Upgrading my 3 year old build need some help

[evilbird]

CPU: Intel Core i3-3220
Motherboard: MSI B75MA-E33 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard
Memory: Corsair XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card
Case: Antec One ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX750 V2 750W ATX12V

I have a $600 or so budget. Primarily I wanted to upgrade the gpu and cpu. Any suggestions? Should I just save money and crossfire my gpu with something like this? http://amzn.to/1IZvZtn

Thanks in advance!

 

[sammy sung]

Is this for gaming only, or are there other tasks in mind? Also, do you have an aftermarket CPU cooler?

 

[evilbird]

Primarily for Gaming. Looking for 90+ fps in modern games. I've been using the stock cooler.

 

[sammy sung]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($224.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280 3GB Dual-X Video Card ($192.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $544.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-06 13:08 EDT-0400

Okay, we upgraded the processor and motherboard to help reflect the sort of performance you want to see. Added a nice budget aftermarket cooler that'll provide a mild to moderate overclock with adequate temperatures.

I'd love to suggest a single more powerful card to upgrade to. But honestly there's nothing within budget that justifies an upgrade from a 7950. I would however suggest that if you're going to crossfire, you buy a new R9-280 instead.

1.) It's compatible via crossfire with the 7950

2.) It's new, so there's little headache with buying a used component

3.) Lower TDP than the 7950 so we'll bring you more headroom with your TX750. As it's not wise to run a unit too close to it's max continuous output

 

[evilbird]

Is this for gaming only, or are there other tasks in mind? Also, do you have an aftermarket CPU cooler?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($224.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280 3GB Dual-X Video Card ($192.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $544.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-06 13:08 EDT-0400

Okay, we upgraded the processor and motherboard to help reflect the sort of performance you want to see. Added a nice budget aftermarket cooler that'll provide a mild to moderate overclock with adequate temperatures.

I'd love to suggest a single more powerful card to upgrade to. But honestly there's nothing within budget that justifies an upgrade from a 7950. I would however suggest that if you're going to crossfire, you buy a new R9-280 instead.

1.) It's compatible via crossfire with the 7950

2.) It's new, so there's little headache with buying a used component

3.) Lower TDP than the 7950 so we'll bring you more headroom with your TX750. As it's not wise to run a unit too close to it's max continuous output

What kind of performance bump do you think I'll get with crossfiring versus just getting a new gpu? Will the crossfire be able to maintain good fps in future games for at least a few years?

 

[sammy sung]

7950 + R9-280 at 1080 should be able to max out the vast majority of games for a couple years. But it's always difficult to say. Even at 1440p you'll be able to play at high to ultra for most games.

Again you'll always run into those few games that are poorly optimized for crossfire/SLI, or just aren't at all. Like company of heroes 2. And micro stuttering can occur. But ultimately the performance will be there.

I had crossfire R9-280's two builds ago, when I still used 3840x1080. Loved it

 

[evilbird]

7950 + R9-280 at 1080 should be able to max out the vast majority of games for a couple years. But it's always difficult to say. Even at 1440p you'll be able to play at high to ultra for most games.

Again you'll always run into those few games that are poorly optimized for crossfire/SLI, or just aren't at all. Like company of heroes 2. And micro stuttering can occur. But ultimately the performance will be there.

I had crossfire R9-280's two builds ago, when I still used 3840x1080. Loved it

Thank you! You've been a great help!

 

[evilbird]

7950 + R9-280 at 1080 should be able to max out the vast majority of games for a couple years. But it's always difficult to say. Even at 1440p you'll be able to play at high to ultra for most games.

Again you'll always run into those few games that are poorly optimized for crossfire/SLI, or just aren't at all. Like company of heroes 2. And micro stuttering can occur. But ultimately the performance will be there.

I had crossfire R9-280's two builds ago, when I still used 3840x1080. Loved it

Sorry last question haha. Should I wait for the new skylake cpus or is the one you suggested fine?

 

[sammy sung]

The one I suggest is more than fine. If you waited for the i5-6600K you'd have to get memory as well, since it requires DDR4