Looking to upgrade my mobo, processors, and maybe others with a USD500 budget

[shadowmkr]

Hi all!

I would like to kindly ask for help in upgrading my computer. I am thinking of upgrading my computer since I am having problems with it. I am looking at having long term viability and the ability to easily upgrade when newer parts comes out, as well as system stability. I copied the template provided for in the forums. Hope the information below helps!

Approximate Purchase Date: Approximately 2 years ago

Budget Range: Around 500 usd

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, surfing, photoshop

Are you buying a monitor: No

Parts to Upgrade: Mobo, CPU, maybe my PSU/RAM if needed

Do you need to buy OS: No

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Any, as I am located in Asia, I will have to look for the parts locally

Location: Philippines

Parts Preferences: Intel CPU, Corsair for PSU

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution: 1600x900

Additional Comments: For games, primarily playing GW2 and SC2. Also using for photoshop sometimes.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Endless BSODs which I can never seem to isolate, sometimes computer refuses to boot up properly and just beeps for eternity

What I currently have:

Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 @ 2.66GHz
RAM: 8 GB DDR2
System: Windows 7 64 bit
PSU: Rapter II 500 (500 watts)
GPU: Radeon HD 7750 by Sapphire 2GB
Motherboard: Acer G43T-AM
WLAN Card: D-Link DWA525
Monitor: Samsung SyncMaster B2030/B2055Plus

What I'm looking at:

PSU: CORSAIR Gaming Series GS600 600W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139023

Mobo: Currently undecided

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

Thank you very much!

Francis

 

[SHORYUKEN]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($47.98 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $432.93
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-06 12:03 EDT-0400)

What I recommend.

 

[burritobob]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($47.98 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $432.93
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-06 12:03 EDT-0400)

What I recommend.

Did you know there is no microcenter and also the prices are A LOT higher in Asia aka. this is easily $600+

 

[SHORYUKEN]

1. Did you know that it's just under $500 with Amazon and newegg?

2. He listed the items in newegg, so that's probably where he's buying it from.

 

[shadowmkr]

Hi thanks for the replies. I will be buying things in Asia, I just listed from newegg because there's no online vendor from my country. Is XFX a better brand compared to Corsair? I currently have 8GB of memory (4x 2GB), would DDR2->DDR3 be a significant upgrade? Thanks a lot!

 

[SHORYUKEN]

They are basically the same except for parts used and warranties. XFX gives lifetime warranties. Yes, it would be a significant upgrade. But don't throw out the DDR2 RAM. Sell it later. It's like a novelty now.

 

[shadowmkr]

Hi! If I were to change my case to a Cooler Master Storm Enforcer (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119240), would it be recommended? Would I still need to get the fan? Thanks!