Is it worth upgrading the CPU if it's your first time trying out PC gaming

qunsreen1

Prominent
Aug 28, 2017
2
0
510
I have been playing video games since I was 8 or 9 first started on the ps2 then moved to the ps3 and now on the ps4 I want to enter the Pc gaming community but I have some problems. I don't have a gaming pc, my pc is your average home desktop I have read alot about CPUs and all the other components and I have a intel core i5-3340 processor 3.1ghz which was made in 2013. If I am to enter I am thinking about upgrading my 4gb of ram to a 16gb ram if possible and getting a decent graphics driver. Now my question is, will it be worth if I upgraded my CPU to a newer version and if it is not what specs should I get for the other components I am trying to salvage my pc and build something out of it. I am using a Samsung monitor.
(I am on a budget because I can't work if I am under 18 so my parents have to pay for everything and I don't want them to spend alot of money on a new pc)
 
Solution
While you can upgrade your old Ivy Bridge CPU to a better one, e.g i5-3570K or i7-3770, with considerable gain in performance,
i5-3340 vs i5-3570K: http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i5-3340-vs-Intel-Core-i5-3570K/m2710vs1316
i5-3340 vs i7-3770: http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i5-3340-vs-Intel-Core-i7-3770/m2710vs1979

It just isn't worth the money,
pcpp: https://pcpartpicker.com/products/compare/3LZQzy,Vjzv6h/

Your money is best spent if you go with the latest tech and new CPU-MoBo-RAM combo, e.g this one:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-7600 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: MSI - B250M PRO-VDH...

Aeacus

Titan
Ambassador
While you can upgrade your old Ivy Bridge CPU to a better one, e.g i5-3570K or i7-3770, with considerable gain in performance,
i5-3340 vs i5-3570K: http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i5-3340-vs-Intel-Core-i5-3570K/m2710vs1316
i5-3340 vs i7-3770: http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i5-3340-vs-Intel-Core-i7-3770/m2710vs1979

It just isn't worth the money,
pcpp: https://pcpartpicker.com/products/compare/3LZQzy,Vjzv6h/

Your money is best spent if you go with the latest tech and new CPU-MoBo-RAM combo, e.g this one:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-7600 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: MSI - B250M PRO-VDH Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($64.99 @ B&H)
Memory: Kingston - FURY 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($75.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $350.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-08-28 09:55 EDT-0400
 
Solution
What is the make and model of your current PC?

The CPU you have is decent enough.

The upgrades you need are RAM and a GPU.

RAM: If your computer has four RAM slots just add a (2x4GB) 8GB kit. You'll have 12GB which is enough. If it is only two slots I'd replace the 4GB kit with a 16GB kit. If you don't like PC gaming the RAM is still useful.

GPU: I'd install a GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB. It is fast enough for a good gaming experience and won't break the bank. It has a low power draw and comes in multiple form factors. So, it will fit most OEM cases.

PSU: You may or may not need one. Considering the cost. I'd get a 500w Corsair CXM or Seasonic S12-II unit rated 80+ Bronze. Quality will be decent. The price isn't much higher than cheap units. It will deliver enough power for most GPU and CPU combos. This is just if your current unit is not enough.
 

qunsreen1

Prominent
Aug 28, 2017
2
0
510


Thank you for the advice, I will take that into consideration