Need help upgrading current PC budget $450 USD

selvant71 · Jan 24, 2018

I'm going to be ordering it today. I'm really just looking to upgrade the CPU, Motherboard, CPU Cooler, and Case.

Newegg or Amazon preferred.

I'm looking to get the most out of my 970 for gaming, I bought a 144hz Monitor specifically for FPS gaming, looking to at least hit that in games and I feel my motherboard is a bit too old and may be bottlenecking me too much.

Current Specs:
CPU & Cooler: AMD FX-8150 Black Edition - http://
Motherboard: ASRock 970 EXTREME3 AM3+
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 04G-P4-2978-KR 4GB FTW GAMING w/ACX 2.0, Silent Cooling Graphics Card
Case: Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
PSU: OOLMAX CUL-750B 750W ATX 12V v2.3 / EPS12V v2.91 SLI/Crossfire ready Modular and Compatible with Core i3/i5/i7 Power Supply

vapour · Jan 24, 2018

I will do this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1600 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($193.25 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI - B350 PC MATE ATX AM4 Motherboard ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($98.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT - S340 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $402.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-01-24 16:03 EST-0500

Or get 1400 and 16gb ram if you want more ram, ideally I will get 1600 and 16gb ram.

Darkbreeze · Jan 24, 2018

What kind of budget do you have? You DO realize this is a REALLY bad time time to upgrade because you will absolutely need to also upgrade your memory to DDR4 if you want to move up to anything relatively new right? And memory is currently at an all time historical high price due to production issues at all of the memory IC fabs.

The fastest, most current platform you could upgrade to without having to also buy memory is Haswell, not counting trying to use DDR3L on Skylake, which is a bad idea for some other reasons including burning out motherboards, but that's a whole other discussion. Practically, Haswell is it for DDR3 if you don't want to buy new memory.

8GB of memory, by itself, is going to cost you about a hundred bucks. 16GB will be somewhere around 200 bucks and 16GB is really where you want to be for modern games that are actually not only starting to see benefit from it, but require it in some cases.

Also, might want to read these and then decide if RIGHT NOW is really the time to do this, or whether or not it might be worth waiting another couple of months.

There are actually three of these articles, part 1, 2 and this one, 3. You can find the others on there to read if you like, but it's probably very relevant to your situation. I agree an upgrade is in order, just not sure NOW is the exact right time. But it might be if you have the necessary budget and are aware of all the considerations.

https://www.techspot.com/article/1564-build-a-pc-bad-idea-bad-timing/

Barty1884 · Jan 24, 2018

With a $450 budget, I'd actually look to a new CPU/MB/Cooler/RAM/PSU, but you'd be making concessions in places to get it within budget IMO.

Ideally, for a gaming rig today.... I'd look to something like this:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8600K 3.6GHz 6-Core Processor ($256.79 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG - H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z370P D3 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Team - Vulcan 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Plus Gold 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.90 @ Newegg)
Total: $626.56
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-01-24 16:03 EST-0500

BUT, quite a bit over budget.

Cheaper, but still near $100 over budget.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8400 2.8GHz 6-Core Processor ($201.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z370P D3 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Team - Vulcan 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Plus Gold 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.90 @ Newegg)
Total: $536.76
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-01-24 16:03 EST-0500

Which really only leaves you looking at Ryzen offerings and forgoing an aftermarket cooler. A bit lower IPC vs Intel counterparts, but overclocking would make up the ground.... and the stock cooler is sufficient to get you to ~3.9GHz.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1600 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($193.25 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI - B350M PRO-VD PLUS Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($56.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team - Vulcan 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Plus Gold 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.90 @ Newegg)
Total: $485.12
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-01-24 16:05 EST-0500

There may even be more affordable options in the used market, allowing you to reuse your memory (although I'd expect to be able to recoup more selling the CPU/Cooler/MB/Ram as a package deal.

Darkbreeze · Jan 24, 2018

Nice of you guys to just start throwing builds out there without even knowing a budget, country or platform. Not that there's anything strictly "wrong" with that, just saying. It's usually nice to know those things before you fire up the build machine and start spitting out configurations.

toshibitsu · Jan 24, 2018

The CPU and the memory are the biggest issues. You can go either way with the Ryzen 5 1600 or the i5-8xxx(preferably the 8600)... I would suggest at least 16GB of memory though. 8 is the minimum these days

Barty1884 · Jan 24, 2018

Darkbreeze :

Darkbreeze, title clearly states $450USD], website linked in the http is Newegg.com, OP confirms FPS gaming....

