[SOLVED] Looking to upgrade my "gaming" computer

[mg93]

Hi,

I had this PC built at the store a few years ago I think 3-4. I have recently had FPS issues and not responding/freezing. I think my GPU and CPU are dated and could use an upgrade, looking for feedback and thoughts. I have never built a PC myself or replaced parts, I would like to try assuming it isn't too difficult.

PC specs:
Geforce GTX 960
AMD FX(tm)-6300 Six-Core Processor
8 GB ram
EVGA 600 B 80 plus bronze power supply
- 600W @ +40C
MSI 970 gaming mother board
Monitor is capable of 144HZ

Thinking of spending around C$350 = $260 USD on GPU and around similar on CPU if needed.

The games i play are mostly WoW, Overwatch and CSGO.
I do not play any demanding games like battlefield etc.

Look forward to some feedback and help.
If you need any other information let me know.

Thanks,

 

[camieabz]

8370 (N.B. - Not the 8370E) would be as high as you'll get on the CPUs for that motherboard. With that, the GTX 1060 6GB would be a nice upgrade to the GTX 960 - https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/ZCQvcY

Maybe consider a more beefy PSU if your current one is a little old or is close to its ceiling. The GPUs are identical power-wise, but the CPU will add another 30W of power draw, which equates to 50W of added efficient power you should allow for. Also consider any power cables for the GPU.

Added random RAM and HDD to complete build comparison - https://www.userbenchmark.com/PCBuilder/Custom/S0-M299.22173.412.89201vsS0-M16204.153864.412.89201?tab=HDD

-----

Now here's the thing. Spending $550 CA on two parts seems a little expensive for 10% CPU on single core, and up to 50% on multi cores. Obviously, with just the two upgrades, there's no need to source another installation, so if on Windows 7 and keen to stay with it, the upgrades are the way to go.

If on Windows 10 or happy to move up to it, I would suggest saving a little extra cash and going for something like this - https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/vFVPNQ

And compared to current system - https://www.userbenchmark.com/PCBuilder/Custom/S0-M299.22173.412.89201vsS0-M476362.153864.418385.89317?tab=RAM

 

[mg93]

8370 (N.B. - Not the 8370E) would be as high as you'll get on the CPUs for that motherboard. With that, the GTX 1060 6GB would be a nice upgrade to the GTX 960 - https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/ZCQvcY

Maybe consider a more beefy PSU if your current one is a little old or is close to its ceiling. The GPUs are identical power-wise, but the CPU will add another 30W of power draw, which equates to 50W of added efficient power you should allow for. Also consider any power cables for the GPU.

Added random RAM and HDD to complete build comparison - https://www.userbenchmark.com/PCBuilder/Custom/S0-M299.22173.412.89201vsS0-M16204.153864.412.89201?tab=HDD

-----

Now here's the thing. Spending $550 CA on two parts seems a little expensive for 10% CPU on single core, and up to 50% on multi cores. Obviously, with just the two upgrades, there's no need to source another installation, so if on Windows 7 and keen to stay with it, the upgrades are the way to go.

If on Windows 10 or happy to move up to it, I would suggest saving a little extra cash and going for something like this - https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/vFVPNQ

And compared to current system - https://www.userbenchmark.com/PCBuilder/Custom/S0-M299.22173.412.89201vsS0-M476362.153864.418385.89317?tab=RAM

thanks for the information camieabz.
I am not super familiar for with everything you said, but is the issue my motherboard isn't capable of maxing the CPU / GPU i currently have? The power supply comment is interesting, do you need to replace those every couple years or is the Watts too low on my?

Not super keen at the moment on spending $900, and essentially fully replacing my computer.
For around 500-600 Canadian, are there certain parts I should prioritize replacing?

Thanks,

 

[camieabz]

No, the PSU comment was just being thorough. 600w should be enough for a range of setups, but it's always wise to cast an eye over the PSU when changing the hardware.

- Is it loaded close to rated max? (probably not)
- Does the old PSU have connectors for the new hardware?
- Has it been running for more than 3 years? (i.e. is the warranty expired?)
- Does it run in a very warm or hot PC or in a hot room?

The reality is that if the first two points aren't a problem, run with existing PSU until problems occur.


Priorities? Run a benchmark and post link to results page - https://www.userbenchmark.com

(we might see something that is a system bottleneck and spending less than $200 could easily be the fix)

 

[madmatt30]

Nowhere to go from a fx6300 in my opinion.

The 2 extra cores on the fx8*** series cpu's won't make enough difference to justify the spend.

None of the fx cpu's are really capable of pushing 144fps apart from maybe in csgo & the like
Get an aftermarket cooler, overclock the 6300.

By all accounts spend on a new gpu, it will after all carry over to a new system should you so wish.

But ideally you need to replace the whole system imo.

 

[madmatt30]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 2600 3.4 GHz 6-Core Processor ($225.76 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - B450M DS3H Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($94.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Memory: Team - Vulcan 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($81.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Video Card: Sapphire - Radeon RX 580 4 GB PULSE Video Card ($244.99 @ Mike's Computer Shop)
Total: $647.73
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-12-09 06:01 EST-0500

A full upgrade is doable in budget.

 

[LordVile]

Should save up for a platform upgrade to Ryzen or intels closest line up. Even a r3 1200 will be better than the 6300. But you’d also need a new board (reccomdkng tbe B450) and new RAM as yours will likely be DDR3 and you need fast DDR4 preferably 16GB but you’ll scrape by with a 2x4 kit

 

[mg93]

Here is the results from User Benchmark https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/12793244
Looks like as mentioned I should do a full overhaul.

 

[camieabz]

I would clean up the disk as much as possible and get the startup processes pared down. With 22% Background CPU, something is amiss. Stop all other programs / windows when you run that benchmark.

You might get some better disk and CPU performance from that; maybe even a better GPU score.

 

[mg93]

What is the best way to clean up disk space? I went through the windows functions to delete stuff, not sure if there is a better way?

I have alot of background stuff running at all times and i am not sure how to close all of it. Without opening anything in the background it shows almost 60 things. From what i read online it sounds like a windows 10 problem.

My new thought process is to spend around $900 on upgrades after Christmas.
My question is, is it easy to swap out parts if you have never done it before?
I like https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/vFVPNQ list, would I need to get a power supply upgrade as well though?

thanks for all replies from everyone, i appreciate the feedback / help.

 

[camieabz]

Start with CCLeaner for general housekeeping. I prefer an older version nowadays. Try - https://ccleaner.en.uptodown.com/windows/download/1659418

CCleaner also has option to disable startup processes:



Suggest you take a screenshot and post it, or make a text list and post it. The chances are that more than half of the startup list items can be disabled. Most tend to be non-essential.

For running the cleaner, just go with the default settings (it will delete cookies by default, but not saved passwords for websites).