Mid-range Gaming PC: Should I buy parts just for looks or can I upgrade something? (details inside)

[Shaggy18cm]

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($164.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Sabertooth 990FX R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($176.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Blue 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($67.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($147.19 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Fractal Design Integra M 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($96.98 @ Newegg)
Other: Game Daemon 6004 ($55.00)
Total: $841.80


This is my gaming/everyday setup. I am currently playing only Diablo 3, HotS and Lineage 2 and dipped my head into some Fallout 4 and GTA V, on reasonable settings.

I've been thinking of pimping it out a little. I will be getting the NZXT Kraken x61 as a birthday gift (basically free), and thought I might buy a flashier case (H440, Enthoo Luxe) and some LED fans/strips just for show.

But then it got me thinking, is there any way I could spend that money on a possible upgrade? The first thing that came to mind is evidently, a new GPU. With the total amount that I would spend on glamour parts I could get a GTX 970 (I wouldn't want to buy a mid GPU just for few FPS increase) and now I'm stuck on what to do.


I'm planning on building a high-end Intel/Nvidia pc late next year, and for the amount of gaming I'm currently doing, my current setup will probably(?) be ok until then. I'll probably end up re-using the new case I'm going to buy now.


So, I just want to hear some opinions from the more experienced users here, should I buy parts just for looks(maybe even re-use the Kraken and/or case in the future) or can I get a "big" upgrade for my needs at ~300$?


btw: I'm from Germany, so prices would be in euros, evidently. I just didn't know how to set PCPartpicker to euro.

 

[JQB45]

http://de.pcpartpicker.com/parts/video-card/#xcx=0&c=186&sort=a8&page=1

I'd get the NVidia GTX 970 if you can afford it, a pretty computer is not better then an ugly fast computer.

 

[Shaggy18cm]

http://de.pcpartpicker.com/parts/video-card/#xcx=0&c=186&sort=a8&page=1

I'd get the NVidia GTX 970 if you can afford it, a pretty computer is not better then an ugly fast computer.

That's what I'm thinking right now.
The thing is, isn't the 970 overkill for my current system? As in, wouldn't the 8350 bottleneck it?
And, like I said, I wouldn't go for a lower rated GPU just for a few FPS increase .

Forgot to mention, I won't be doing any overclocking.

 

[kwa-e]

Yes, the 8350 will bottleneck a bit, but not enough to make the experience a bad one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rutk9ErhKG4#!
As you can see in the video above, the 8350 bottlenecks the Titan X a bit more than the 4690K but still renders a completely enjoyable experience.

And despite what everyone leads you to believe even the i5 bottlenecks the mighty Titan X haha.

 

[kwa-e]

At this point what I'd advise you to do is to run the 390/970 with your current specs for 3 weeks, see if the games will run to your expectations and decide whether or not you really need that costly upgrade to intel.

 

[JQB45]

Its worth mentioning that AMD FX Zen CPU will be available next year in time for you to decide if AMD or Intel has the best CPU for you. I'd keep an open mind until you at least read the reviews of the Zen CPU's that will be available in early 2017.

 

[Shaggy18cm]

Thank you for your thoughts.
I think I will go for a good case that I can maybe re-use next year. (thinking Enthoo Luxe) and maybe buy some LED's for now.
And I will definately keep an eye out for reviews on new CPU's.

 

[kwa-e]

The enthoo luxe is a pretty good case, go for it~