Build new computer or upgrade? Budget: $700-$1500

[explosions]

Hi everyone,

I am contemplating on whether to build a computer from scratch or upgrade with what I currently have due to my GTX460 failing the other day.

I am asking advice on whether to upgrade specific parts or to simply build a brand new one from scratch (based on my needs/ budget/ current available parts listed below).

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I'll begin listing the parts I have and below and then end off my post with a detailed description of what I am looking for. I will be using Speccy to list my parts.

Please note this is simply the Dell XPS 9000 with the graphic card replaced.

Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit SP1

CPU: Intel Core i7 920 @ 2.67GHz, Bloomfield 45nm Technology

RAM: 6.00 GB Triple-Channel DDR3 @ 531MHz (7-7-7-20)

Motherboard: DELL Inc. 0X501H (CPU 1)

Graphics: GeForce GTX 460 (EVGA)

Power Supply: Dell Power Supply 475W (Part Number F217J)

Hard Drives: 2 of them:
733GB SAMSUNG SAMSUNG HD754JJ (SATA)
977GB Seagate ST1000DM003-9YN162 (SATA)

Optical Drives: TSSTcorp DVD+-RW TS-H653G
DTSOFT Virtual CdRom Device

Audio: Realtek High Definition Audio

Monitor: DELL P2310H


If I have missed any crucial components, please mention it to me.



Now onto the detailed portion!

Approximate Purchase Date: Before Mid-April

Budget Range: $700~$1500 after shipping but before rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Surfing the internet/ video streaming, general microsoft word/ excel etc.

Are you buying a monitor: No, but I don't mind buying one if needed

Parts to Upgrade: Up to community discretion; however these are the must:

- the power supply + graphics card
- addition of a single SSD (if possible) given my motherboard

Do you need to buy OS: Yes, Windows 8.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: The general sites (e.g. newegg.com, ncix.com)

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Parts Preferences: Intel, NVIDIA

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Prefer not to

Your Monitor Resolution: Enough to work well with my new graphics card

Additional Comments: This computer specifically has to be able to play The Witcher 3 when it comes out on at least normal settings.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: My GTX460 has died out the other day - I am stuck using my default GT220 that came packaged with the Dell XPS 9000 when I purchased it.

 

[MajorGamer]

Definitely build a new one.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.98 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($76.50 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.28 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($524.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair 500R White ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX750B BRONZE 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1440.67
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-04 00:08 EST-0500)

 

[tiny voices]

I would DEFINITELY change that i7 to an i5 and use the saved money for a better PSU. That unit is questionable at best. Stick with Antec, XFX, Corsair (not cx), Seasonic.