[SOLVED] Hardware Upgrades - Starting point

[amadis]

Hey folks,

I'm looking to start upgrading my gaming rig and would love your suggestions on where to start. I don't plan on OCing, but if I do it would be at the processor. I'm currently running several SSDs and don't plan on upgrading those.

I tend to lean more towards Intel processors and NVidia GPUs, but have an open mind.

Budget: $400-$500

Current specs:
Processor: Intel i5 2500k, LGA 1155 @4.00GHz (OC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z68-D3H-B3, LGA 1155 Intel, Z68 HDMI Sata 6gb/s USB 3.0
GPU: NVidia GeForce GTX 660
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8BG (4 x 2GB) DDR3
PSU: Antec High Current Gamer Series 620W – SLI Ready; Crossfire Ready, 80 Plus Bronze Certified
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus
Monitor: Acer HDMI LED-Backlight LCD Monitor (2)
OS: Windows 10 64 bit
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912

 

[SgtScream]

What games do you play and what are your FPS expectations? What is your monitor's resolution and refresh rate?

 

[logainofhades]

Honestly, I would just upgrade your graphics card, and maybe your power supply, then save up for a better CPU platform. Yours, with your overclock, really isn't that bad. You will get more gaming performance, out of a new GPU, than you would a new cpu and gpu, at that budget. Even if this GPU is a bit overpowered, for what you have now, it can be carried over later on. A used 2600k might not be a bad idea, for better multi threaded support.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: Asus - GeForce GTX 1070 Ti 8 GB CERBERUS Video Card ($359.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA G3 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Monoprice)
Total: $459.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-12-06 11:56 EST-0500

 

[amadis]

Monitor resolution is 1920x1080 @60Hz

I play a variety of games, here's a list of recently played

FPS: Overwatch, Black Ops 4, Fortnite, Destiny 2
MMOs: GuildWars 2, Warframe
RPG: Pathfinder, The Witcher III

 

[SgtScream]

I have experience owning an i5 2500k. I was able to OC mine to 4.9ghz stable. Spending money on anything more than a gtx 1060 6gb, for 1080p 60hz resolution will be wasted hardware performance and money. I'd upgrade to that, get a couple more years out of your system on medium to high detail then do a platform upgrade.

 

[vapour]

A different route with 1440p gaming:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: Asus - GeForce GTX 1070 Ti 8 GB TURBO Video Card ($324.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: AOC - Q2778VQE 27.0" 2560x1440 60 Hz Monitor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $524.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-12-06 13:15 EST-0500