CPU or GPU? Upgrade path when changing from a C2Q Q6600 to an i3-4150

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Macacaro

Commendable
Aug 25, 2016
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1,510
Hello everyone. I'd appreciate some help with a choice before me.

My current PC is a Q6600 oc'd to 3 GHz with 8 GB RAM and an XFX R7 260X.
I was just given a i3-4150 with 8 gigs too, but no graphics card. I'm migrating to the new PC, but only have enough cash to upgrade either the CPU or the graphics card. I'd like to keep this new PC for some years (maybe not al long as th Q6600, but that one has been quite a faithful little machine).

Please tell me if I'm missing something in my post or you need some other details.

Thanks!

Edit:

I forgot to mention, this is mostly used for games. And over locking, while a plus, I'm mostly interested in for the longevity factor.

Edit 2:

I just ran a pass of Ice Storm Extreme (with an older HD4600 something) in the newer box, comparison here: http://www.3dmark.com/compare/is/3921438/is/3921431

Edit 3:

My budget is around US$300 (equivalent)
 
Solution
O
I assume that means you were given everything except the GPU.

My general thoughts pertaining to the issues of upgrading still stand. It still depends on what your expectations from this new PC are.

You could just install your current GPU into this new PC and see if you like the performance before spending money on whichever component is limiting your enjoyment.
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Obakasama

Distinguished
Apr 30, 2014
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Seems a bit tricky, so I'll just voice my thoughts... It depends on what your expectations are.

CPU or GPU upgrade was the option I see you considering. But you've been given an i3 and RAM. You make no mention of a motherboard which you'd also have to consider too. Additionally, depending on your old PC, you may need a new OS as well. If true, your immediate upgrade may be more limited.

The LGA1150 socket, which that i3 fits into, is a previous generation. In that respect, it depends what you mean by longevity. You could upgrade later to an i5 or even i7 if the budget is willing. Keep in mind this would be old technology when the time comes. The more powerful CPUs still perform well, but obviously beyond what is already available the choices are limited.

If you do overclock, then you'd need a Z number chipset (Z97 for that i3, I believe). This would also squeeze a bit more from whatever Intel CPU you have, assuming the CPU is a good overclocker, of course.

 
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Macacaro

Commendable
Aug 25, 2016
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0
1,510


I missed a word, it's a complete system, chassis and all.

Edit:

Just checked, the motherboard is a H81M-K (Asus). And the older one is another Asus, the P5K SE.
 
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O

Obakasama

Distinguished
Apr 30, 2014
3,427
193
18,090
I assume that means you were given everything except the GPU.

My general thoughts pertaining to the issues of upgrading still stand. It still depends on what your expectations from this new PC are.

You could just install your current GPU into this new PC and see if you like the performance before spending money on whichever component is limiting your enjoyment.
 
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Solution
hang-the-9

hang-the-9

Titan
Mar 25, 2010
60,387
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You can upgrade both the CPU and the video card for $300 or very close to it.

i5-4570 - $200

The video card you can either use yours, save another 100 and get a good mid-range card, or spend $120 for a GTX 950 which is cheap for the speed now due to rebates. It's about 60% faster than your 260X. RX 470 is about $200 and is a bit over twice as the 260X, going by the PassMark scores.

That will get you on High settings for most games at 1080p and a solid Medium on the more demanding games.
 
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