While yes, specific location would be helpful, that's all that's lacking really.
Information presented would suggest US and assumptions are made. Could be wrong (likely will be now I've clearly stated assumptions)......

You're right (of course) that it's likely not the ideal time.... Definitely not disputing that.... but the OP has also confirmed they're looking to order today (so I'd hope there was some research done).... and you'd covered that off well?

selvant71 · Jan 24, 2018

Sorry I should have stated location, Colorado US.

Barty1884 · Jan 24, 2018

selvant71 :

Well, my same suggestions (^) apply.

BUT, Darkbreeze is right..... I'd seriously consider whether you could get by for a little while longer.
Hopefully DDR4 prices can come down some, which should free up some additional budget for the other components.

If you have your heart set on upgrading today etc, then please just appreciate you're in a tough market right now.

selvant71 · Jan 24, 2018

Barty1884 :

I would like to upgrade ASAP due to the CPU starting to die. I'm sure I could wait a bit longer it would just be nice to stop the occasional crash.

Barty1884 · Jan 24, 2018

I'd suggest we try to get to the route of the 'crash' problem..... as, outside of overvolting etc, an FX8150 shouldn't by dying.

Can you describe the 'crash'? What happens, what are you typically doing?

One thing to note, the Coolmax PSU may be causing problems..... it's not a great unit.
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/coolmax-cul-750b-750-w-power-supply-review/10/

It's barely a capable unit at 400W. At full power draw (before OCing) your rig could be pulling >300W..... so it wouldn't surprise me if the PSU was the underlying issue.

selvant71 · Jan 24, 2018

Barty1884 :

The crash is a blue screen that happens mostly around the time I'm heavy into gaming. The game would stutter for a few second then crash which is why I thought it was the CPU. I didn't know about the PSU so it may be a problem there. I also have noticed I don't get consistent FPS with my 970 could the PSU be causing that as well? If that's the case I could just stick with the CPU and just change out motherboard, ram, cooler instead. I really thought it was the CPU dying.

Barty1884 · Jan 24, 2018

Now, I;m not saying it's 'not' the CPU, but I'd look to almost every other component before the GPU.

Are you overclocking? If so, start by removing that. Then i'd fully remove GPU drivers using DDU, rebooting and reinstalling.
http://www.guru3d.com/files-details/display-driver-uninstaller-download.html

That'll give you a solid platform to establish if software of hardware.

Even if it is the PSU, there would be no reason to replace the MB/RAM/cooler...... the PSU switch should be sufficient.

A clear OS install would be nice too, but probably overkill to rectify this issue.

An incapable PSU could definitely cause stuttering and crashes if it's not providing adequate (or stable) power through your components - and gaming would typically be it's 'peak' for most people.

selvant71 · Jan 24, 2018

Barty1884 :

I reformated a little over a week ago, I do know the CPU gets incredibly hot, it never has had good stable temps. Usually idle around 40-45, under load 55ish, peaking 60 and then throttling fairly often. I haven't overclocked any components in the PC.

Barty1884 · Jan 24, 2018

Ok, I'm just trying to find some definitive info to link for you, but I'm being informed your motherboard isn't the best for the 125W CPUs, despite being 'technically' compatible.

Pair the board with a poor quality PSU, and I'm not surprised there are issues.

As for temps, have you removed the thermal paste & reseated the cooler? While it's not a necessity, it may help some.
The liquid cooling kit isn't too great either......

So, my thoughts for now....
1. Replace the cooler with a new one you'd like to use going forward (ie you would've bought it anyway)
2. Replace the PSU with one you can reuse in future - like the Focus+ I linked earlier
3. Potentially find a VRM fan to assist with cooling on the board - won't help the power delivery aspect, but should help if it's a temp issue on the VRM.

Points 1&2 could be addressed by something like a Cryrog A40/80/A40 Ultimate.
http://www.cryorig.com/a-series_us.php

selvant71 · Jan 24, 2018

I have removed the thermal paste and reseated the cooler about a week ago. Shouldn't I go for a motherboard that runs ddr4 & get ram for it with a PSU + Cooler? If that's the case could I get that with the budget?

