Need upgrade advice for 1st generation i3 system

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Jassi23

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Jan 2, 2016
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Hello, thanks in advance for your replies. My current computer configuration (since 2011) is :-

Intel i3 540 @ 3.06 GHz
Intel DH55TC mother board
Kingston DDR3 Value RAM (2 + 2 + 4) 8 GB
250 GB Seagate Hard disk
A basic Zebronics SMPS
ZOTAC GeForce GT 610 Synergy Edition 2GB DDR3
Antec VSK4000 Cabinet
Antec A40 Cooler

I am a computer novice, I don't know whether to buy a whole new desktop or upgrade some of its parts. I was suggested to replace everything except the cabinet and the graphics card such that my new configuration becomes:-

Intel i5 6400 @ 3.30 GHz
Gigabyte H110 Mother board
Corsair Vengeance DDR3 (or DDR4 not sure)
120 GB SSD
Antec 450W power supply (not sure which model)
ZOTAC GeForce GT 610 Synergy Edition 2GB DDR3
Antec VSK4000 Cabinet

The above upgrade cost me Rs. 25000 ($400). So, my questions are:-
1) Will spending this much money make a big difference in the performance from my old config? Or should I keep the old config and buy a new graphics card or some other item with it?

2) I intend to sell this current pc including the Antec A40 cooler. So, will the new config. work fine without a cooler? Or should I keep this one?

My current usage is light gaming, using softwares like 3ds Max, Maya, Unity and watching HD Movies. I'm hoping with this new config, I can indulge in a bit heavy gaming.

Please suggest any changes in the config as you see fit.

Also, sorry for the long post.
 
Solution
geofelt
Your upgrade is very reasonable.
You will not need a discrete graphics card. The integrated HD 530 graphics is relatively good and stronger than your GT610.
It is suitable for light gaming.
You can always add a stronger discrete card later.

With integrated graphics, you will want a dual channel ddr4 ram kit. 2 x 4gb DDR4 2400 is fine.

A ssd is wonderful, but 120gb gets filled quickly. try to use 240gb.

Antec, xfx, Seasonic are all quality units, 400w or more is good.

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giantbucket

giantbucket

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your intel motherboard can support a range of i5, i7, and even Xeon processors (http://processormatch.intel.com/Processors/CompatibleProcessors?componentName=DH55TC) so you could try to buy any of the i7 chips from that list on eBay for a few dollars. update BIOS using your current i3 before dropping in the i7. then either keep the graphics card, or upgrade that. and adding an SSD (even an affordable 120G one) and moving your Windows onto it would be a decent idea. maybe a 256G would be better cuz you could clone your entire current drive over to it, and then reuse your current drive for more data storage.
 
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Jassi23

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Thx for the quick reply.
The DH55TC motherboard supports only the first generation processors. So, should I upgrade to a first generation i7?
 
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Karadjgne

Karadjgne

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Sell the whole pc as is, gpu and case included. You'll get a much better chance with a whole working unit sale than trying to part out older gen stuff. Consequently, you'll have more cash to put towards a new system. That older 610 simply won't handle 'heavier' graphics at anything beyond low settings.

Look for a gtx960/r9 380 as minimum for good gaming experience at medium-ultra depending on the game. You can also look at lga1150 i5's like the 4460 paired with a h97 motherboard for almost identical performance, yet probably lower prices since they'll be older stock stores will want to get rid of, making room for the new skylake stuff. DdR3 8Gb can be gotten new for $25 so a new matched kit at 1600/1866 isn't an issue compared to the price of 8Gb DDR4.
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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Your upgrade is very reasonable.
You will not need a discrete graphics card. The integrated HD 530 graphics is relatively good and stronger than your GT610.
It is suitable for light gaming.
You can always add a stronger discrete card later.

With integrated graphics, you will want a dual channel ddr4 ram kit. 2 x 4gb DDR4 2400 is fine.

A ssd is wonderful, but 120gb gets filled quickly. try to use 240gb.

Antec, xfx, Seasonic are all quality units, 400w or more is good.

 
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