Question Can I get a lot of benefit upgrading my 2014 build without spending much $

[ronzxcvb]

cpu AMD FX-6300 - FX-6000 Series Vishera 6-Core 3.5 GHz Socket AM3+ 95W Desktop Processor - FD6300WMHKBOX
Motherboard ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0 AM3+ AMD 990FX + SB950 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
gpu MSI R7 260X 2GD5 OCV1 2GB 128-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
Power Supply Coolmax 600-Watt Modular, Corsair Hydro H100 CPU Liquid Cooler - 120mm Fan, DDR3 ram, Mini tower case
Windows 7 home premium
Would like to be able to play some games especially FPS
It has been restarting itself for a while now I think its overheating
Right now would need to upgrade for $300 - $400 or could wait a while until this system dies and spend $500 -$600
Would it be worth reusing the gpu or would the onboard video on new boards be better?

 

[ThatVietGuy]

That is a dead-end system, it is not worth upgrading.

Save more money to build a better system in the future.

 

[Why_Me]

https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813162047
ASRock B660M STEEL LEGEND $114.99

https://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/B660M Steel Legend/index.asp

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NPJRDGD
Intel Core i5 12400F $174.99

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...2400f-processor-18m-cache-up-to-4-40-ghz.html

TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z DDR4 16GB Kit (2x8GB) 3200MHz (PC4-25600) CL16 Desktop Memory Module Ram (Gray) - TLZGD416G3200HC16CDC01 at Amazon.com

Buy TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z DDR4 16GB Kit (2x8GB) 3200MHz (PC4-25600) CL16 Desktop Memory Module Ram (Gray) - TLZGD416G3200HC16CDC01: Memory - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z DDR4 3200MHz 16GB (2x8GB) CL16 $48.99

 

[ohio_buckeye]

As an amd guy myself I remember having a setup similar to that. The person that posted the Intel system has the right idea. Their setup would be a HUGE upgrade in performance for you and should allow you to go to Intel 13th gen which will compete with amds new zen 4 lineup. Zen 4 looks good but is very expensive at the moment requiring high end boards and ddr5 which are both expensive at the moment. Zen 3 is still good but a dead end socket now. So personally I’d go Intel.

The other thing you’ll want to do at some point maybe not right away I’d upgrade from that coolmax power supply. I remember working with those and they weren’t great quality in those days so not confident about them with some age on them. But I may not have worked with their modular units, but 2014 was 8 years ago so you would be due for a psu update.

 

[ronzxcvb]

That does look like a great setup that fits my budget.
When I started looking at stuff I didn't have a clue what I was looking at It surprised me how fast it came back after having something good to compare stuff too.
Been running AMD for a while been probably 25 years or more since I built anything with Intel inside
I missed Why_Me's recommendation for memory at first 16gb for $49 and found 32 gigs for $75. Think that would be worth the extra 26 bucks?
https://www.newegg.com/silicon-power-32gb-288-pin-ddr4-sdram/p/N82E16820301440?Item=N82E16820301440
Will it run on windows 7? And how is Microsoft on upgrading systems now? The last thing I upgraded was the case so may have thrown the sticker away when I moved. Would suck to have to buy a new OS just because I cant find the sticker.
In the 90's I had a hard drive crash in a prebuilt system under warranty so the sent me a new hard drive and was on the phone for like 5 hours just to get the code to enter from Microsoft

 

[KyaraM]

That does look like a great setup that fits my budget.
When I started looking at stuff I didn't have a clue what I was looking at It surprised me how fast it came back after having something good to compare stuff too.
Been running AMD for a while been probably 25 years or more since I built anything with Intel inside
I missed Why_Me's recommendation for memory at first 16gb for $49 and found 32 gigs for $75. Think that would be worth the extra 26 bucks?
https://www.newegg.com/silicon-power-32gb-288-pin-ddr4-sdram/p/N82E16820301440?Item=N82E16820301440
Will it run on windows 7? And how is Microsoft on upgrading systems now? The last thing I upgraded was the case so may have thrown the sticker away when I moved. Would suck to have to buy a new OS just because I cant find the sticker.
In the 90's I had a hard drive crash in a prebuilt system under warranty so the sent me a new hard drive and was on the phone for like 5 hours just to get the code to enter from Microsoft

If it is worth the extra bucks for more RAM depends on if you need that RAM or not. Most people, including gamers, are 100% fine with 16 GB, and that will stay like that for a while.

About Windows 7, it will, but I wouldn't do it, especially not when upgrading CPU and mainboard. Upgrade to 10 and be done with it, Win 7 gets no new security updates, no driver support, nothing. And it lacks features. It's dead. I think the upgrade can be done by installing 10 and then typing in your Win 7 key. You should normally be able to read the key from inside your current Windows, especially with a prebuilt system. Before upgrading, not after.

For some time in the future, I would consider a stronger GPU and PSU. But the CPU and mainboard first.

