Should I Upgrade My CPU or GPU?

Syabatron · Jul 22, 2017

So, I have a really old computer, around 7 or 8 years old. Ive been having a couple problems with it lately, so im pretty sure its starting to die on me. I was wondering if I should buy a new CPU or GPU. Im on a really low budget and dont really have the money at this time to buy a new computer(Even at the $500 range). I game alot and dont have that powerful of a PC to handle newer games that everyone is playing(Overwatch, PUBG, etc). Im stuck playing League of Legends, and barely playing Overwatch(I get 20-30FPS). Here are my specs:

CPU: Intel Pentium Dual Core E5400 @2.7Ghz
GPU: Geforce GT 520
PSU: 300W
RAM: 6GB
OS: Windows 7

If anyone knows what i should upgrade, and a good budget CPU or GPU(Which ever you choose), please let me know! Thanks!

R_1 · Jul 22, 2017

What is your MAX budget for this? Draw us a line price wise.

Syabatron · Jul 22, 2017

R_1 :

$100 or below

Ali Tauseef · Jul 22, 2017

Syabatron :

Hi, your best bet will be getting a used Core 2 Quad or Xeon. A Xeon will be much better imo.
This one will be great.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Xeon-E5450-3-GHz-Quad-Core-SLANQ-EU80574KJ080N-Processor-w-Grease-/222367285612?epid=74066102&hash=item33c61f816c:g:ksIAAOSwGOxXAPYH

And a new GT 1030, you have more than enough power for that.

https://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-GeForce-GV-N1030D5-2GL-Computer-Graphics/dp/B071DY2VJR

This will be a very nice boost to your PC.

Syabatron · Jul 22, 2017

Ali Tauseef :

A couple of questions, Is that ebay link the best place to buy the Xeon? The delivery date estimate is very long. Also, if i cant buy the both of them at the same time, which one should i prioritize more, the Xeon or the GT 1030? Thank you for answering, and i really like those two

Ali Tauseef · Jul 22, 2017

Syabatron :

That is probably because of your location.. But not a 100% on that. Try other dealers but make sure they have good ratings. If you don't find a good one, try Aliexpress. These processors are very old now so it's your best bet buying from these sites.
It's really hard to decide which first, I mean it does fit in your 100$ budget. But I'd definitely recommend you upgraded the CPU first.

Syabatron · Jul 22, 2017

Ali Tauseef :

Syabatron :

That is probably because of your location.. But not a 100% on that. Try other dealers but make sure they have good ratings. If you don't find a good one, try Aliexpress. These processors are very old now so it's your best bet buying from these sites.
It's really hard to decide which first, I mean it does fit in your 100$ budget. But I'd definitely recommend you upgraded the CPU first.

I bought it from a different seller for 15 dollars in Ohio, wish is the state im in. I also had to buy an adapter because the Xeon uses a different socket than my Pentium, but it was only 8 dollars. Is it safe to buy the CPU that cheap, though? The seller said it was functional and had a good rating, so I don't really know.
I also bought the GT 1030, so im getting the whole upgrade

Ali Tauseef · Jul 22, 2017

Syabatron :

Ali Tauseef :

I bought it from a different seller for 15 dollars in Ohio, wish is the state im in. I also had to buy an adapter because the Xeon uses a different socket than my Pentium, but it was only 8 dollars. Is it safe to buy the CPU that cheap, though? The seller said it was functional and had a good rating, so I don't really know.
I also bought the GT 1030, so im getting the whole upgrade

Yes it's totally safe, I ordered a Xeon X3460 for 39$ on Aliexpress and I'm currently waiting for it.
Sounds great!

Syabatron · Jul 22, 2017

Ali Tauseef :

Syabatron :

Yes it's totally safe, I ordered a Xeon X3460 for 39$ on Aliexpress and I'm currently waiting for it.
Sounds great!

One more question, I apologize for asking so many Lol. I was looking at the Intel Pentium G4560 a while ago. I was wondering how it compared to the Xeon I just bought. Is there any good prices on it and does it work with my Motherboard socket, which is LGA 775. I can't check right now, im on mobile, so if you could give me your knowledge on this, that would be amazing!

Also, one last thing I forgot to ask you, will the Xeon and GT 1030 run games like Overwatch or higher power games like PUBG? Thanks!

Ali Tauseef · Jul 22, 2017

Syabatron :

Ali Tauseef :

One more question, I apologize for asking so many Lol. I was looking at the Intel Pentium G4560 a while ago. I was wondering how it compared to the Xeon I just bought. Is there any good prices on it and does it work with my Motherboard socket, which is LGA 775. I can't check right now, im on mobile, so if you could give me your knowledge on this, that would be amazing!

Also, one last thing I forgot to ask you, will the Xeon and GT 1030 run games like Overwatch or higher power games like PUBG? Thanks!

You can ask as many as you want.

