Hi I have a gaming computer that I'm looking to upgrade. I want to get a better graphics card, but I think I need a better cpu

[Dex_xter]

Hi I have a gaming computer that I'm looking to upgrade. I want to get a better graphics card, but I think I need a better cpu to prevent bottle necking with a new card. I was looking into maybe getting a fx-8350 and r9 290. I have a max budget around $400. I'm wondering what is the best parts for my money. Thanks

My specs are as follows:
Ram: 8GB
GPU: AMD HD 7700
CPU: AMD FX- 4100
250 GB SSD
2TB Hard Drive

 

[Mr_Venbeer]

First you need to make sure your motherboard supports an FX-8350, whether not via a BIOS update.
If it doesn't, then I would suggest the FX-6300 since it is under $100 now in the US. Then you can spend around $300 on the graphics card which you can probably find a GTX 970 for on sale if you are lucky, or a big mail in rebate.

 

[Dex_xter]

First you need to make sure your motherboard supports an FX-8350, whether not via a BIOS update.
If it doesn't, then I would suggest the FX-6300 since it is under $100 now in the US. Then you can spend around $300 on the graphics card which you can probably find a GTX 970 for on sale if you are lucky, or a big mail in rebate.

Sorry I'm kinda noob at Computer hardware, but would I recieve any bottlenecking with that gpu and cpu? Also how exactly could I figure out if it is supported? My motherboard is an ASRock 960gm-GS3 Fx

 

[Mr_Venbeer]

Also how exactly could I figure out if it is supported? My motherboard is an ASRock 960gm-GS3 Fx

http://www.asrock.com/mb/AMD/960GM-GS3%20FX/?cat=CPU
It does not support 125W FX CPU's. You can still get the FX-8320E or FX-8370E. Although I would still get the FX-6300 instead.

would I recieve any bottlenecking with that gpu and cpu?

Not in most (95%) games, the FX-6300 will play fine with the GTX 970. The FX-6300 is the same processor as the FX-8350, except it is missing 2 less cores, and has slightly lower base clock speeds. 99% of games today don't use anymore than 4 cores so the performance difference between the FX6300 and the 8350 will be minimal. The only time when you might experience a bottleneck is ARMA 3/Dayz. This is normal to any FX processor on the market.

One last thing. Before you install a new CPU, make sure your BIOS are up to date in order for the new processor to work. It is the P1.30 BIOS version for the FX-6300.

 

[mrgnex]

I made a little list for you with a new motherboard to support the FX 6300. I also have included a cooler if you plan to overclock (I can recommend that with FX cpus and that motherboard). If you dont buy the cooler its exactly 400 bucks.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/FxkB7P

 

[Dex_xter]

Thanks everyone for your answers. It helped alot!

 

[Dex_xter]

Okay guys so the asus r9 290 is out of stock any other ideas?

 

[mrgnex]

Okay guys so the asus r9 290 is out of stock any other ideas?

Maybe a 390 or 290X otherwise an 970