Edit: if your current system is overheating, you could also conaider a new cooler. The 20-30 bucks range should be fine for a 12400, or you simply use the stock cooler. They are decent enough.

 

[ohio_buckeye]

Since windows 7 still used a key, there used to be programs that could extract the key. I think one for example was magic jellybean key finder. If you can find a download of that and pull your windows 7 key, you can possibly use it to install windows 11, or windows 10 then upgrade to 11. I’d personally go to 11 though. It may or may not activate but as long as you are only using it on one pc and you legally purchased it give it a shot before laying down extra money.

 

[ronzxcvb]

Since windows 7 still used a key, there used to be programs that could extract the key. I think one for example was magic jellybean key finder. If you can find a download of that and pull your windows 7 key, you can possibly use it to install windows 11, or windows 10 then upgrade to 11. I’d personally go to 11 though. It may or may not activate but as long as you are only using it on one pc and you legally purchased it give it a shot before laying down extra money.

Thanks
I am so glad I came here before spending hours looking for the box that windows came in.
Especially because I might have threw it away when I moved

About Windows 7, it will, but I wouldn't do it, especially not when upgrading CPU and mainboard. Upgrade to 10 and be done with it, Win 7 gets no new security updates, no driver support, nothing. And it lacks features. It's dead. I think the upgrade can be done by installing 10 and then typing in your Win 7 key. You should normally be able to read the key from inside your current Windows, especially with a prebuilt system. Before upgrading, not after.

Will try that tonight
Would have to put off the build for a bit if I had to buy a new OS

If I cant upgrade with my code from 7 I have a broken laptop with windows 10 on it. Any chance I could use that to upgrade this one to win 10 ?
Not sure if that would be morally correct seeing it 's a completely different system.

 

[ohio_buckeye]

Windows 10 would be a no go. Not same pc and key encoded into the bios anyway.

 

[ronzxcvb]

Went to grab the spindle of dvdrw's that were collecting dust on the computer stand and they were gone.
So ordered an external backup and some flash drives should get them on sat.
Just in case something goes wrong I don't want to try to upgrade windows before I backup the photos
I did get an offer to upgrade windows for free a long time ago so maybe will still be able to upgrade it

 

[ohio_buckeye]

Not knowing what storage you have, ssd drives are cheap. For example just saw one 1tb sata ssd m, budget unit, but 56 bucks. You could always pick up something like that, leave the old drive unhooked and install to the ssd then connect the other drive, back up what’s needed and format it as storage for games etc.

 

[ronzxcvb]

It's dead
I think the power supply crapped out. This one was on sale, so I cheeped out when I got this power supply 8 years ago wanted to get at least an 800 watt but definitely got my money's worth out of it.

had 256 &500 gb ssd in there.

Will probably have to go to a prebuilt system now.

 

[ronzxcvb]

Have a new PSU coming on Monday once its working will update to windows 10
Not going to worry about the budget anymore but still need to be frugal.
May take longer and have to wait until stuff is on sale to finish the upgrade
Finally found the cpu comparison chart so definitely want to use the i5-12400
How would the onboard video compare to my video card MSI R7 260X 2GD5 OCV1 2GB 128-Bit GDDR5?
Or better question is the onboard video any good? Is it worth the extra $25
Oh, and I don't have a mini tower. Think that it's a 3/4 tower 8"x18"x18" its bigger than a standard full-size case but not as big as a full tower. I have mistakenly been calling it a mini tower for years.

 

[Lafong]

https://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-UHD-Graphics-730-vs-AMD-R7-260X/m1500304vs3151

Above link a rough comparison of i5-12400 integrated video versus R7-260x

Make of it what you will.

Many would tell you to get a CPU with integrated video in case your separate video card starts acting up or fails outright. $25 for a bit of insurance.

 

[ronzxcvb]

Thanks that helped a lot
Surprised me on how high such an old card performed. I wonder if it would be worth it to get a second card for $52 verses a cheap new card

 

[ronzxcvb]

Fixed and on win 10 now
Figured that I would need a better video card after the upgrade and going to have to carry stuff on a cc anyways so ordered a used EVGA GTX 1070 FTW2 8gb
Paid $170 could Have got the micro version for cheaper but 2 weeks for shipping Please let me know if I made a boo boo ordering it
(not including the new card or PSU in the budget)
Should get new card on Thursday
Just need to find the i5 12400f on sale
Still haven't compleatly ruled out going with AMD especially with the new chips coming out.

 

[Math Geek]

frankly for the money, the new 7000 series from amd is too expensive right now. ddr5 ram is crazy expensive and the mobo's for it are also pretty high since it is a new platform. i'd go with a nice 5600x on a cheap mobo and save the cash. you'll still enjoy a massive upgrade in performance and be able to enjoy the nice cheap ddr4 ram

or stick with the ddr4 version of intel and go with the 12400 (f or no f, either way) which is a solid cpu as well.

