New Build/Upgrade on ~$500

[kjbarre1]

Hey guys i'm looking to make the best upgrade I can get for my system for around ~$500. I'm ok with anything from a complete rebuild to just replacing components.

Approximate Purchase Date: ASAP

Budget Range: $500-$600. Would prefer closer to 500 but can go over if it make a huge difference.

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, web surfing, normal school based computing.

Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS, Powersupply (600w coolmax), case, HDD. *will list current rig below*

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Frys electronics so I can pick it up. But cheapest is the main issue

Country: USA

Parts Preferences: ASUS motherboard if I have to switch. Other than that I dont care.

Overclocking: Yes

SLI or Crossfire: Dont Know what this is.

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments:
--------------------------------------------------
Current Setup:
CPU: AMD Athlon II x3 445, 3100Mhz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103872

Memory: 4gigs of DDR3 ram

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GT 430
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130579

Mainboard: MSI 870-G45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130290

Can post additional information if needed,

Thanks!

 

[striker410]

Hi! Welcome to the forums.
Well, you have a decent CPU and good motherboard. The PSU HAS to go, it's utter crap. I'd suggest a CPU/GPU/PSU upgrade.
CPU: Phenom II X4 960T http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103995 $125
GPU: XFX 6950 1GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150523 $229 , plus 7% off coupon
PSU: Corsair CX500 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027 $60

That will give you a HUGE leap in performance. Looking at the 'ole Crysis tells us that much. GT430: http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gt-430-review/13 6950: http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-6950-6970-review/18

Another 4GB of ram might be nice but certainly not necessary.