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Need help on new parts choices ($250 budget)

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  • Homebuilt
  • Gaming
  • Systems
  • Product
Last response: in Systems
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March 1, 2012 4:04:28 PM

Hello, I am looking to upgrade my decent computer as it is to put it into a gaming state, I have around $250 at my disposal less is better, Here is my current setup as it is:

AMD FX 4100 (3.6 Ghz)
Gigabyte M68MT-S2
8GB DDR3 Dual channel ram
ATI Radeon 5450 (2gb)
1TB HDD
450w PSU
CiT Mars gaming case

I would like to know what I would need to upgrade to get this into a good gaming state. I already know my PSU Is very small and that needs to be upgraded, Any other ideas? I would like to play games such as BF3, MW3 Ect and if possible be able to record them with something like FRAPS. Thank you

More about : parts choices 250 budget

a b B Homebuilt system
March 1, 2012 4:18:39 PM

You made the same mistake i made. We got FX. I thought FX was gonna be fine for gaming. But after using it for a few months its just....Not satisfying. But if i were you get a 7770 or a kepler card when its released.
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March 1, 2012 4:22:58 PM

The deal with me is, I am looking to start a continuous upgrade period, Starting off with my PSU (Suggestions appreciated) Then my GFX Card, and by then the ivy bridge would have came out and I would most likely get an I5/I7 But, I would really like to know the weakest parts in my system and what you would recommend I upgrade first, in order of priority
a b B Homebuilt system
a b 4 Gaming
March 2, 2012 11:55:50 AM

Casper001 said:
See the CPU Cooler, is it a fan? Or do I have to mount it to the CPU?


It replaces the stock heatsync and fan. You will find it is much larger than the stock one from Intel and with the additional cooling capacity you are good to go with overclocking.
March 2, 2012 12:11:52 PM

Okay, if we're gonna follow your upgrade path... (And you stated you eventually want to upgrade to an intel ivy bridge processor after they release in the future correct?)


I would start with upgrading your GPU.

Your 450w PSU will be fine for the time being. (Especially considering you stated you wanted to upgrade that later as well)


The 560 ti is a pretty big boost for you, and should help you be able to play the games you want now. Not to mention later on when you do get around to upgrading your CPU/mobo and PSU, you'll be able to consider putting it in SLI for even better performance.

Pretty sure you can pick one up for a little over 200. And if you really want to pinch pennies, you can go for a Radeon HD 6870 which is like 175.

But tbh I'd pay the 25 more and just get the 560 ti it's a GREAT card. And even better in SLI.
a b B Homebuilt system
March 2, 2012 1:01:45 PM

^the 450w psu would be fine if it is a quality one, chances are it isn't. I would definitely upgrade that psu along with the gpu.
a b B Homebuilt system
a b 4 Gaming
March 2, 2012 1:24:09 PM

noidis said:
The 560 ti is a pretty big boost for you, and should help you be able to play the games you want now. Not to mention later on when you do get around to upgrading your CPU/mobo and PSU, you'll be able to consider putting it in SLI for even better performance.

Pretty sure you can pick one up for a little over 200. And if you really want to pinch pennies, you can go for a Radeon HD 6870 which is like 175. But tbh I'd pay the 25 more and just get the 560 ti it's a GREAT card. And even better in SLI.


The 560 ti and HD 6870 are both great cards either as a single card or in a multiple GPU setup. The 560 ti is priced just over $200 and the HD 6870 at $150 (see my first post). With the performance of the two being so close, IMHO the HD 6870 is the better choice. You can't go wrong either way you go...
March 2, 2012 1:59:41 PM

Thank you for all of the comments! I might just upgrade the PSU Now for future, just so I don't have to do it again & I am looking at the HD 6870 right now & It looks pretty good! Still thinking about both, but we will see, suggestions on what I should do still appreciated
!