Looking to upgrade my PC, need a few pointers please.

[Anthony82093]

I've been on these forums all day asking a few questions, and it's helped me a LOT. So I got 1 more question that will be kinda long(sorry!)
I've had my computer for about 3 to 4 years, everything is stock except the PSU which failed on me a few months ago, and after I bought the new Tomb Raider, I noticed just how out of date my PC is, and with taxes return happening soon, am looking to upgrade it. My current specs are

Bought it from IBuyPower 3 or 4 years ago.
Operating System: Windows 10
CPU: Intel Core i5 3570k @3.40GHz, Ivy Bridge
Ram: 8GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 666HMz
Mother Board: ASRock Z77 Pro3
Graphics: 2047MB Nvidia GeForce GTX 560, 1920x1080@144Hz
PSU: CORSAIR RMx 750W
Case: I don't know what case I have, It looks like this one?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146067

Not sure what other info would be helpful. So ask away!

But I was looking to upgrade my GPU to a GTX 970, but after looking around there seem to be so many, all at different prices. At first I found http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R8PIKWA/ref=asc_df_B00R8PIKWA3852900/?tag=hawk-future-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B00R8PIKWA&linkCode=df0&ascsubtag=hawk-1354884924-20

At about 350. Which is alot, but i'd rather spend a bit more, for something that'll last me longer. Then I find others that are 300, or even 400. What's the difference in them? Which would be the best to go for?

Also, while backing up some files(Because my Disc in task manager keeps hitting 100% and is bringing my PC to a crawl) I noticed my CPU was at 65 C which seemed high to me, but after asking in these forums I was told it's pretty normal, but will it raise when I get a new card? I only have the 2 stock fans in my PC, should I get more? Maybe dish out a few hundred for a cooling system? Or even go and get a new CPU, since I've had mine for so long, maybe it's just getting old?

And what of the Mother Board? Is it ok? Or should I upgrade that aswell while I'm at it before it becomes a problem?

Maybe get a bigger case? Because I'm unsure how well the new GPU will fit, and the other things if I need to replace those?

Also like I sad above with the disc problem, should I get a new one if a wipe doesn't help? Maybe get a new HDD and get an SDD for windows so it runs smoother? Unsure if the price is worth it.

I really want to upgrade, but being inexperienced and all is really holding me back, and there are so many options that I'm unsure what to go for. I'm not rich, but I don't want to have to replace something again in just 1 year and what not. So any and all info would be a huge help, thanks!

 

[Zerk2012]

10 Bucks cheaper at Newegg and a very good choice.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127832
I would also add a CPU cooler this one would do fine with no clearance issues.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4UF2DZ6565
I would just keep everything else. Back up your important files and do a fresh install of windows on the hard drive, or buy a SSD and do a fresh install on it and wipe your old drive.

 

[SkyNetRising]

Upgrade away. GTX 970 will be a great upgrade
(MSI GTX 970 GAMING and Gigabyte GTX 970 Windforce are some of best models out there).

There is no need to replace CPU/motherboard just yet. Those can serve you a few years more.
SSD can improve your PC experience even more.

About that disk 100% activity - this might signal about potential problems. You should check health of your HDD.

 

[Zerk2012]

could be problems or could be just almost full and no room to function. a health check would be a good idea though.

 

[Anthony82093]

Alright, thanks for the help guys. I really appreciate it! 😀

 

[Anthony82093]

It says it's healthy, and it's only half way full. I've ran a defrag, and disk clean up. Nothing helped. Microsoft were going to help, but it'd cost 99-149 dollars. I figured I'd just wipe it, and if i need to, just get a new HDD.

 

[zeke15]

You ask a lot of questions here, so I am going to do my best to answer all of them. Well here goes:

New Graphics Card?
The GTX 960 is a great card, but it is not worth it. If you are paying $350 for a graphics card, your best bet is the R9 390. It is the same price as the GTX 970, but it has more VRAM (meaning higher resolutions handle better) and it performs 15-20% faster than the 970. Here is a $330 one on Newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127874&cm_re=r9_390-_-14-127-874-_-Product

CPU temps with new card?
Changing put your graphics card should not affect your CPU temps at all. That 65 degrees Celsius is completely normal when you are doing a lot of things with it. The GPU and CPU are completely unrelated in terms of temperature.

New CPU?
The CPU you have right now will work just fine for up and coming games. If I were you, I would replace the graphics card right now and wait another year or two before upgrading your processor.

