Budget Upgrade for Gaming

[Mister Keevs]

A few years back, I was given a sub-par HP Pavillion which I've tweaked steadily over time (added a 650w PSU, bought a new case, etc.). I'm looking at a new mobo, GPU and CPU. Here's a list:

CPU: i5 4570k
GPU: MSI R7770 1GB
MOBO: Not really sure here, but I've got two I'm looking at
- http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0414791
- http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0414769

RAM isn't much of a problem (unless 6 gigs don't suffice)
I've got a 1TB hard drive with Win7 64 Bit, and an basic DVDR-W drive as well.

Any suggestions?
(Another question, would I have to re-purchase a 64-Bit copy of Windows 7)

 

[jrlawson]

Seems fine so far. I would go with the first motherboard due to the fact that it is Z87. It will allow you to overclock in the future as long as your cooling is sufficient. And about windows, yes you will have to buy another copy. It simply won't work. It is basically recognized as a different computer because all the hardware is different.

 

[Mister Keevs]

Sounds good. Thanks for the reply jrlawson.

 

[realchaos]

-What's the brand and model of the psu?

For a gaming build, you could go better. You're better off with an AMD processor and a stronger gpu, as that will provide a better gaming experience over an Intel processor with a 7770. What's your total budget for the processor, gpu, and motherboard? Do you live near a microcenter?

 

[Mister Keevs]

-What's the brand and model of the psu?

For a gaming build, you could go better. You're better off with an AMD processor and a stronger gpu, as that will provide a better gaming experience over an Intel processor with a 7770. What's your total budget for the processor, gpu, and motherboard? Do you live near a microcenter?

I live about 45 min. away from the closest Microcenter (which has all of the listed items in stock)
The PSU is a Solid Gear 650-Watt (I was skeptical of the brand too, but Ecova gave it 80+ http://www.plugloadsolutions.com/80PlusPowerSuppliesDetail.aspx?id=1290&type=2)

I'm looking at about $400 to $550 plus tax.

 

[jrlawson]

I would be careful with that brand, Try something like corsair, seasonic, silverstone, or xfx.

 

[realchaos]

Well I'll give you two options:
1. i5-4670k + Asus Z87-A combo bundle for $265. And then an Asus GTX 760 for $260 ($250 after rebates). Totals to $515 after rebates before tax.
2. FX-6350 + ASRock 970 Extreme4 combo bundle for $175 and then with the same Asus GTX 760 for $250 after rebate. Totals to $425 after rebate before tax.

Link to the GPU: http://www.microcenter.com/product/416680/GTX760-DC2OC-2GD5_NVIDIA_GeForce_GTX_760_DirectCU_II_Overclocked_2048MB_GDDR5_PCIe_30_x16_Video_Card

I would seriously recommend replacing that psu. If you go with the second build, you have enough left over for another psu: http://www.microcenter.com/product/406088/CX_Series_CX600M_600_Watt_ATX_Modular_Power_Supply
The Corsair CX600M can easily handle that build and it's $55 after rebates.

If you have money left over, you can add an aftermarket cpu cooler to overclock, or you can save that for the future.
CM Hyper 212 EVO for $30: http://www.microcenter.com/product/373900/Hyper_212_EVO_Universal_CPU_Cooler