A few questions: PSU, CPU, GPU, etc.

[leolamaa]

Hey, I've got a 'few' questions that I hope you guys could answer, my PC's specs are at the bottom of the page:


- I'm thinking of upgrading either the CPU or GPU, but I don't know which. Before you reply with an answer, I'd rather NOT have to change my PSU (500W), due to electricity prices. So, which should I upgrade and what should I upgrade it to?

- I re-applied the CPU's thermal paste yesterday. I'm not sure if I was meant to, but I put the CPU fan back after finishing, and now the fan is essentially glued to the CPU. Will I just have to tug it off and hope to god that I don't wreck the CPU?


Sorry if this made no sense, I'm really bad at writing long things. Just say if you need anything explained!

 

[plywrlw]

That processor is probably still OK but should probably be update number 2.

If I was you I would upgrade the GPU to an r7 265 or r9 270 or r9 270x

 

[leolamaa]

That processor is probably still OK but should probably be update number 2.

If I was you I would upgrade the GPU to an r7 265 or r9 270 or r9 270x

I guess I wouldn't need to upgrade the PSU then?

 

[hunter315]

What are you hoping to make your computer better at? It should be doing fine for basic tasks but the 6670 is a low power/low performance GPU so you will struggle in anything GPU heavy, the FX 4170 isn't very strong so you will also struggle in anything CPU heavy. Figure out if you want to be able to turn settings up higher or just get better FPS when gaming, or if you are not gaming specify your usage type.

As for your PSU, it only draws as much power as needed to power your computer, you could put a 1kW PSU in your system and you won't see a notable change in your power bill. What PSU do you currently have? Not all PSUs are created equal.

 

[plywrlw]

Yep it would really help if you mentioned the make/model of you PSU so we know if its up to the 270x

 

[leolamaa]

What are you hoping to make your computer better at? It should be doing fine for basic tasks but the 6670 is a low power/low performance GPU so you will struggle in anything GPU heavy, the FX 4170 isn't very strong so you will also struggle in anything CPU heavy. Figure out if you want to be able to turn settings up higher or just get better FPS when gaming, or if you are not gaming specify your usage type.

As for your PSU, it only draws as much power as needed to power your computer, you could put a 1kW PSU in your system and you won't see a notable change in your power bill. What PSU do you currently have? Not all PSUs are created equal.

I mainly use my PC for gaming, and I'm upgrading to hopefully get better FPS in my games.

I didn't build my PC, so I don't really know what PSU I have. Unless I've just been completely blind and have just seen the '500W' bit on it.

 

[plywrlw]

Can you take the side off and take a peek at the label?

 

[leolamaa]

Does ATX-500 mean anything? That's the only really useful thing I found on it

 

[plywrlw]

It should have a table on it with numbers. I'm particularly interested in how many amps are on the 12v rail and the total wattage available on the 12v rail. Should look like this photo
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/ProductHtml/image/W0319RU/outputTable.jpg

 

[leolamaa]

Mine looks nothing like that.

Found this on the interwebs, and it looks similar (though, not 100%): http://76.my/Malaysia/exploit-atx-500w-power-supply-1109-15-castleIT@11.jpg

 

[plywrlw]

Yikes, that is very low quality and you should change it really for something better. I wouldn't trust it with anything more than a GTX 750ti

 

[leolamaa]

Alrighty then, I guess that adds another question to my list then.

PSU suggestions? And how to fit them? I've never actually done it before.

Thanks for all the help as well!

 

[plywrlw]

Do you have any preferred websites? Where in the world are you based?

Something like this would be good

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($174.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $224.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-24 13:00 EDT-0400

 

[leolamaa]

Don't really have a preferred website, as long as it's trustable I'm usually fine with it, and I live in the UK.

It's cheaper than what I thought it was going to be. Thanks a lot.

 

[plywrlw]

I'm in the UK too! Here you go

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Dual-X Video Card (£135.59 @ Aria PC)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply (£46.98 @ Aria PC)
Total: £182.57
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-24 18:33 BST+0100

 

[leolamaa]

Thanks!

And now, does anyone have an answer to my other question?

 

[plywrlw]

Essentially yes. It can be a very stressful experience which is why when people say they might overclock in future I tell them to buy a decent cooler and slap it on at the beginning

Here's a thread where someone had a similar dilemma


http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/305320-28-what-remove-heatsink