[Need Advice] Upgrading old computer - CPU or GPU?

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ThePhilth

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Feb 29, 2016
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Hey everyone, I've been searching for parts for a while and haven't figured out which I should upgrade. The CPU or the GPU. If anyone has any insight or opinions please share. Here is the equipment and situatiation.

MB - ASUS M2N-E (AM2/AM2+) Might be able to take AM3 CPU's but I'm a little confused on that.
RAM - 4gigs DDR2-6400 (Soon to be 8gigs not part of my budget)

CPU - Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5600+ (2.8mHz)
GPU - AMD Radeon HD 5750 1GB (700mhz)
PSU - 600watt Something or Other
OS - Windows 7 Pro.
HD - 7200RPM 500gig WD
Budget- $150 or less.

I don't have the budget for a new DDR3 MB because I'd have to also buy new RAM along with it. After buying those I wouldn't have enough for a CPU or GPU. So I'm looking too upgrade what I have, to something that will be compatible with a new MB when I get one.

What do you think I should do? Again, can't upgrade the MB and RAM and CPU/GPU.
(I've looked at other posts on this site and notice these threads usually end up with someone saying 'Don't upgrade an old computer) Not really possible right now. Unless someone know's of some killer Motherboard-Combo deal that would fit the budget, I think a nicer GPU or CPU right now would be best. Any suggestions would be VERY helpful since I can't seem to make up my mind. If you need anymore info please ask. Thank you! (First post on this site. Been reading a lot of threads and figured I'd ask you guys for help)

*EDIT - WOW I forgot to say I would like to be able to play games on this PC. I can already play but not with a good frame rate and quality. I'm pretty sure bottlenecking isn't the issue. It's just old equipment. That is the reason I want your advice. Which to upgrade for better performance.
 
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If your CPU really is the bottleneck, I'd go for a new one. Your FPS just won't increase if you upgrade your GPU and your CPU just bottlenecks it.
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Dunlop0078

Dunlop0078

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Feb 13, 2014
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What games do you want to play? For more modern games you need to upgrade pretty much everything, I would recommend you just start saving up to build a new pc. You may be able to upgrade that to play lightweight and older games with a new gpu like the gtx 750 ti however im not sure if this would be worth the money, that cpu will likely hold it back in a lot of games.
 
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ThePhilth

Commendable
Feb 29, 2016
5
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1,510


Right now I'm playing WarFrame. But I'd like to play it smoother with higher settings. I don't need to play the latest "rig benchmarking" type of games on the highest settings. (not sure that is even a saying but it made sense to me. I'd just like a nice frame rate without sacraficing too much of the particle effects and glimmering shiny stuff.

So you're vote is on a GPU?
GTX 750 ti - I've seen the same one suggested on multiple threads. Must be good.

 
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Mr Hat

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Nov 30, 2015
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It is an amazing card in its price class, I recommend it too.
 
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ThePhilth

Commendable
Feb 29, 2016
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1,510


Nah. There are no Microcenter stores in my state. Nice to know there are combo's at that price though. Either processor or graphics card I'm going to buy will be able to go into my new board, when I get one.
 
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ThePhilth

Commendable
Feb 29, 2016
5
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1,510
So I'm looking at a GPU and not a new CPU eh? I think my board is compatible with AM3 socket processors, just incase it make a difference.

Anyone got an idea which manufacturer would be best for the GeForce GTX 750ti. Cheaper the better if they are all the same. I see most are 2GB GDDR5 128bit. for around $120.00 US.
The processor I have (Athlon 64bit X2 Dual Core 5600+) will work with this gpu without problems?

*EDIT - I was just looking at the "can i run this" tool to see if equipment I'm currently using can run Warframe. It says the HD5750 can run it in High settings at 1920x1080.
But the Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core would run it at Low to Medium settings.

Seems like I need a better CPU instead. At least thats what I get from it. Maybe changing the GPU would remove some stress from the CPU while playing. I don't know, that's why I'm here.
 
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ThePhilth

Commendable
Feb 29, 2016
5
0
1,510
So I think I'll be going with a CPU for now. You guys seem to know which GPU would be good to buy, how about advice on a CPU for this mother board? I'd like to get one that would work with a MB upgrade to DDR3. I've read a lot of these old AM2 AM2+ boards can take a BIOs update and be compatible with certain AM3 CPU's.
Any idea on which would be best for mid level gaming and compatible with both MB's?
I will be donating this computer to my neice when I upgrade anyway. So if I can only get a CPU that works with this board, that is fine. As long as it's an upgrade from the old.

 
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