Do you think my PC needs upgrading?

[Paul_39]

Motherboard: IPISB-CH2 (Chicago)
CPU: Intel Core i7 2600 @ 3.4 GHz
Memory: 8GB DDR3
GPU: AMD R7850 2GB VRAM
Storage: 2TB Hard Drive 5400 RPM

PSU: G7 modular power extreme 750W


I'm already thinking of upgrading my GPU to a R9 390 or GTX 970, but wanted to know if you think I should upgrade anything else?

Also was wondering how overclocking my CPU works and if I can do that? Or if I need a better motherboard as well?

 

[glamdringfh]

1) I recommend upgrading the PSU before/ at the same time as getting a nice new graphics card, what you have isn't a quailty unit.

2) Unles your i7 2600 model has a 'k' at the end of the name it cannot be overclocked.

3) Both the R9 390 and GTX 970 are great cards and will both still run quite well with your current CPU. If you're planning on gaming on a monitor at 1080p the GTX 970 is the better choice, if you plan on using a 1440p resolution its worth getting the R9 390.

 

[Paul_39]

1) I recommend upgrading the PSU before/ at the same time as getting a nice new graphics card, what you have isn't a quailty unit.

Would you say it is vital to upgrade my PSU? My system shouldn't consume anywhere near 750W so even if the PSU is overrated I thought it wouldn't be a problem?

 

[glamdringfh]

Yes, I would consider upgrading the PSU vital before adding a high-end card like the R9 390.

There are essentially NO professional reviews of your PSU (a very bad sign), but all discussions about it on professional review sites like Johnny Guru identify it as HEC PCB and HEC's performance across the board has been unreliable. Wattage isn't the only factor in choosing a PSU, it is also important to consider the performance of the 12V rail and quailty/ reliability of the internal components.

You don't have to break the bank to get a quailty PSU, and for a single card you don't need 750w.

Either of these would be plenty to power your rig with one of the GPU's you mentioned above. The XFX is a fantastic balance between price and performance, the EVGA is one of the best units in the entire wattage class:

Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($47.60 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $47.60
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-11-28 11:53 EST-0500

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $79.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-11-28 11:55 EST-0500