Can someone recommend me some PC upgrades?

MRnightmuffin · Aug 18, 2017

Hello,

Currently I have:

i3-3220
Radeon 270x
8gb RAM - 1333mhz

I'm aware these specs are kinda old, I built this PC years ago. Starting to show a bit of age, frame rates are dropping a bit in next gen games. However, I only want to be able to play on medium-high settings, I thought maybe upgrading the CPU would help me achieve more fps. Graphics card has been overclocked recently, noticed a reasonable boost in performance. My motherboard does not support CPU overclock. Considering buying a new micro atx mobo. Mobo has LGA-1155

I have money, but I don't want to spend a lot on parts, I'm not necessarily an enthusiast. Medium to high with smooth fps at 1080p would be great.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

elbert · Aug 18, 2017

You could upgrade to a 3570k for $100 and get a good price M9i cooler.
https://www.ebay.com/i/162619053541?chn=ps&dispItem=1

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: CRYORIG - M9i 48.4 CFM CPU Cooler ($19.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $19.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-08-18 18:52 EDT-0400

MRnightmuffin · Aug 18, 2017

Thanks for your reply. Would you say my CPU is (I know my GPU isn't so great either) the part that needs to be replaced the most?

Is the 3570k still a good CPU? Found some great deals on Ebay. If I buy this CPU, is it best to buy a new cheap mobo that can overclock to unlock its potential?

I already have an aftermarket cooler, I think it's decent enough.

Thanks for your reply.

MerrJ0210 · Aug 18, 2017

Yeah I'd consider getting an overclockable motherboard also, especially considering you already have an aftermarket cooler.

MRnightmuffin · Aug 18, 2017

Alright, I'll look into it. Not sure how good the aftermarket cooler I have is, it appears to have a large heat sink on it though.

How much power would an overclocked 3570k use? I've got an 80+ 500w psu
Also, know of any decent cheap micro atx boards? My board is getting ancient now, I have no idea about motherboards.

MerrJ0210 · Aug 18, 2017

Any z77 matx chipset that you can get at an appropriate price.

The socket is that old that prices are inflated even on the used market, so whatever you can fit in your budget.

As for power consumption use pcpartpickers build tool to estimate default power consumption, anything with 75+ watts to spare will be fine to overclock with.

MRnightmuffin · Aug 18, 2017

Oh god, what's the popular socket type these days? 1151? Any good cpu's on a newer socket time? (Cheap).

Got plenty of watts left over, so that's cool.

MerrJ0210 · Aug 18, 2017

How much would you looking to be spending? Because with LGA 1151 will come DDR4 ram, which is another cost addition

elbert · Aug 18, 2017

If you want to overclock the 3570k you will need more than the M9i. The H7's large 120mm fan is a must.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: CRYORIG - H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $34.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-08-18 19:37 EDT-0400

MRnightmuffin · Aug 18, 2017

Honestly I'm not sure how much I can spend.
I was going to pick up a 3570k for around 50-60£ (65-75$) and then sell my i3.
So maybe about £40 on a motherboard lol?

I think my fan should suffice, it's got a big heatsink and barely fits in my micro atx case.
[EDIT]. Actually, turns out I have this https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004W74P08/ref=pe_385721_131433251_TE_dp_1
Maybe not good enough?

MerrJ0210 · Aug 18, 2017

You'll honestly have to try your best finding an matx z77 motherboard for that price then, any other upgrade is pretty much good at that pricepoint.

elbert · Aug 19, 2017

Your cooler is all aluminum and isnt enough. You need a good copper base heatpipe cooler like the M9i or H7. You can try it but probably will run hot. You cooler would be below the Cryorig C7 at the bottom of the benchmark.

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Can someone recommend me some PC upgrades?

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