Making a Move to AMD

[The prime mediocre]

Hey gang,
I'd like a new CPU/GPU for gaming and compute tasks. While I'm at it, I'm upgrading my case as well. What concerns should I have regarding compatibility? I run Windows 8.1.

Here is my current system
And what I think I should upgrade to
Of course, I expect the people here will have better suggestions. I should note that I have a Micro Center nearby, so the mobo and CPU will only cost $130 bundled.

Approximate Purchase Date: This month

Budget Range: $400 (At least $60 should go into the case)

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Blender, Netflix

Are you buying a monitor: No

Parts to Upgrade: CPU, Motherboard, Case, Graphics card

Do you need to buy OS: No

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Micro Center, Amazon

Location: Detroit, MI U.S.

Parts Preferences: I NEED an Nvidia GPU for Blender. If I could use AMD, I would. I'd like to use an AMD CPU, for budget rendering power and other reasons I'd rather not discuss here.

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe, with a new PSU

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1080

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Blender is slow on a low-end CPU. I need more frames per second in my life.

Thanks!~

 

[smorizio]

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/B2txTW
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/B2txTW/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($159.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H81M-DS2V Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($78.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($195.66 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Micro Center)
Total: $644.58
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-04 00:12 EDT-0400

 

[smorizio]

the h81 mb and ram still good. just pull the slower cpu drop in a newer cpu and case.

 

[TopLuca]

That might be a worthwhile upgrade however the PSU might not handle it ( although its great quality but it's gonna push it to the extreme limits )
: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/fMq623

CPU + Mobo Combo at Microcenter , the case is available there too.

You can still have room to upgrade your PSU and be able to get the r9 280 which is slightly ahead than the 760 . also a good card might be the 770 which is available for as little as 255 bucks.

 

[TopLuca]

Edit : Smorizio's build is great too , he made great use of the available funds.

 

[Outlander_04]

another vote for changing to an i5 quad

maybe upping the RAM to 2 x 8 gig

The psu will be marginal with a 450 watt power supply but givn its gold rating its probably going to be OK .
I would want a higher wattage if I was going with the AMD build though