Computer Upgrade-Quick Hit

[Sdc0129]

I'm looking for a quick hit on my 'older' computer.

I've been upgrading here and there, and I have considered eventually replacing the motherboard, processor, or moving over to dual video cards if possible.

I am admittedly an amateur, but I respect the opinions provided by those here at Toms.

Current setup.

BrandASUS
SeriesEssentio
ModelCG5290-BP007
ProcessorIntel Core i7 920(2.66GHz)
Processor Main Features64 bit Quad-Core Memory9GB DDR3
EVGA - GeForce GTX 550 Ti 2GB GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 Graphics Card
850w Power

I'm not looking to change the world, but I'm looking for the biggest boost I can get, my video card is my most recent upgrade, and I do enjoy play Guild Wars 2, that is the primary use of the computer.

 

[JMer806]

What is the motherboard?

I'd say the easiest upgrade to boost gaming performance would be a new video card. Pick up something like a 660ti or a 7870 for not too much cash ($250ish) and you'll have much improved graphics. The rest is fine.

For overall performance, consider getting a 128GB or whatever SSD and reinstalling your OS to it.

 

[avenseth12]

What is your motherboard? I think your best upgrade path is your CPU. You just upgraded your GPU and 550ti is real nice.
I would invest in a new cpu/mobo like this:

Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 $214
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

MSI Z77A-G41 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS $89
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130653

Total: $303

This would be a nice upgrade for you. You will see increased performance on games with a small budget. You can use the stock cpu to save money. Somthing to think about

 

[ohiou_grad_06]

I say graphics card is the biggest upgrade. I just got a radeon 7850, not installed yet but supposed to be a massive upgrade from my current gts 450. You've got an i7 I would get graphics first and eBay your current card.

 

[loresr97]

I say graphics card is the biggest upgrade. I just got a radeon 7850, not installed yet but supposed to be a massive upgrade from my current gts 450. You've got an i7 I would get graphics first and eBay your current card.

GTS 450 to 7850, that's a massive upgrade. GTS are not gaming if i'm correct.

 

[ohiou_grad_06]

GTS was one model below gtx 460, so it handles games alright, a lite slower than maybe a 7750. But ready to get the 7850. I got a new am3+ board, gigabyte 970a-ud3 with 8+2 power phase, hopefully can do some good overclocking.

 

[Sdc0129]

Thank you all for the responses. In regards to the SSD, I have one on the way and that is exactly what I intend on doing. Mobo is stock to the Asus model, I am not home or I'd post the exact one for you.

 

[JMer806]

Thank you all for the responses. In regards to the SSD, I have one on the way and that is exactly what I intend on doing. Mobo is stock to the Asus model, I am not home or I'd post the exact one for you.

Great! You'll see a lot of improvement. Don't forget to backup all of your data, since you'll need to wipe your current HDD.

If you're still looking for an upgrade in addition to the SSD, I'd still say get a new GPU. Your CPU is an older model but it still has legs. Hell I've got a PC that still runs pretty well with a Core 2 Quad.