Can I upgrade?

[jvrankul]

My specs are as follows:

• 
  ■Intel Core i3 CPU 550 @3.2GHZ
  ■MSI 2A9C Motherboard
  ■8GB DDR3 RAM (Max Capacity)
  ■AMD Radeon HD 7770 1GB

Basically I am looking to upgrade my PC (if possible) so that I can run a new game I got recently (ArcheAge) at a consistent, decent frame rate which does not drop massively like it currently does during high intensive periods of play in crowded areas etc.

I initially started running the game with 4GB RAM and it ran like absolute shit because the engine of the game itself uses ~4GB of memory. I purchased an additional 4GB of RAM and it made a huge difference to my frame rate and prevented some crashing etc., however I still get average frame rates, (50-60 at best, down to 30 at most times, sometimes below 15). The FPS drops the longer I play and I'm really not sure what I can do to improve things. Another thing I want to note is that about once or twice every half hour while playing my PC monitor goes black, then restarts after about 15-20 seconds and says the GPU driver crashed but was restored (or something along those lines).

I don't know what would be a good value upgrade, I am not sure what GPUs would be compatible with my motherboard and if my processor is powerful enough to handle any decent GPU.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. As an aside, I don't really fancy buying a new PC as of right now, I would rathher upgrade if possible.

 

[jvrankul]

Also are R9 280X and HD 7970 the same thing?

Hey are totally different the 280 is almost twice or more as good.


But don't mind posting your latest specs including any upgrades you would make. 😉

I am pretty set on the R9 270X 2GB I feel like that's all I need in my GPU. The main dilemma I am having is with my processor. Will the i5 you suggested be a significant performance increase compared to my current i3 550. Also with the i5 processor and R9 270X 2GB how well do you think I will be able to run new games on high graphic settings?

If it's a first gen i5 it will bottleneck the 270x. So highly not recommended.

If you have the money go with 4th or 3rd gen i5 and a 270x.

I just don't know which 4th gen would be compatible with my mobo. http://puu.sh/aS2ps/573dd1a0b5.jpg

 

[jvrankul]

Also are R9 280X and HD 7970 the same thing?

Hey are totally different the 280 is almost twice or more as good.


But don't mind posting your latest specs including any upgrades you would make. 😉

I am pretty set on the R9 270X 2GB I feel like that's all I need in my GPU. The main dilemma I am having is with my processor. Will the i5 you suggested be a significant performance increase compared to my current i3 550. Also with the i5 processor and R9 270X 2GB how well do you think I will be able to run new games on high graphic settings?

If it's a first gen i5 it will bottleneck the 270x. So highly not recommended.

If you have the money go with 4th or 3rd gen i5 and a 270x.

This is the mobo according to the HP website:

Motherboard
Manufacturer: MSI
Motherboard Name: MS-7613
HP/Compaq motherboard name: Iona-GL8E

 

[lightcloud]

Maybe we'll start this again so I can get a better overview.

What will you be using it for?
How much can you afford it toal?

 

[jvrankul]

Maybe we'll start this again so I can get a better overview.

What will you be using it for?
How much can you afford it toal?

I am using it for gaming. I want to run ArcheAge which runs on CryEngine 3. I want to run the game on high settings with stable, decent fps (40+) even in crowded areas. I can afford to spend about $600-$700. I don't mind changing things around if it stays in my budget range.

 

[lightcloud]

Maybe we'll start this again so I can get a better overview.

What will you be using it for?
How much can you afford it toal?

I am using it for gaming. I want to run ArcheAge which runs on CryEngine 3. I want to run the game on high settings with stable, decent fps (40+) even in crowded areas. I can afford to spend about $600-$700. I don't mind changing things around if it stays in my budget range.

That's excellent. You mentioned you would be upgrading but not buying a new one. However upgrading is pretty much the same as building your own one. So can you consider that as I have a perfect one for that? That can run at least 40+ FPS on medium to high on Crysis. And will maxed out on ArcheAge (I used this according to the website).

 

[jvrankul]

Maybe we'll start this again so I can get a better overview.

What will you be using it for?
How much can you afford it toal?

I am using it for gaming. I want to run ArcheAge which runs on CryEngine 3. I want to run the game on high settings with stable, decent fps (40+) even in crowded areas. I can afford to spend about $600-$700. I don't mind changing things around if it stays in my budget range.

That's excellent. You mentioned you would be upgrading but not buying a new one. However upgrading is pretty much the same as building your own one. So can you consider that as I have a perfect one for that? That can run at least 40+ FPS on medium to high on Crysis. And will maxed out on ArcheAge (I used this according to the website).

I would definitely like to know what you have in mind

 

[lightcloud]

Hope this is not bad because it is $80 above $700 and really worth it in every way.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master RR-HT2-28PK-R1 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z97M-G43 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: GeIL EVO Veloce Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($80.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.49 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 280 3GB DirectCU II Video Card ($208.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cougar Solution (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($37.99 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Micro Center)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $777.42
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-14 08:29 EDT-0400

 

[jvrankul]

Hope this is not bad because it is $80 above $700 and really worth it in every way.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master RR-HT2-28PK-R1 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z97M-G43 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: GeIL EVO Veloce Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($80.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.49 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 280 3GB DirectCU II Video Card ($208.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cougar Solution (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($37.99 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Micro Center)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $777.42
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-14 08:29 EDT-0400

I have never built my own computer, only done minor upgrades. I think I am ready to take the plunge though. Is that all I will need? Do I need a soundcard and stuff if I use a headset?

 

[lightcloud]

Hope this is not bad because it is $80 above $700 and really worth it in every way.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master RR-HT2-28PK-R1 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z97M-G43 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: GeIL EVO Veloce Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($80.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.49 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 280 3GB DirectCU II Video Card ($208.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cougar Solution (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($37.99 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Micro Center)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $777.42
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-14 08:29 EDT-0400

I have never built my own computer, only done minor upgrades. I think I am ready to take the plunge though. Is that all I will need? Do I need a soundcard and stuff if I use a headset?

Here's what I'll do. PM (private message) me and I'll tell you as much as I know about this. If you have any other problems they are still plenty of experts on the forum not just me. But I can help you for the moment.

Before that don't mind picking a solution.