 

[ronzxcvb]

Thanks Math Geek still haven't ruled out the 5-5600x
I'm looking every day for deals but let me know if you see one, in case I missed it. Old pc is running good now with new PSU + GPU. One thing wierd though is it bench tests better using normal or power saving over turbo will post results below.
I have been organizing 8 years of photos and still wand to build a side table on my desk so have stuff to keep me busy waiting on a sale.
If anyone has read along this far for your own upgrade here are links to what I found to be the most helpful.
Lafong posted this earlier but It works awesome to see how stuff compares and can also download it to bench test your system
https://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-UHD-Graphics-730-vs-AMD-R7-260X/m1500304vs3151
hw monitor for CPU and GPU temps also voltages etc. (Math Geek posted this to help someone else)
https://www.cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor.html
Visipics removes duplicate photos
http://download.cnet.com/VisiPics/9241-2193_4-10712877-4.html?v=1

fx 6300 energy r7 260x Original system

UserBenchmarks: Game 14%, Desk 63%, Work 12%
CPU: AMD FX-6300 - 55.5%
GPU: AMD R7 260X - 19.2%
SSD: Mushkin MKNSSDSR500GB 500GB - 33.2%
SSD: Crucial MX100 256GB - 66.8%
RAM: Kingston 99U5471-002.A01LF Samsung M378B5673FH0-CH9 9905403-011.A03LF Samsung M378B5673FH0-CH9 8GB - 39.7%
MBD: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0

fx 6300 enegry gtx 1070 Upgraded GPU

UserBenchmarks: Game 50%, Desk 64%, Work 38%
CPU: AMD FX-6300 - 56%
GPU: Nvidia GTX 1070 - 87.2%
SSD: Mushkin MKNSSDSR500GB 500GB - 52%
SSD: Crucial MX100 256GB - 74.1%
RAM: Kingston 99U5471-002.A01LF Samsung M378B5673FH0-CH9 9905403-011.A03LF Samsung M378B5673FH0-CH9 8GB - 39.8%
MBD: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0

fx 6300 turbo + gtx 1070

UserBenchmarks: Game 48%, Desk 63%, Work 36%
CPU: AMD FX-6300 - 53.3%
GPU: Nvidia GTX 1070 - 87.5%
SSD: Mushkin MKNSSDSR500GB 500GB - 34.9%
SSD: Crucial MX100 256GB - 71.5%
RAM: Kingston 99U5471-002.A01LF Samsung M378B5673FH0-CH9 9905403-011.A03LF Samsung M378B5673FH0-CH9 8GB - 39.4%
MBD: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0


fx 6300 enegry gtx 1070
UserBenchmarks: Game 50%, Desk 64%, Work 38%
CPU: AMD FX-6300 - 56%
GPU: Nvidia GTX 1070 - 87.2%
SSD: Mushkin MKNSSDSR500GB 500GB - 52%
SSD: Crucial MX100 256GB - 74.1%
RAM: Kingston 99U5471-002.A01LF Samsung M378B5673FH0-CH9 9905403-011.A03LF Samsung M378B5673FH0-CH9 8GB - 39.8%
MBD: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0

fx 6300 turbo + gtx 1070
UserBenchmarks: Game 48%, Desk 63%, Work 36%
CPU: AMD FX-6300 - 53.3%
GPU: Nvidia GTX 1070 - 87.5%
SSD: Mushkin MKNSSDSR500GB 500GB - 34.9%
SSD: Crucial MX100 256GB - 71.5%
RAM: Kingston 99U5471-002.A01LF Samsung M378B5673FH0-CH9 9905403-011.A03LF Samsung M378B5673FH0-CH9 8GB - 39.4%
MBD:

 

[Math Geek]

tom's maintains a chart of gpu's with relative performance.

https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gpu-hierarchy,4388.html

great reference for a quick "which is stronger?" type comparison. i use it all the time and keep it bookmarked as i help people and for my own use.

 

[ronzxcvb]

The CPU and GPU charts are great been using them forever
Went with AMD 5600 non x model new egg has $20 off code for it today + Uncharted game for free
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 - Ryzen 5 5000 Series Vermeer (Zen 3) 6-Core 3.5 GHz Socket AM4 65W Desktop Processor $138.99
ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming 4 AM4 AMD B550 SATA 6Gb/s ATX AMD Motherboard $84.99
Neo Forza FAYE-CLASSIC 16GB (2x8GB) 288-Pin DDR4 3600 (PC4 28800) SDRAM Desktop Memory $41.99
$265.97 - $20 - $5 for combo deal came out to $240.97
May have been able to find a better deal on this but went ahead and bought a 1tb m2 ssd
Team Group MP33 PRO M.2 2280 1TB PCIe 3.0 x4 with NVMe 1.3 3D NAND Internal Solid State Drive $67.99
I think it was worth waiting
But good chance there may be better deals coming up

 

[Vic 40]

But good chance there may be better deals coming up

There always are and if you keep waiting you might someting just a little better or with more features but in that case you can keep waiting and waiting and looking, comes a time you better bite the bullet and the 5600 is a good cpu.