Barty1884 · Jan 24, 2018

Not that's compatible with the CPU, no.

Regardless, DDR4 is where the overly inflated prices are (+GPU, but you're not looking to upgrade that yet).

You're looking at >$150 for a 2x8GB kit of DDR4 of any great speed and, for a gaming rig, you should really be looking at 16GB.

selvant71 · Jan 24, 2018

Ah, alright so then I should just look for a new Motherboard, PSU, and Cooler? If so what should I pick-up?

Barty1884 · Jan 24, 2018

I'd start with PSU and test..... and then the cooler if there's no improvements. - you need those regardless (new build, 'update' of this rig etc).

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: CRYORIG - A80 128.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($124.50 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Plus Gold 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.90 @ Newegg)
Total: $189.40
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-01-24 18:10 EST-0500

Would be my suggestions. The cooler is (arguably) overkill, but the VRM cooling may be beneficial and negate (or prolong) the need for a new motherboard.

I wouldn't look to invest much into the FX platform - and at least the PSU and cooler can be moved forward when the timing is better to upgrade.

A quality, compatible board, that's sufficient for the 125W TDP CPU isn't going to be cheap.
Anything new/retail is now priced >$200 which is absurd for a 'dead' platform.... and would be a waste of money.

selvant71 · Jan 24, 2018

Alright, I'll get those ordered. How bad is my motherboard? I'll take your advice about not ordering a new Motherboard because of it being a dead platform. I'm just curious as to how bad it really is in terms of bottlenecking and so forth.

Will those fit into my current case or will I need to get a new one?

Thanks for all your help by the way.

Barty1884 · Jan 24, 2018

You may mitigate some of the throttling aspects from VRM heat etc, but ultimately, the board just isn't capable of running a 125W CPU stable.
It a power delivery issue, in addition to cooling - the additional fan on the waterblock *may* help, but equally possible, it may not.

Some alternatives:
1. downclock/undervolt your CPU to run ~95W which the board *can* handle. Unfortunately you're then dealing with a weaker CPU than you have now (technically), but that you should be able to utilize fully. Should be an overall smoother experience.
2. Sell the 8150 if you can, and pick up a 95W chip like the 8320e or something....... I'd imagine you could about break-even there, on the strictly used market.

I'm going to ask for more opinions on this aspect, as I'm second-guessing myself at this point.

While yes, an downclocked 8150, or an 8320e would limit a 970 a bit, it shouldn't actually be too bad.

selvant71 · Jan 24, 2018

I could also pick-up some parts over the next two-three months for the motherboard, RAM, and CPU as well. If you could give me suggestions on those that would be fantastic as well.

Barty1884 · Jan 24, 2018

Buying components you cannot use right away, gets a little tricky and I wouldn't recommend it.

For example, buy a CPU or Motherboard now......... by the time you can afford the RAM (hypothetically), the latest platform has launched. Very similar money, improved performance..... but you're stuck on older platform - and you haven't even been able to use any of it yet!

selvant71 · Jan 24, 2018

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1600 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($193.25 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI - B350 PC MATE ATX AM4 Motherboard ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($98.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT - S340 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $402.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-01-24 16:03 EST-0500

Or get 1400 and 16gb ram if you want more ram, ideally I will get 1600 and 16gb ram.

If I were to pick-up these from the first post and next month get the cooler. I would not pick-up the case and swap the case for the PSU that you linked. Would that work?

How large of a problem would I have with that CPU paired with my 970 vs my current and just running on the dead platform?

Barty1884 · Jan 24, 2018

Solid build, but 8GB is low. I don't think you need a new case as a priority (yet you do need a PSU as a priority) .

Personally, I'd push it a little more to what I suggested:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1600 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($193.25 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI - B350M PRO-VD PLUS Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($56.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team - Vulcan 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Plus Gold 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.90 @ Newegg)
Total: $485.12
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-01-24 19:11 EST-0500

The case can follow in future, and the stock cooler is sufficient for now; even overclocking.

You could cut the PSU down a bit and save $15, but, while the CX550 is good quality, that SeaSonic is *great* quality.... and I believe it's warranty is 10-12 years.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1600 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($193.25 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI - B350M PRO-VD PLUS Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($56.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team - Vulcan 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair - CX (2017) 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $470.21
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-01-24 19:13 EST-0500

Need help upgrading current PC budget $450 USD

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