Looking to upgrade, need compatibility information.

[BIake]

Hi guys, a while ago I bought this PC for around $510 USD. I am looking to upgrade either the CPU, the GPU, or possibly both for better game performance because I barely hold 15 fps on the lowest settings of my games. I don't know anything about compatibility with the motherboard. With keeping in mind that I don't need anything top of the line, on a budget around $350 USD, what would you recommend I get over my current and please make sure its compatible. Thanks!!

Specs:

Operating System:
Windows 7 Home Premium

CPU:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ 2.40GHz

GPU:
AMD Radeon HD 6700 Series 1GB

RAM:
6.00GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 330MHz

Motherboard:
ASUS P5QL-E

 

[TechyInAZ]

Here are a few upgrades that should fit your price range:

1. I5-4430 $167
2. Gigabyte H81 motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128667
3. R9 270 : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121823

Or here would be a better system if you save money over time:

1. i5 4690K
2. A good Z97 motherboard
3. Geforce GTX 760

 

[BIake]

Here are a few upgrades that should fit your price range:

1. I5-4430 $167
2. Gigabyte H81 motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128667
3. R9 270 : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121823

Or here would be a better system if you save money over time:

1. i5 4690K
2. A good Z97 motherboard
3. Geforce GTX 760

Would the H81 be a better choice over the P5QL-E? What are the differences? Or would I be purchasing for the sole reason of compatibility? Also, Would my RAM be compatible with the H81?

 

[barto]

How long ago did you buy the PC? The technology used (CPU) is over 6 years old. Intel has released 4 generations since then. You're really not looking at an upgrade. You're looking at a whole new PC. Nothing except the GPU and maybe the PSU is transferable to newer tech.

The only thing you could do to improve your current situation is upgrading the GPU. What PSU do you currently have?

 

[BIake]

How long ago did you buy the PC? The technology used (CPU) is over 6 years old. Intel has released 4 generations since then. You're really not looking at an upgrade. You're looking at a whole new PC. Nothing except the GPU and maybe the PSU is transferable to newer tech.

The only thing you could do to improve your current situation is upgrading the GPU. What PSU do you currently have?

I've noticed that in the past half an hour, that I'm going to have to buy a new motherboard, processor, gpu, and ram just to "upgrade" lol, but i am up for doing that. I just have 0 clue of what to buy. Only thing i can come up with is the gigabyte h81, i5-4590. cant decide on ram or a gpu. please let me know if those are worth getting, and what ram and gpu i should get, as you can see im lost

 

[barto]

The 4590 is a great choice. You could save a few bucks and buy a 4460. That's another great quad core. I prefer H97 boards over H81. The H97 has newer features and more USB 3.0 slots than a H81. RAM is an easy pick. G Skill, Corsair, PNY, etc. I'd recommend 8 GBs (2x4).

Here's just an general idea of what you could buy.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($176.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($83.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.88 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 1GB Video Card ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $555.79
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-10 16:42 EST-0500

Now, many people may complain about the lower end GPU. However, I have this saved as a build for people who intend to upgrade the GPU shortly after completing the build. And this is by no means set in stone. It's just to give you a starting point.

 

[BIake]

The 4590 is a great choice. You could save a few bucks and buy a 4460. That's another great quad core. I prefer H97 boards over H81. The H97 has newer features and more USB 3.0 slots than a H81. RAM is an easy pick. G Skill, Corsair, PNY, etc. I'd recommend 8 GBs (2x4).

Here's just an general idea of what you could buy.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($176.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($83.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.88 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 1GB Video Card ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $555.79
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-10 16:42 EST-0500

Now, many people may complain about the lower end GPU. However, I have this saved as a build for people who intend to upgrade the GPU shortly after completing the build. And this is by no means set in stone. It's just to give you a starting point.

Seeing as how I already have a "starter gpu" as I could simply use that. I have a psu, don't see a need to replace that either. Have an optical drive, a case, an OS... I'm just looking to upgrade the motherboard, CPU, and ram for now. Seeing as how I dont have an overly high budget, I DO however plan to upgrade the GPU but thats a little down the road compared to needing all this other gear first

 

[barto]

Seeing as how I already have a "starter gpu" as I could simply use that. I have a psu, don't see a need to replace that either. Have an optical drive, a case, an OS... I'm just looking to upgrade the motherboard, CPU, and ram for now. Seeing as how I dont have an overly high budget, I DO however plan to upgrade the GPU but thats a little down the road compared to needing all this other gear first

The previous build is simply a quick save I have. I didn't have any intentions of removing the unnecessary items. But you pointed out a few important things. You have a PSU. What is the make and model? That is very important. You may be able to use it again. But if it's a lower quality PSU, don't expect to get a nice GPU.

The OS. Is it a retail version of OEM? OEMs are sold with the PC (example Dell). If it's a OEM, you'll have to buy a new key. If it's a retail version, you may have to contact Microsoft to transfer the key to the new system.

 

[BIake]

Seeing as how I already have a "starter gpu" as I could simply use that. I have a psu, don't see a need to replace that either. Have an optical drive, a case, an OS... I'm just looking to upgrade the motherboard, CPU, and ram for now. Seeing as how I dont have an overly high budget, I DO however plan to upgrade the GPU but thats a little down the road compared to needing all this other gear first

The previous build is simply a quick save I have. I didn't have any intentions of removing the unnecessary items. But you pointed out a few important things. You have a PSU. What is the make and model? That is very important. You may be able to use it again. But if it's a lower quality PSU, don't expect to get a nice GPU.

The OS. Is it a retail version of OEM? OEMs are sold with the PC (example Dell). If it's a OEM, you'll have to buy a new key. If it's a retail version, you may have to contact Microsoft to transfer the key to the new system.

I am just about to open my computer and clean it, so when I get back I'll let you know about my PSU. It'd be great if you stuck around because I've posted on a bunch of different forums without reply. As for my OS it came with the custom build. But I did do a fresh re-install with a torrented windows 7 and my old key still worked fine, so I'll probly be good for the OS part.

 

[BIake]

Seeing as how I already have a "starter gpu" as I could simply use that. I have a psu, don't see a need to replace that either. Have an optical drive, a case, an OS... I'm just looking to upgrade the motherboard, CPU, and ram for now. Seeing as how I dont have an overly high budget, I DO however plan to upgrade the GPU but thats a little down the road compared to needing all this other gear first

The previous build is simply a quick save I have. I didn't have any intentions of removing the unnecessary items. But you pointed out a few important things. You have a PSU. What is the make and model? That is very important. You may be able to use it again. But if it's a lower quality PSU, don't expect to get a nice GPU.

The OS. Is it a retail version of OEM? OEMs are sold with the PC (example Dell). If it's a OEM, you'll have to buy a new key. If it's a retail version, you may have to contact Microsoft to transfer the key to the new system.

My PSU is an Antec 450W

 

[barto]

My PSU is an Antec 450W

Good brand but might not be enough wattage if you are considering getting a more powerful GPU. It will suffice for now. When you go to upgrade the GPU, address it then.

 

[Alexdiaz]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/MMz7Mp

You will be blown away by how much more performance your going to get. Expect 40+ FPS in Battlefield 4 at ultra settings at 1080P.