Upgrade Motherboard?
Easy and simple answer. Don't upgrade your motherboard until you upgrade your processor. When you do upgrade your CPU, you will most likely be getting a newer Skylake or Haswell processor which means you will need a new motherboard then. Just wait and get them at the same time.

New Case?
From the looks of it, you either have a NZXT Phantom 410 or Phantom 530 (Very beautiful case btw, I have one). They are both very similar cases and in that, they are also nice and roomy. You shouldn't need a case upgrade for years to come. The one you have should have plenty of space for the new GPU.

New HDD or SSD?
Hard drives are cheap so if you are feeling nervous about your current one, best to just be safe and buy a 1TB hard drive for like $50. An SSD would definitely make Windows run smoother, but it is by no means necessary. It is more just a question of whether or not you are willing to shell out the cash for one.

Better cooling system?
If you only have a stock cooling system, I would suggest buying the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO. It is a great cooler that will greatly benefit your system. Also, you may want to add two more case fans for like $15.

Hope I got all of your questions, let me know if you have any more or if I missed any. Hope this helps!

 

[SkyNetRising]

It says it's healthy, and it's only half way full.

Post a picture from hdtune health section.

 

[Franklin_4]

if youre having cooling issues, instead of trying to spend 100s of dollars on an entire cooling system, you might be better off getting a new case that has a few good fans preinstalled with solid cable management. it will be cheaper (you can find really good mid towers for $50) and the results can be noteworthy. but remember, bigger and more fans doesnt always mean better. read the air flow on any and all fans in your case and try to visualize where there might be stagnant air. sometimes, popping off an unused pcie expansion slot cover can add the extra airflow you need in a problem spot.

the gpu upgrade would be best bang for your buck. a lot of the cards differ in price by substantial amounts because of company reputations. thats not saying that some of the newer companies arent offering just as good of products. hyundais are pretty much just as good as toyotas and hondas these days and only time will tell for kia. but in the meantime, people are willing to pay a premium for the tried and true.

people have been having really great results from zotac gpus. (a newer, and often times cheaper company). read as many reviews as youre willing!

i think your CPU and MoBo are solid. no need to upgrade these IMO. if youve had it for a few years though you might consider putting new themal paste on the intel. get something good like arctic silver on your next online purchase or if youre willing to spend about double the amount you can go to walmart / bestbuy and they normally have some decent after market thermal pastes. just watch a few videos to make sure you dont over/under apply. old paste could easily lead to temps in the 60sC (which isnt terrible, but lower is better ofc)

 

[Anthony82093]

It says it's healthy, and it's only half way full.

Post a picture from hdtune health section.

Mmm, When I launch HD tune my computer crashes, tried it twice to make sure it was HD Tune. I was using Piriform Speccy to see how my HDD's health was, says its good. But why would launching HD Tune crash my pc then? Says it encountered an error, "Memory Management". Could that be a bad HDD? I'm unsure, never had that problem before.

 

[geofelt]

Your cpu is still very good and your motherboard and ram are suitable.
You can easily install a GTX970.
All are built on the same basic parts sourced from nvidia.
The cards differ based on the fanciness of the coolers and the amount of a factory overclock.
Performance is really not all that different and will be a nice jump over your GTX560.
I like evga as a brand and might suggest this evga GTX970SC for a more modest price.
http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-Quieter-Graphics-04G-P4-2974-KR/dp/B00NVODXR4/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1454287078&sr=1-1&keywords=evga+gtx970

If you do not have an aftermarket cooler, a cryorig H7 is effective and not expensive.
http://www.amazon.com/CRYORIG-Tower-Cooler-Intel-CPUs/dp/B00S7YA5FQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1454287382&sr=1-1&keywords=cryorig+h7

I heartily endorse the use of a ssd for windows. It makes everything you do so much quicker.
Samsung has a nice free ssd migration tool that will copy your windows install to one of their ssd's.
Check how much of your hard drive is used.
If you buy a ssd sufficiently large to hold your files it is an easy transfer.
Here is a 500gb unit:
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-2-5-Inch-Internal-MZ-75E500B-AM/dp/B00OBRE5UE/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1454287601&sr=1-1&keywords=samsung+evo+500gb

Then repurpose your hard drive for bulk storage.
The drive maker will have a diagnostic program to check it out or reformat it if needed.

No need for a larger case. It should have sufficient airflow.

 

[Anthony82093]

Thanks for all the help guys! 😀