Looking to upgrade prebuilt parts need help

[zachhargis]

Hey all. I'm new to the forum, and have been out of the PC loop for a long while. (My last computer i bulit in 2002). I just got a prebuilt computer for Christmas and after doing some research and testing some games, I've decided I need to upgrade some components to get what I'm wanting out of it. (I want to game at higher settings). This is the PC I was given: http://www.amazon.com/iBuyPower-GAMER-POWER-AM789-Desktop/dp/B009NCMFOU/ref=sr_1_19?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1356561269&sr=1-19


Processor 3.3 GHz Intel Core i3
RAM 8 GB DDR3
Hard Drive 500 GB SATA 3
Graphics Coprocessor NVIDIA GeForce GT610
Motherboard ASRock H61M-HVS
PSU 300Watt Stand Power Supply

I think I am going to be upgrading the GPU first and foremost. What I'm looking at right now is a GTX 660. What I'm needing to know is what else do I have to upgrade for this to happen. The thing that I am thinking I am definitely going to need is a bigger PSU. What would you recommend, knowing that in the future I also want to upgrade to i7 3770k?
Or should I upgrade CPU first before GPU (even though I'm out of the loop on most of this I think GPU is the way to go, but still not completely sure). Also this has 3 very big fans in the case, but don't know if I will also need more. Much help is appreciated as again, this has been a long time since I have been in the PC game. Thanks in advance.

-Zach

 

[TehNinjaCat]

I Would Also Recommend Getting A Bigger PSU First, Before You Upgrade, (I'll Leave Links At The End Of This ,) Then After Get A Better GPU, I Recommend The 660 Also. Then After That In A Few Years Time, Or Whenever You Want, Get A New CPU

GPU - http://www.scan.co.uk/products/2gb-msi-gtx-660-twin-frozr-iii-oc-28nm-pcie-30-(x16)-6008mhz-gddr5-gpu-1033mhz-boost-1098mhz-cores-9

PSU - www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009RMP44O/ref=asc_df_B009RMP44O11207347?smid=A17AS5ETPMZ9A1&tag=googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22218&creativeASIN=B009RMP44O

Hope This Helps

 

[johnsonjohnson]

Hi. Yes you're right about having to replace the PSU. A PSU from SeaSonic, Corsair, Antec, XFX, etc. would do. If gaming is a priority, then upgrade the GPU first. Even the i7-3770K won't help you get better performance out of that GT 610 while the i3 should have no trouble keeping up with the GTX 660. Unless you have another reason (rendering video, etc.) to go with the i7-3770K, you won't see any real gaming benefit from it over the i5-3570K. If you're planning to overclock either CPU, you will also need to buy a good Z77 motherboard. You only need new and/or more fans if the existing ones can't keep the system cool at a reasonable sound level.

 

[DarkSable]

Yes you should upgrade to a 660 (though a 660ti / 670 would be a fair bit better.)

However, if you upgrade your CPU, it should be to an i5, not an i7. The only difference is hyperthreading, which doesn't help games.

 

[shetross]

Wow, 2002 . I would go with a complete upgrade. Its worth it. As you know as time goes on upgrades to your computer last longer and longer. You might see the up to date computer section of seekfer.com. It will tell you the best direction to take.