Can my Gigabyte GA H81M DS2 handle i7 4790 and GTX 960 ??

[Hernan08]

Good day guys ! So, I have this problem in deciding what cpu and gpu should I buy to replace my existing one. I think its much better for me to upgrade it a little bit to use it for part time work and from there save more money to buy a high end pc in the future. BTW this is my current pc's build
CPU : i3 4130 3.4ghz 2-core LGA 1150
MOBO : Gigabyte GA H81M DS2
GPU : Inno 3D GTX 650E ddr5 128 bit
RAM : 4gb x2 1600 G.Skill Ripjaws X red
HDD : Seagate 500gb 7200rpm SATA
PSU : Aerocool AC, Strike X 500 watts 80 PLUS BRONZE

I want to upgrade my CPU to i7 4790 and my GPU to Nvidia GTX 960 4GB. I choose 960 because I want to wait and save my budget for the upcoming Pascal series which I think is the real deal to wait for. Also I want to add a SSD memory atleast 128GB to install my OS and my softwares. So what do you think guys ? Is this upgrade ok ?? I'll use this primarily for Autodesk Maya, Zbrush, and gaming. My budget is only $800. Any feedback guys ?? Advance thank you for your answers !

 

[CompGee]

You can add an SSD just fine, you WILL need to upgrade your PSU, and the motherboard has an LGA1150 socket, so everything from a Pentium D to an i7 will work, so as long as the new processor uses the LGA1150 socket, it should work. You might have to update your BIOS, though. The GTX 960 just needs 2 available case expansion slots, draws 120W, and requires a 6-pin connector, so I recommend a 600W+ power supply. How about a Seasonic S12II 620.

 

[MASTER OF DARKNESS]

I think that all is ok,but...
...i think if you update your RAM too will be very good,because programs like Autodesk and Zbrush want more RAM to work better.

 

[SkyNetRising]

GTX 960 will be fine with current PSU (minimum recomendation is 400W).

 

[MASTER OF DARKNESS]

You can add an SSD just fine, you WILL need to upgrade your PSU, and the motherboard has an LGA1150 socket, so everything from a Pentium D to an i7 will work, so as long as the new processor uses the LGA1150 socket, it should work. You might have to update your BIOS, though. The GTX 960 just needs 2 available case expansion slots, draws 120W, and requires a 6-pin connector, so I recommend a 600W+ power supply. How about a Seasonic S12II 620.

I am not sure that he must change him PSU.Why you think that he must to change it?

 

[CompGee]

He has a TIER 4 power supply.

 

[MASTER OF DARKNESS]

He has a TIER 4 power supply.

And?Therefore he must change it?I am not sure!

 

[Hernan08]

You can add an SSD just fine, you WILL need to upgrade your PSU, and the motherboard has an LGA1150 socket, so everything from a Pentium D to an i7 will work, so as long as the new processor uses the LGA1150 socket, it should work. You might have to update your BIOS, though. The GTX 960 just needs 2 available case expansion slots, draws 120W, and requires a 6-pin connector, so I recommend a 600W+ power supply. How about a Seasonic S12II 620.

Thankyou for your suggestion ! So what do you mean that it needs 2 expansion slots ?? Is it gonna fit in my Fractal Core 1000 micro itx/itx casing ? Yeah I forgot I thnk I should too, I've been using this pc for about 2 yrs now and sometimes when im rendering an animation I leave my pc open and running for about 24+hrs or more.

 

[Hernan08]

I think that all is ok,but...
...i think if you update your RAM too will be very good,because programs like Autodesk and Zbrush want more RAM to work better.

From what i've read about my MOBO's specs it can only have up to 16gb of RAM so you think it will be worth it to add additional 8gb or its much better to buy an entirely new RAM sticks ? My pc is currently 2 yrs now. BTW thanks for your reply !

 

[CompGee]

You may have unpredictable performance with mixed memory.

 

[Hernan08]

GTX 960 will be fine with current PSU (minimum recomendation is 400W).

Isn't the GTX 960 a low voltage one like the 970 ?? You think its safe to say that my current PSU will last atleast up to 2 yrs from now before I build a high end one ? BTW thanks for your reply !

 

[Hernan08]

You may have unpredictable performance with mixed memory.

Uh oh. I thought it will be fine if i'll just add ram sticks. I think I really need to buy a new one haha !