Help me figure out what to do

Jeremy Chartrand · Dec 7, 2016

I have a a6 6400k apu with a r7 260x and my uncle told me that my cpu bottle necks my gpu and I want to upgrade so I have the choice between getting a new computer with a pentium g4400 but I have to keep my gpu or I can just get a gtx 1060 and I don't know what to do. My current pc is really slow and when I use google chrome my cpu goes up to 80% use so thats why I want a new cpu but like I said I don't know what to chose.

Obakasama · Dec 7, 2016

If even using a browser makes you think your PC is slow, then a graphics card upgrade isn't going to do much for helping with performance (especially if you game). If an r7 260x is bottlenecked by an A6 6400k, then a GTX 1060 will be more so. (Anything beyond a GTX 750 ti is probably bottlenecked by that APU.)

To me, the choice is clear: you need a new CPU. The problem is, to use a Pentium G4400 you will also need a new motherboard and new RAM to support it.

Vanquisher71 · Dec 7, 2016

I also have a A6-6400K (but I don't have a separate GPU). He's right, it sounds like your CPU is the problem and I think instead of getting an entirely new rig or an Intel CPU, just get a new CPU with a FM2+ socket. I could provide recommendations if I knew what your main use for your PC was?

Obakasama · Dec 7, 2016

Problem is the x4 880k is the most powerful CPU that can be bought for the FM2+ socket. There's no point buying an APU due to the discrete graphics card as the integrated graphics part of the APU won't be used. It isn't much of a meaningful upgrade.

From what I can muster on PCPartPicker, it is possible to get an i3-6100, motherboard and RAM for the price of a GTX 1060.

It does depend on what the system is used for though.

Jeremy Chartrand · Dec 7, 2016

I would also need to buy windows 10 which is 139.99 where I'm from. but also most fm2+ cpus in the store I go to only have apu in stock.

Vanquisher71 · Dec 7, 2016

If you already have Windows installed you should be able to get free upgrade

Autocrat · Dec 7, 2016

Jeremy Chartrand :

You could probably use Linux for a bit unless there a windows only game you must play now.

Jeremy Chartrand · Dec 7, 2016

My uncle had windows but he doesn't lives in canada no more

Obakasama · Dec 8, 2016

Depending on your current Windows 10 licence, it may be possible to transfer it to a new set up. Theoretically allowed, but I've yet to see a confirmed case on the forums.

When it comes to making a decision as to what you want to do, it does depend what you use the PC for.

Vanquisher71 · Dec 8, 2016

Even if he doesn't have it, he could save some money by buying an old version of Windows and then getting the free upgrade. That kind of seems like the best option here

Obakasama · Dec 8, 2016

The free Windows 10 upgrade expired earlier this year, so that wouldn't be an option.

Jeremy Chartrand · Dec 8, 2016

I use the computer mostly to play games but I use google chrome more.

Jeremy Chartrand · Dec 8, 2016

I also just phoned my uncle about the windows and he said he used a key generator so I don't know I also can't seem to find the key anywhere on my pc. but If I were to upgrade my cpu what will I have to do?

Obakasama · Dec 9, 2016

Windows 10 now uses a digital licence associated with your MSN account. In theory it makes the licence transfer of a retail version of Windows 10 to another PC a lot easier. There is some vague language in Microsoft's wordings but I would suspect it wouldn't be applicable to OEM Windows 10 or those who had the free upgrade.

If you're only upgrading the APU to one compatible with your current motherboard then Windows-wise you shouldn't really have to do anything. At most you may need to reinstall Windows. This should be a relatively hassle free option (though less compelling with respect to performance).

Changing the motherboard, even if all other components are the same, is more problematic. Depending on your licence you may or may not be able to reuse Windows.

Even though your current APU isn't the strongest, it shouldn't really struggle with everyday tasks (gaming it may a bit and even then depends on the games). Have you checked things like malware and viruses to be on the safe side? Perhaps even temperature of components too. No point in spending money if there's a solution which can be found without having to buy a new component.

Vanquisher71 · Dec 9, 2016

He should just get a new CPU. The a6-6400k is a high speed dual core, but if he plans on gaming, I would just upgrade to a quad core with a 3GHz speed (good enough I'd say). As I said, I have a 6400k, and plan on upgrading it after I get a GPU and a new PSU. I'm upgrading to a X4 860K with the hope of playing some modern day next-gen games (like BO3)

Obakasama · Dec 9, 2016

Chrome using 80% of CPU sounds wrong hence the suggestion to check for malware and viruses. By comparison, Vanquisher71, does your APU also exhibit this amount of load on Chrome? This is just me, but if the performance issue can be solved without resorting to buying new parts I would explore that first.

The x4 860k is also capable with respect to the FM2+ platform. Not enough for me to upgrade my x4 760k though because there's negligible difference in performance. As I understand it, with Tom's tiering it's only worthwhile if the upgrade is three tiers above.

Vanquisher71 · Dec 9, 2016

No I'm sure it doesn't. I don't actually use my PC that much (just use my PS4 kind of out of habit. But the reason for my upgrade is for gaming, the X4 860K will let me play more modern games. And the reason I chose the X4 860K, is because it's within my budget and it's not actually a bad CPU for gaming from what I can find. It was between the X4 860K and the A10-7850K, and despite how close they are, the X4 seems a better value for money. As for Jeremy'a original post, if using chrome is why you want to upgrade then yeh, don't bother getting a whole new CPU, problem another problem. But if you mean it's slow in general and you use it for gaming, then sure, upgrade the CPU, but consider what games you'd like to play before you make a decision

Obakasama · Dec 9, 2016

The A10-7850k is a good all-in-one solution. With any capable graphics card the integrated graphics become redundant (though good to have as a back up). I have a GTX 750 ti paired with the x4 760k.

But thanks for answering the Chrome question, because that at least points out something is wrong with Chrome on Jeremy's PC.

Help me figure out what to do

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