Looking to upgrade build for gaming/overall performance

[kimisizer]

Hi everyone, I am currently using a build I created about 3.5 years ago and am looking to upgrade some parts. Although there isn't anything in particular I find wrong with this build, I spend a lot of my time on my computer and am looking for an overall performance boost. Currently, I have

CPU: i5-2500K LGA1155
GPU: AMD Radeon HD 6870 1GB
Motherboard: ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 LGA 1155
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3
PSU: Corsair Builder Series CX600 600 Watt 80 Plus Certified
HDD: WD Blue 1TB 7200 RPM
SSD: Samsung 830 256GB
Case: COOLER MASTER RC-692-KKN2 CM690 II Black Steel

My budget is $600-800 (if it's really worth it, I would be willing to go up to $1000). My initial thought was to upgrade the GPU first, but I am not sure which of the newest ones are the best and compatible with my build. Right now, I have a dual monitor setup (1920x1080, 1 HDMI 1 DVI-HDMI). Also, if I wanted to upgrade my CPU would I need to get a new motherboard since LGA1155 is a rather old socket? I game a lot on my PC (GW2, ESO, League, Skyrim, etc.) and use if for schoolwork as well (Excel, STATA, Latex). Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[sizzling]

Your CPU is still good but a gpu upgrade would definitely improve gaming. However get rid of that CX PSU for something of decent quality, that's a really poor unit

 

[theyeti87]

Your system is pretty solid. The CPU + mobo you're using ought to last you a few more years before it becomes fiscally relevant to upgrade.

However, I would upgrade the GPU to something beefy like a GTX980.
I'd also invest in a better power supply.

 

[kimisizer]

Your CPU is still good but a gpu upgrade would definitely improve gaming. However get rid of that CX PSU for something of decent quality, that's a really poor unit

I am not an expert when it comes to determining quality of PSU's. Would this be a good buy factoring in potential future upgrades? http://

 

[sizzling]

Anything tier 1 or 2 is plenty good enough http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html but the favourites for quality are Seasonic, XFX or the high end EVGA. You will notice CX are tier 4

 

[why_wolf]

Upgrade the GPU. Otherwise your build is pretty much the same as mine. I don't think its really worth it to upgrade anything else at the moment unless your doing production work and are desperate for even a tiny improvement.

Yes that socket type is dead. When we upgrade our CPUs that will mean a new motherboard and new RAM as well since skylake brought in DDR4.

For you GPU look at the hierarchy chart. Looks like you want at least an R9 370 from the AMD side or a 960 nvidia side or higher. Personally I'd suggest something with at least 4GB of VRAM for future proofing since you have the money to spend. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-7.html

 

[tiny voices]

I agree with the PSU + GPU upgrade. That would be ideal. Get an Antec, XFX, Seasonic, EVGA (G2,B2,GS) 650w unit and then get a gtx970.