It will probably outperform the Xeon by a small distance in most games, since it has hyper threading too and the Xeon doesn't. But ofc you can't blame it seeing that there's a 10 year difference in these CPUs....
And no you can't run it on this motherboard, you'll need new shiny ddr4 RAM and a socket 1151 motherboard which are likely to set you back around 120$ dollars.

Yes, it will run overwatch at 1080p High with a steady 60 FPS most likely. But don't expect too good from PUBG, it's very badly optimized right now, you will be able to run it on low 1080p probably with playable FPS, but after a new patch for the game you'll be able to turn those settings up hopefully.

Syabatron · Jul 22, 2017

Ali Tauseef :

Syabatron :

You can ask as many as you want.

It will probably outperform the Xeon by a small distance in most games, since it has hyper threading too and the Xeon doesn't. But ofc you can't blame it seeing that there's a 10 year difference in these CPUs....
And no you can't run it on this motherboard, you'll need new shiny ddr4 RAM and a socket 1151 motherboard which are likely to set you back around 120$ dollars.

Yes, it will run overwatch at 1080p High with a steady 60 FPS most likely. But don't expect too good from PUBG, it's very badly optimized right now, you will be able to run it on low 1080p probably with playable FPS, but after a new patch for the game you'll be able to turn those settings up hopefully.

Okay, thank you!
Another question again, which is a family general question. Is it fairly easy to change the CPU and GPU, is there any precautions or tips you can give me or anything like that? It would be greatly appreciated

Thanks again!

Ali Tauseef · Jul 22, 2017

Syabatron :

Ali Tauseef :

Syabatron :

You can ask as many as you want.

It will probably outperform the Xeon by a small distance in most games, since it has hyper threading too and the Xeon doesn't. But ofc you can't blame it seeing that there's a 10 year difference in these CPUs....
And no you can't run it on this motherboard, you'll need new shiny ddr4 RAM and a socket 1151 motherboard which are likely to set you back around 120$ dollars.

Yes, it will run overwatch at 1080p High with a steady 60 FPS most likely. But don't expect too good from PUBG, it's very badly optimized right now, you will be able to run it on low 1080p probably with playable FPS, but after a new patch for the game you'll be able to turn those settings up hopefully.

Okay, thank you!
Another question again, which is a family general question. Is it fairly easy to change the CPU and GPU, is there any precautions or tips you can give me or anything like that? It would be greatly appreciated

Thanks again!

It's quite easy if you know what you're doing.

But one thing I can tell you is that touch a grounded metal object once in a while to avoid static.
Or wear an anti static band if you can get your hands on one. Make sure to apply thermal paste when you install the processor. If you're confused there are plenty of simple guides on YouTube...
You can message me too and I'll try getting back to you..

Syabatron · Jul 22, 2017

Ali Tauseef :

Syabatron :

Ali Tauseef :

Syabatron :

You can ask as many as you want.

It will probably outperform the Xeon by a small distance in most games, since it has hyper threading too and the Xeon doesn't. But ofc you can't blame it seeing that there's a 10 year difference in these CPUs....
And no you can't run it on this motherboard, you'll need new shiny ddr4 RAM and a socket 1151 motherboard which are likely to set you back around 120$ dollars.

Yes, it will run overwatch at 1080p High with a steady 60 FPS most likely. But don't expect too good from PUBG, it's very badly optimized right now, you will be able to run it on low 1080p probably with playable FPS, but after a new patch for the game you'll be able to turn those settings up hopefully.

Okay, thank you!
Another question again, which is a family general question. Is it fairly easy to change the CPU and GPU, is there any precautions or tips you can give me or anything like that? It would be greatly appreciated

Thanks again!

It's quite easy if you know what you're doing.

But one thing I can tell you is that touch a grounded metal object once in a while to avoid static.
Or wear an anti static band if you can get your hands on one. Make sure to apply thermal paste when you install the processor. If you're confused there are plenty of simple guides on YouTube...
You can message me too and I'll try getting back to you..

Okay. How come I need to apply thermal paste? Is it because of putting the fan on the CPU or something?

R_1 · Jul 22, 2017

the CPU and heatsink interface needs thermal paste (TIM) to be installed so any imperfections in either are filled with a good heat conductor. Without the TIM you would have air gaps and that would insulate each from the other and not cool very well. as the chip is secondhand/used I suggest cleaning the top of the CPU with a coffee filter and alcohol, allow to dry and apply fresh paste to the cpu before seating the cleaned cooler on top. clean the cooler the same as the top of the CPU. you want to remove the old paste as it has cured and will not blend with the new, impeding cooling and adding thickness that can stress the CPU.

TIM Thermal Interface Material - Thermal paste - thermal grease - this :https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61TFPQF7hzL._SX355_.jpg example only buy whatever you like, not an endorsement.
should be applied like so: http://www.circuitremix.com/images/124/apply_1.jpg
a clean CPU with no old paste, a pea size amount in the center. when you apply the heatsink, cleaned of course, to it the paste will spread out across the CPU. secure the heatsink and you are done.

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Should I Upgrade My CPU or GPU?

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