UPGRADE advice [for gaming] needed

Michael Victor · Dec 4, 2017

Hi all,

The time has come again to upgrade and I am looking for your opinions so that I go the right route as I have been out of the game for awhile.

Current Specs:
GPU- EVGA GTX960 4gb
CPU- AMD FX6300
MOBO- ASROCK Fatality 990FX Killer
RAM- RIPJAWS G.SKILL 8gbx1 1600Mhz
SSD- OCZ 128gb
HDD- Western Digital Caviar Black 1tb
CPU COOLER- DEEPCOOL Heatsync
CHASSIS- Thermal take Space Craft

Plans to Upgrade:
CPU- Intel i7 7700k
MOBO- MSI B250
RAM- 8gbx2 DDR4 2400Mhz

Please let me know your thoughts.

Much appreciated.
Mike.

ThatVietGuy · Dec 4, 2017

If you're going to go with any motherboard that's not a Z270 motherboard, there's no point in going with the unlocked CPU. Save yourself the cash and go with a normal i7 7700 or even step down to an i5 7600.

ARICH5 · Dec 4, 2017

why dont you look at coffeelake? the core i5 8x00 are nice.

manddy123 · Dec 4, 2017

Z370 MOBO + i5 8600K is wiser than that 7700K as they both perform similarly, yet you'll get a better upgrade path w/ the Coffee system.

With that said, you'll still have a mid-tier GPU which isn't able to run newer games @1080p Ultra 60 Fps, perhaps you may want to get a lower grade CPU and bump up that as well.

Any new Intel (even Pentiums) will perform better than your FX6300 in gaming. My suggestion is that you try to grab a deal on a GTX 1060 or a RX 580 and pair it up with a i5 8400 or even a i3 8100

envy14tpe · Dec 4, 2017

Yeah, its time. The fx series is done! How about a Ryzen 5 1600 and a gtx 1060? Save some money and put more into a bigger SSD and GPU.

Michael Victor · Dec 4, 2017

ThatVietGuy :

Thank you for your reply. What exactly is the difference between the b250 and the z270?

Michael Victor · Dec 4, 2017

ARICH5 :

I will have a look thanks. Still go with the Asus B250?

Michael Victor · Dec 4, 2017

manddy123 :

Hi Manddy, thanks for your reply.

Strictly playing CSGO and a bit of Dota 2. Not too interested in any other games as I am in Seychelles and the connection is not the best. I was definitely going to do the GPU and PSU shortly afterwards but my thought process was that at the moment my weakest component is my CPU which is actually causing FPS problems in CSGO. Still ranging between 180-220 but I want that ultra smooth finish.

What do you think about the Asus B250?

Thanks again, Mike.

Michael Victor · Dec 4, 2017

envy14tpe :

Definitely done! Had a good run though with zero problems thus far, just want to take it to the next level now. Strictly jamming CSGO and a bit of Dota 2 as I am in Seychelles and the connection is not the best. Thanks for your reply, my plan was to do the GPU and PSU shortly after sorting the CPU out.

ArchitSahu · Dec 4, 2017

The Asus B250 is not a bad board, but if you are going for 8xxx series you need to get something from the Z370 lineup. The B250 is only for locked i5's and i7's. It is for Kaby-Lake while the 370 line is for Coffe Lake.

ohenryy · Dec 5, 2017

The CPU u selected is unlock which means you can overclock, get the Z270 Pro if you dont want to spend too much and at least you can overclock.

envy14tpe · Dec 5, 2017

Michael Victor :

I still suggest Ryzen 5 1600 and some 2x8gb 2666MHz RAM, then money saved on CPU goes towards GPU.

What are monitor specs you game on?

manddy123 · Dec 5, 2017

Michael Victor :

Those aren't very CPU intensive games, nevertheless you're achieving 180 FPS? I can't see the issue here, it's an already very high FPS count, your monitor can't even deliver that much... Why you wanna go further?
That MOBO is pretty decent, but no point in getting a Unlocked CPU(With the K at the end) with a non-overclockable MOBO... it'd be just a waste of money.

You wanna get the best CPU atm with a reasonable price it's the 8600K + Z370 MOBO, but if you wanna get the best price/performance the Ryze 5 1600 and a B350 motherboard is you way to go.

It all comes down to what you really want...

Michael Victor · Dec 5, 2017

Hey guys,

Thank you all for your advice and support.

I have decided to go with the Z370 Pro and the i7 7700k, along with 4x4GB DDR4 Ram modules.

Last questions would be brand of motherboard? Leaning towards Asus.

Ram brand and frequency? Leaning towards Fury HyperX 2133mhz.

manddy123 · Dec 5, 2017

Michael Victor :

That MOBO is made for CoffeeLake CPUs, not Kaby, like that 7700K...
If you wish a Coffee CPU, it's the 8xxx series. Like 8100, 8400, 8600K, 8700K, etc... won't work otherwise.

Step down on the mobo or step up the CPU.

4 modules put a lot of stress in the memory manager, get 2x8GB stick instead.

Asus is pretty decent, their ROG series are expensive IMHO but really good.
RAM frequency, above or equal too 2133Mhz is fine, perhaps you can find even faster RAM for cheaper prices if you look closely, just remember to get DDR4. Corsair and G. Skill are pretty good brands.

Michael Victor · Dec 5, 2017

Thanks again Manddy.

Wow. Haha, just when I start to think I am getting some idea of the latest gear..

Please tell me which route you would go. CPU, MOBO and Ram.

What board for the i7 7700k?

manddy123 · Dec 5, 2017

Michael Victor :

Solely for gaming:
i5 8600K + Z370 MOBO + 2x8GB 2133MHz DDR4

Overall gaming n' working
Ryzen 5 1600 + B350 MOBO + 2x8 3000MHz DDR4

For the 7700K, grab a Z270 MOBO with the same RAM as the first option

envy14tpe · Dec 6, 2017

7700k is dropping in price so it is more attractive. I'd get a Z270 like the Asus Z270-A.

UPGRADE advice [for gaming] needed

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