$300 upgrade

[Guest]

I am upgrading my old computer and I need some help. I already have an adaquate cpu and motherboard but I need a new gpu and a hard drive Can anyone help me with this? My cpu is a i5 3570k and my motherboard is a biostar TZ77B.

 

[phyco126]

What is your current, full system specs? We need to know everything you have so we don't recommend something you may already have. Also, to make sure whatever we pick is system compatible. Can't suggest a GPU if we also don't know your PSU size.

 

[Guest]

PSU: 630w
CPU: 3.4 ghz, 3.8 turbo
memory: ddr3 1600mhz 8 gb

 

[samuraimastr]

I think he was asking more for what parts you have, not the specs on them. If you're planning on using this for gaming, you could look at a pure GPU upgrade and get the Radeon HD 7870. If not, look for a small SSD, and maybe get a GTX 480/560 Ti/570 or HD 6870/6950/7850/7870.

 

[phyco126]

Problem is that HDDs are expensive and will eat a good deal of the budget.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145304 - $90 ( 1-TB HDD)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125363 - $230 (GPU GTX 560 Ti)

Total: $300

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the suggestions but I was looking for a Radeon GPU because my motherboard does not support sli, only crossfirex

 

[tsnor]

This article will show you $300 options. Then use the table in the back to pick your AMD card. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107.html Given you only want amd the choices are limited

HD7850 = $240
HD6950 = $250
HD7870 = $300
HD7950 = $340

Or hit ebay hunting for a 5970 or used 6990

EDIT: Opps skipped the disk

I'd get a high performance disk becuase I got a pair of green ones then really noticed the boot time difference on the PCs.

WD Black 1.5 TB is a fast drive = $160. I bought this same drive for $90 prior to the Thailand flooding. If you can wait a few months HDD prices should fall closer to $100.

That leaves $150-$200 for video

HD 7850 - $240
HD 6870 - $165

I'd get HD 6870 and wait for a sale on WD black 1.5TB to meet $300 budget.

However, you should look at framerates of the games you play and see if you would be happier spending less on video and getting worse frame rates, or spending more on video and stepping up to 7850.

Or hit ebay for a HD5850