Help Upgrading Old Gaming Computer

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
J

john.smith0909123

Jul 22, 2018
15
0
10
MOBO: MS-7796 VER 1.2 (Dell custom Alienware X51 R2 MOBO)
Storage: 1TB SSD (Crucial MX200 SSD)
CPU: Intel I7-4790 (4 Core)
PSU: 1000 W EVGA Gold
GPU: GTX 960 2 GB EVGA
Memory: two 8 GB DDR3 at 1600 Hz
Needs: I would like to play Cyberpunk 2077 when it comes out. My system currently meets my needs. I play GTA 5, Witcher 3, Fallout 4, The Division, all without a problem. I haven't bought a new game in some time

MOBO Upgrade: My MOBO only supports one GPU. My MOBO only supports 16 GB of RAM. Apparently my CPU supports up to 32 GB? My MOBO does not support M.2. If I needed more than 16 GB RAM (don't currently) or needed the speed of a M.2, I would upgrade my MOBO. I was thinking ASRock - Z97 EXTREME9 ATX LGA1150

Memory Upgrade: I could go to 32 GB if I upgraded my MOBO. My CPU doesn't support DDR4, or DDR3 faster than 1600 Hz.

Storage Upgrade: I could go to M.2 if upgraded MOBO to get faster read and write times, or could but multiple SSD in RAID 0. I have some spare HDD.

GPU Upgrade: I plan on getting the GTX 1180 ti when it comes out,. Possibly two so I could do SLI. If I needed two GPU, would need to upgrade my MOBO.

PSU Upgrade: 1000 W shoudl be mroe than enough for some time.

CPU Upgrade: My four core processor should be more than enough for gaming?

Thanks for any help or suggestions.
 
Solution
4745454b
They've also dropped SLI support for all lower cards. Not even the 1060 supports SLI. Officially anyway. You need the 1070 or better to SLI now. M.2 is nice to have, but in gaming there is little real world difference. 32GB? Are you even using the 16GB that you have? I have 16GB in my system, I barely cross 8-10GB.

I know it's not the fun sexy answer, but unless you are doing more than just gaming you really just need a better GPU.
Sort by date Sort by votes
4745454b

4745454b

Titan
Moderator
Apr 29, 2006
29,241
437
93,590
For a straight gaming system you just need more GPU. The 960 doesn't really do it well anymore. The 4790 should handle 1080/4k gaming just fine. As long as you aren't streaming at the same time. I read "two 8 GB DDR3 at 1600 Hz" as having 16GB total at 1600, so while not flashy that should get the job done. You don't need an M.2 drive. A normal SATA III SSD should be plenty. And your MASSIVELY overkill PSU should be fine as well. Just put your new GPU in and you should be golden.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
J

john.smith0909123

Jul 22, 2018
15
0
10
Would it be worth upgrading the MOBO so I can put off upgrading other components longer? With the board mentioned above I could upgrade to 32 GB, and could get 2 GPUs for a better gaming experience?

I could put off upgrading the CPU and going to DDR4 longer because could get more DDR3 RAM (which isn't really necessary yet).
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
4745454b

4745454b

Titan
Moderator
Apr 29, 2006
29,241
437
93,590
They've also dropped SLI support for all lower cards. Not even the 1060 supports SLI. Officially anyway. You need the 1070 or better to SLI now. M.2 is nice to have, but in gaming there is little real world difference. 32GB? Are you even using the 16GB that you have? I have 16GB in my system, I barely cross 8-10GB.

I know it's not the fun sexy answer, but unless you are doing more than just gaming you really just need a better GPU.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom