Need to upgrade a couple parts -not sure what to upgrade to without my computer dying

Ruihley · Aug 11, 2016

Can't play modern games on ultra settings anymore - looking to upgrade some parts (CPU - GPU?). What should I upgrade, and what can my PC handle without completely dying? Are there resources out there to figure out this kind of information so I don't have to ask in the future? Thanks!

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System Information
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Operating System: Windows 10 Home 64-bit (10.0, Build 10240)(10240.th1_st1.151104-1714)
System Manufacturer: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-2120 CPU @ 3.30GHz (4 CPUs), ~3.3GHz
Memory: 8192MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 8150MB RAM

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Display Devices
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Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce GTX 650
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Display Memory: 6064 MB
Dedicated Memory: 1989 MB
Shared Memory: 4075 MB
Current Mode: 1920 x 1200 (32 bit) (59Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Model: Cintiq 24HD
Monitor Id: WAC1028
Native Mode: 1920 x 1200(p) (59.950Hz)
Output Type: DVI

ajpaolello · Aug 11, 2016

Well the best thing to do what be to upgrade both since they both could use it! So you're running dual 1080p monitors. I think a 1060 or 480 would not be largely bottlenecked by them but if you upgrade the GPU I would try to upgrade the CPU soon.

geofelt · Aug 11, 2016

A perennial question.
Here is my canned approach:
------------------------------------------------------------
To help clarify your CPU/GPU options, run these two tests:

a) Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 70%.
Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.
Conversely what a 30% improvement in core speed might do.

You should also experiment with removing one core. You can do this in the windows msconfig boot advanced options option.
You will need to reboot for the change to take effect. Set the number of processors to less than you have.
This will tell you how sensitive your games are to the benefits of many cores.

If your FPS drops significantly, it is an indicator that your cpu is the limiting factor, and a cpu upgrade is in order.

It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system,
and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS.
-------------------------------------------------------------

Ruihley · Aug 11, 2016

ajpaolello :

Thanks! Generally, how will I know if the CPU I'm looking at is compatible with my current system?

ajpaolello · Aug 11, 2016

Well it would be best to upgrade to the new skylake architecture but that will require a new motherboard.

Ruihley · Aug 11, 2016

ajpaolello :

Thank you, what would be the next best thing if I can't afford a new motherboard at the moment? Also - what's the general rule in figuring out what is compatible with your current hardware? I would love to be able to do my own research and find a motherboard and be able to tell whether or not my current hardware will work with it. Thanks!

Ruihley · Aug 11, 2016

geofelt :

A perennial question.
Here is my canned approach:
------------------------------------------------------------
To help clarify your CPU/GPU options, run these two tests:

a) Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 70%.
Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.
Conversely what a 30% improvement in core speed might do.

You should also experiment with removing one core. You can do this in the windows msconfig boot advanced options option.
You will need to reboot for the change to take effect. Set the number of processors to less than you have.
This will tell you how sensitive your games are to the benefits of many cores.

If your FPS drops significantly, it is an indicator that your cpu is the limiting factor, and a cpu upgrade is in order.

It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system,
and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS.
-------------------------------------------------------------

This is very helpful, thank you!

ajpaolello · Aug 11, 2016

i5 2500K or i7 2600K will fit in that socket I believe.

geofelt · Aug 11, 2016

Look at the cpu support list for your motherboard.
I3-2120 is actually a pretty good gamer.
I might expect that a I5 or I7 would be supported.
If your motherboard is old, you might need a bios update.

Try to determine if you need faster single thread speed or if you need more threads.

Ruihley · Aug 12, 2016

geofelt :

I7 installed got this http://i.imgur.com/lk3U4oY.jpg

geofelt · Aug 12, 2016

What is your motherboard?
What I7 did you install?

Look at the cpu support list for your motherboard.
It will list the processors supported and what bios level is needed to run.
You may have to reinstall your i3-2120 to do such a bios update.

Ruihley · Aug 12, 2016

geofelt :

i7 2600k - it looks to be supported by my motherboard.

Also - I chose the first option and am now on my computer and the new CPU seems to be working. Should I still update my bios just incase?

Ruihley · Aug 12, 2016

Okay I don't need to update the BIOS, seems I have the correct version after checking through cmd and inputing wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion to check and confirming through the Gigabyte website. Thanks guys for all the help!

geofelt · Aug 12, 2016

Good. You do not want to update a bios without a good reason.
A failed bios update can brick your motherboard.

ajpaolello · Aug 12, 2016

Looked like some setting didn't want to work with the i7.

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Need to upgrade a couple parts -not sure what to upgrade to without my computer dying

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