Should I upgrade this 3-year-old PC or get a new one?

elvetos

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Jul 4, 2013
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Hello guys, it's nice to be here! I have this:

CPU: Core i7 860
M/B: Intel DH55TC
RAM: 8GB PC1333
GPU: Asus 5750 1GB
HDD: 1TB 5400RPM
PSU: Corsair 550W

I had to play Far Cry 3 on 720p to get low 30s framerates with Very High quality. I am thinking of a GTX 760 and a 60GB SSD in order to play games decently. Or should I get a new one? I would appreciate your ideas and suggestions. Thanks!
 
Solution
The thing is if you wish to upgrade, you need to take in consideration bottlenecking. Bottlenecking is the state where a certain piece of hardware drags down the whole potential of your computer. Thus if you wish to upgrade your graphics card, you will have to upgrade your CPU and your PSU in order to keep up to the new hardware you installed. But, since you changed both CPU and PSU and your GFX you should probably upgrade your whole system.

If you are indeed tight on money, just lower your graphics... it always helps. Even if you are not running at maximum setting, do you prefer smooth game with decent graphics or low FPS but beautiful game? So the ball is in your camp now. Cheers

Azn Cracker

Distinguished
if you are tight on money, just upgrade it. the 7870 is currently on sale for $165

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?SID=Ley4HOToEeKrHU58Rx4W9QrPk2_.Yoc3_0_0_0&AID=10440897&PID=1225267&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-cables-_-na-_-na&Item=N82E16814127722&cm_sp=

but if you have like a thousand dollars on hand, build a new one
 

mrdannok

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Mar 12, 2013
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The thing is if you wish to upgrade, you need to take in consideration bottlenecking. Bottlenecking is the state where a certain piece of hardware drags down the whole potential of your computer. Thus if you wish to upgrade your graphics card, you will have to upgrade your CPU and your PSU in order to keep up to the new hardware you installed. But, since you changed both CPU and PSU and your GFX you should probably upgrade your whole system.

If you are indeed tight on money, just lower your graphics... it always helps. Even if you are not running at maximum setting, do you prefer smooth game with decent graphics or low FPS but beautiful game? So the ball is in your camp now. Cheers
 
Solution

bkoop

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Apr 1, 2012
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HDD: 1TB 5400RPM

Did you choose the 5400RPM Hard Drive? Because most are 7200RPM.

I vote for a new video card. Do you have preference of nVidia or AMD(Radeon)?
 

mrdannok

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Mar 12, 2013
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If anything mate, if you change 1 piece on your rig, you'll be bottlenecked by your other components. Final answer: Full Change.
 

elvetos

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Jul 4, 2013
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Wow, thanks for all the replies! On the HDD choice, back in the day I was interested in a quiet PC, so I thought less RPM, less noise. I may have been wrong. I consider upgrading mainly because I think that the 860 still has some juice to squeeze. So, like I said, I may put in a mid range GPU like the GTX 760. I'm not particularly worried about money but I wouldn't like to throw it out of the window either.
 

mrdannok

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Mar 12, 2013
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GTX 760 from Nvidia is not a Mid Range GPU.... its a high range. But you have the final decision here, we are only but consultants.
 

mrdannok

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Mar 12, 2013
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It will be a downside if you put it in your Computosaurus-Res xD It wont be to its full potential, although the promise of keeping it for a futur rig is good, i stand by my opinion, wait for full change if you are going to change your GPU with a CPU that old
 

elvetos

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Jul 4, 2013
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On the Gaming CPU Hierarchy Chart the 860 is in tier 3. That is why I thought it not to be useless! It is going to be a tough decision...
 

bkoop

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Apr 1, 2012
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I had to play Far Cry 3 on 720p to get low 30s framerates with Very High quality.

>> Can you really tell the difference between Very High and High quality?
 

elvetos

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Jul 4, 2013
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Usually I want to see the highest detail settings possible. But with the last crop of games (2012-2013) I manage this on 1366x768 or even worse on 1280x720. I have a 1920x1080 monitor but I would be completely happy to play e.g. Tomb Raider on Ultimate quality on 1600x900. I hope this gives you an idea of my expectations!
 

r1Master

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Oct 24, 2006
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I have an i7 920, 8gb ram and 580sli... I get 90fps in Battlefield 3 with mixed settings ( between Very high and Ultra) Far Cry 3 looks amazing on this on the highest settings
I would say if you need to do a quick upgrade for now, go with a good video card you can afford that is good value for money, I think the 770s are atm... ( making sure you power supply can handle it) and then wait a little longer and save for the next gen of Mobo/CPU... I keep wanting to upgrade my Mobo/CPU but atm it is not needed ( wanted yes, but not needed).
Keep looking at the $500, $1000, $1500 build guides these guys do.. It will give you a good idea for upgrades or replacement.