Can I use old GPU?

[Skpstr]

I have a budget of $3-400CDN for an upgrade. I would be upgrading 2 parts: CPU & mobo, (currently an Athlon II x2 64 w/AM2 mobo) and GPU. (currently 512Mb 8600GT)

My question is, can I spend that $3-400 (or at least a good chunk of it) on either the CPU & mobo or GPU, and have it work with what I have? (IOW, plug my 8600 GT into a new mobo w/ a new CPU, or plug a new GPU (GTX 660 or 7790 for example) into my old mobo?

Is this advisable? Or am I just better off replacing both items within my budget?

 

[SethS]

well, if you spend most money on gpu, and less on mobo/cpu, you will see bottlenecks. Better off with better mobo/cpu and old gpu, the upgrade later on

 

[dextermat]

Hi,

The 8600GT is pcie so it should work, but you won't be able to play modern games with that.

The old mobo with a new gpu has more risk of not working and you might not have a proper PSU (at least 500w) for a 660 / 7790.

Also if you change mobo and CPU, you need DDR 3 memory. So you might be tight on money with only $400

If you get a fx-6300 (minimum i recommend for gaming) it's already $120-130
a proper mobo would be minimum $100-150
And 8 GB of 1333 of be about 60 $

So your at minimum of $280-300 plus tax right there and you have the minimum.

maybe you would like to consider gtx 650 ti boost @ about 150-180 $ from there and you could play modern games at medium res.

 

[Skpstr]

What about an APU such as this one? (w/mobo): AMD A-Series A10-6800K Accelerated Processor and ASUS F2A55-M LE Motherboard Bundle

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8511653&CatId=7709

Adding 4Gb of 1600Mhz DDR3 RAM would put me just over midway of my budget. Later on I can add a good GPU and a bigger PSU.

Keep in mind that, although I'm primarily gaming with this PC, I'm playing 2-3 year old titles, not looking to max out BF4 or anything.

 

[SethS]

What about an APU such as this one? (w/mobo): AMD A-Series A10-6800K Accelerated Processor and ASUS F2A55-M LE Motherboard Bundle

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8511653&CatId=7709

Adding 4Gb of 1600Mhz DDR3 RAM would put me just over midway of my budget. Later on I can add a good GPU and a bigger PSU.

Keep in mind that, although I'm primarily gaming with this PC, I'm playing 2-3 year old titles, not looking to max out BF4 or anything.

This is pretty good, i almost bought the cpu myself. I suggest you do this, and use your old gpu, and save for a
r9 270x, or 280x or even a 290x.

 

[Skpstr]

Wouldn't the integrated HD 8670D be better than the old 8600GT?