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Lee_2

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Aug 23, 2015
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I've got a bit of a problem, and there's a lot to it.

Basically, I'm currently running an FX 6350 with a RX 480 and 16GB DDR3 RAM (originally a prebuilt I bought couple years ago, added new GPU and doubled the RAM). I'm aware I might need to upgrade soon, specifically the CPU and possibly even the GPU, but the problem is that my Mobo is only AM3+ meaning I can only go up to an FX-8350 which is also a fairly dated CPU. And if I were to upgrade only my GPU to something like a 1070/1080 I've heard there will be a large bottleneck. I'm kind of worried about getting a new mobo as the most I've done with a PC is changed the RAM, fitted an SSD and changed the GPU. So what should I do? Attempt to fit one myself or get someone to do it for me? I'll probably get responses telling me I should do it myself but I just don't wanna mess everything up haha.

Thanks.

EDIT: My mobo is a GIGABYTE 78LMT-USB3
 
Solution
Barty1884
At higher resolutions, generally speaking, the 6350 could do 'ok'. It's not going to significantly hold back something like a 1080/TI.

BUT, you play at 1080p now.... so it would be a pretty decent ideal to get yourself a better foundation.

The RAM you have, shouldn't move forward with you. New platforms use DDR4 - investing in a DDR3 supporting platform at this point, doesn't make much sense.

You could put together a solid foundation for about 350quid....
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8400 2.8GHz 6-Core Processor (£139.99 @ Aria PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - B360M H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (£63.97 @ Scan.co.uk)
Memory: Team -...
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Barty1884

Barty1884

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Apr 16, 2015
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It really depends on what you want to do and what titles you play.

Ultimately, how is your rig performing for your needs/games, today? Are you monitoring CPU/GPU usage?

Yes, a 6350 is getting a bit dated - it's not useless though. The step 'up' to an 8350 though (IMO) would be underwhelming.

If you're gaming, and intend to game at higher resolutions (4K moreso than 1440p), then the CPU will matter less than the GPU.
In that scenario, the strongest GPU you can afford would make the most sense (at MSRP, not these crazy inflated prices!)


A solid foundation: CPU/MB/RAM is always a good idea though and, for an 'all round' balance, would be where I'd look myself.

As for concerns with building... it's really not too difficult at all. Just do your research ahead of time, and take your time while building (and read your MB manual). Lots of helpful resources online (here, Youtube etc) to help you accomplish it.
 
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Lee_2

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Aug 23, 2015
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I lock most of my games to 60FPS as it just feels better for me, and with the likes of Rainbow Six Siege, Fortnite, PUBG, some parts in GTA I can keep 60. But I also delve into Sandboxy games like BeamNG Drive which is where the CPU falls short. The CPU reaches around anywhere from 70% usage to 100% usage depending on the title and the GPU around 70-100% depending on the title. I'm also currently gaming at around 1080p but may switch up to 1440p and 4K if I get compatible monitors and a better GPU. I'm just unsure about how much my CPU is bottlenecking at that res. Basically I'm happy with current mainstream titles but am concerned about future, more intensive games as well as sandbox/CPU reliant titles which is why I wanna upgrade my CPU.

And with building I'll have to do my research like you said and I'm living in the UK so I haven't been too affected by component prices. Thanks for the reply.

 
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Barty1884

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
Apr 16, 2015
22,250
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At higher resolutions, generally speaking, the 6350 could do 'ok'. It's not going to significantly hold back something like a 1080/TI.

BUT, you play at 1080p now.... so it would be a pretty decent ideal to get yourself a better foundation.

The RAM you have, shouldn't move forward with you. New platforms use DDR4 - investing in a DDR3 supporting platform at this point, doesn't make much sense.

You could put together a solid foundation for about 350quid....
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8400 2.8GHz 6-Core Processor (£139.99 @ Aria PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - B360M H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (£63.97 @ Scan.co.uk)
Memory: Team - Vulcan 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory (£139.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Total: £343.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-04-06 17:29 BST+0100

The 16GB DDR3 should sell for 70-80
the CPU+MB maybe another 70.
RX480 150-230 depending on the model specifically.

So, even on the lower end, that leaves you ~400quid (or a little north of) for a GPU.
Puts your in 1070TI territory right now:
https://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Graphics+Cards/NVIDIA+GeForce/GeForce+GTX+1070+Ti/ASUS+Cerberus+GeForce%C2%AE+GTX+1070+Ti+Advanced+Edition+8GB+GDDR5?productId=68927&utm_source=uk.pcpartpicker.com&utm_medium=referral

 
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Solution
Barty1884

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
Apr 16, 2015
22,250
1,350
108,740
PM from the OP
found out my dad's PC (which he doesn't use) has a I5 4460 in it and the mobo is a LGA1150 socket which can support up to a i7 4790k. If I put my GPU/RAM etc. into that would it be a cheaper better alternative to my FX 6350 if I do that and upgrade to the 4790k? I would also need to take my current PSU and put it in there as his has only got a 250W.
Click to expand...

From a gaming performance, even the i5-4460 is a stronger CPU. A 4790/4790K would be a nice step 'up' in a foundation..... assuming you can do it relatively cheaply.

As for this PC specifically, with a 250W PSU, I'd assume it's an OEM board from Dell/HP etc. It *might* work, it might not.

1. Some of the OEMs (not all) use proprietary PSU connections (so replacing the PSU isn't easy, without adapters)
2. the Front Panel connectors can be tough to identify as some OEMs use 'all in one' connectors (not impossible to get around, just some trial & error)
3. Some OEM systems mount the CPU cooler directly to the case chassis (no backplate), making 'transplants' to another case tough (again though, not impossible).
4. BIOS support isn't always great on OEMs, which can limit support/upgrades. Given the age though, I'd expect it to be ok supporting the 480.

FX 6350
GIGABYTE 78LMT-USB3
16GB DDR3
RX 480
Click to expand...

To even
i5-4460
Unknown LGA1150 motherboard
16GB DDR3
RX480
Click to expand...

Should still see a decent gain in any overly CPU-intensive title IMO

i7-4790 / 4790K
Unknown LGA1150 motherboard
16GB DDR3
RX480 or stronger
Click to expand...
Would be a very respectable gaming rig in 2018.
 
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Lee_2

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Aug 23, 2015
21
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4,510


Thanks for the quick response.

I found out that the mobo in his is a GIGABYTE H81M-S2V so I'm pretty sure it will support it and will support my GPU too as it's got a PCI-E slot.
 
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Lee_2

Reputable
Aug 23, 2015
21
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4,510


That's great! I'll get round to installing everything sometime this week - are there any tips or things I should do/check when upgrading the PSU? Thank you very much for the help.
 
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Lee_2

Reputable
Aug 23, 2015
21
0
4,510


Thanks again. One more thing is that this is the mini tower my dad has right now that I was going to put my parts into (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Zoostorm-Origin-Desktop-i5-446...) and I'm a bit concerned as it may have a few vents but I think it only has one case fan. If I were to put my RX 480 + PSU into this do you think I will have any heat problems? Or should I look at getting a new case or installing some case fans if possible?

 
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Lee_2

Reputable
Aug 23, 2015
21
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4,510


This is my current case: http://www.phanteks.com/Enthoo-Pro-M.html

I just was a bit concerned about damaging the motherboard when transplanting which is why I was going to use the other case so I wouldn't have to do so, but I suppose it shouldn't be too hard to do it if I get to keep my current case. I think I'll just salvage the mobo from my dad's then and do some research on how to do it, thanks for the recommendation and I'll update you on how it goes if that's ok!
 
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