying to look up information is a little overwhelming. Thank you in advance.

Forever Oleg · Nov 23, 2015

In gaming, GPU is more important than your CPU, and your CPU is still capable. I would suggest getting GTX 960 for $190 which will allow you to play the games you listed at high with high FPS: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-02gp42966kr

What is your PSU?

clutchc · Nov 23, 2015

+1^
Your gfx card is still your weakest link to good gaming. Be sure your "500W" PSU is not a poor quality unit, tho.

DevilxDog · Nov 24, 2015

I know the GPU is important. I was under the impression that my CPU is older and that would hold me back. So your saying that my CPU is still good? For how long? What GPU would be the lowest you'd recommend, AMD and Intel?

My PSU is Antec Basiq Power 500 watt Model: BP500U.

Forever Oleg · Nov 24, 2015

DevilxDog :

The CPU is getting old indeed. It is way below the modern Intel CPUs but it is still capable. If you want to make an upgrade right now, get a GPU. After that you can fork out for an i5 + mobo.

Your power supply is a standard one. It is not bad and it is not good. It's okay. It will work with that card no problem though. Good luck

DevilxDog · Nov 24, 2015

Okay thanks. Why an i5 and not a i7? I see a lot that says the i5 is good but wouldn't the i7 be better?

Forever Oleg · Nov 24, 2015

i7 would be better in games that can actually utilize more than 4 cores aka 4 threads, and those games few such as Witcher 3, BF4 and some others. i7 is way more expensive than i5 so that's why people recommend the i5 - it is a better option for the price. i7 is for pro video editing, rendering, and 1080p hardcore 60 FPS streaming of demanding games.

DevilxDog · Nov 24, 2015

Okay thanks

DevilxDog · Nov 24, 2015

Would you recommend the 2GB or the 4GB? Why? I would say the 4 because as newer games come out they will use more but I'm not really sure what I am looking at.

Forever Oleg · Nov 24, 2015

GTX 960 cannot utilize more than 2GB of VRAM due to its 128-bit bus so getting the 4GB version is a waste of money.

DevilxDog · Nov 26, 2015

Thanks for the help

DevilxDog · Nov 27, 2015

Is there a difference to the GTX 960 regarding the length of the card? My mother board is a MSI MS-7778 and the dimensions are uATX: 24.4 cm (9.6 in) x 24.4 cm (9.6 in).

Forever Oleg · Nov 27, 2015

No. It is just a matter of whether it fits your case or not.

DevilxDog · Nov 27, 2015

Ok. Is the brand ZOTAK a good brand? I've never heard of it before.

Forever Oleg · Nov 27, 2015

It depends. They have different cooling units. Some are very good and competitive. Some are trash. Link?

DevilxDog · Nov 27, 2015

Seen a bunch of different places but here's 1. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500370&cm_re=GTX_960-_-14-500-370-_-Product

Forever Oleg · Nov 27, 2015

Yeah, that's good. The AMP coolers are pretty awesome.

DevilxDog · Nov 27, 2015

Forever Oleg · Nov 27, 2015

This one is at $170 right now. Will be a better deal: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487091

DevilxDog · Nov 27, 2015

I saw that one but my motherboard is only 9.6 in long, so I don't think I have enough room for it to fit, between that and my case.

Forever Oleg · Nov 27, 2015

DevilxDog :

It doesn't matter the motherboard size. The length of the card is the length of the motherboard + the space behind the PCIe x16 slot until something blocks the way. You can measure the space you have before you purchase it.

DevilxDog · Nov 28, 2015

Need help looking for CPU upgrade

Reputable

Admirable

Titan

Reputable

Admirable

Reputable

Admirable

Reputable

Reputable

Admirable

Reputable

Reputable

Admirable

Reputable

Admirable

Reputable

Admirable

Reputable

Admirable

Reputable

Admirable

Reputable

Share this page