Upgrading Current Gaming Computer

Gkelley95

Reputable
Oct 7, 2014
37
0
4,540
Alright, so here is my build I currently have. Im wanting to look to upgrade the motherboard, the computer case, and the RAM. (Unless you have better recommendations for anything else). The main reason for the computer case is that it is currently crushing my GTX Video Card. So I would love to have recommendations for computer cases that give me space for my video card and upgrading space as well. Thanks! (My Budget for these 3 items are $200-350)

Windows 10 64-Bit
CPU: Intel i7 3770 (4 Core @ 3.40GHz)
RAM: 2 DDR3 8GB (800 MHz) (PC3-12800)
MOTHERBOARD: CM6330_CM6630_CM6730_CM6830_M11AA (LGA1155)
GRAPHICS CARD: Nvidia GeForce GTX 960 2GB
STORAGE: Toshiba SATA 1TB (7200 RPM)
PSU: Insignia 420W (Model: NS-PCW5250)
CASE: NZXT Apollo Orange NP Orange SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
EXTRAS:
3 DELL Monitors 17in "widescreen"
Logitech Mouse G602, Logitech Keyboard G105, Logitech Headset G930, Logitech Camera C930e

 
Well you are on the right track. You need a new motherboard with new ram and a new case. As far as motherboard goes I would definitely recommend the asrock h97m pro4, hands down best for the budget and will suit your needs. My choice of ram would be 2x8gb DDR3 1600mhz, manufacturer doesn't really matter as long as it isn't an unknown brand, so anything like corsair gskill kingston, etc will do the job. Case, well that depends, what do you want? Do you want it to be a mid tower or do you want a micro ATX case. Keep in mind that even micro ATX cases will fit your GPU, some of them even fit gpus up to 310mm (meaning almost any gpu oth there).
 
For gaming the only upgrades that will make a measurable difference is GPU and PSU. You already have 1600mhz RAM (2x800) and changing motherboard is not going to do anything, I'd actually recommend against it as you would be putting money into something with no future upgrade potential. Your 3770 is still very strong in modern games, unless you are jumping to Skylake keep you mobo and cpu
 

Gkelley95

Reputable
Oct 7, 2014
37
0
4,540

Referring to Sizzling's Reply, I do have the RAM that equals to 1600 MHz, but he says I would probably just need a case basically, since my parts are all pretty much the same. Is that correct?

 

Gkelley95

Reputable
Oct 7, 2014
37
0
4,540

Yes this originally started as a prebuild at Best Buy. I upgraded the PSU, Graphics Card, and Case Starting Off

 

Rogue Leader

It's a trap!
Moderator


Ok, so you upgraded the Case and PSU already, but are looking for a bigger case?

Unfortunately Best buy did you no favor with that PSU, you should definitely replace it with a brand I mentioned.

After that If you were to upgrade the motherboard you would need a new processor as well (its just not worth buying another LGA1155 board, they are old, not as common anymore, and would give you no performance upgrade). If you get an H97 Board and an LGA1150 processor you can at least re-use your RAM in it most likely (although we would need to know the exact brand and model to be sure).

This board is excellent for example:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132120&ignorebbr=1

Gives you a lot of case options as well. Then this would be a good jump in Processor:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117372&ignorebbr=1

Its overclockable if you get an aftermarket cooler like the Coolermaster Hyper 212EVO

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099&cm_re=hyper_212-_-35-103-099-_-Product

Right here this brings you around your budget. Your old processor is actually pretty fast, so I didn't want to recommend anything less than this one because you may not see a performance increase otherwise. I kept it LGA1150 to be able to re-use your Ram, if you went with the newer Skylake you would need to buy new Ram as well.

Unfortunately this build doesn't leave room in the budget for the case, or the PSU which you should definitely replace. But as I said, based on the processor you have now, its not worth the change otherwise.