Mistake Building Computer

[cbennett76]

Hi guys, new to this forum.

I built a computer last week, under the discretion of the guy at the hardware store becuase I don't know too much about computer components.. this is the build:

Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P
AMD X6 FX-6300
XFX Radeon R9 390 8GB Dual Dissipation
Kingston HyperX Fury 2 x 4GB
Cooler Master Seidon 120V
Thermaltake Smart Power 650W 80Plus
Kingston SSDNow 128GB SSD
WD Blue 1TB HDD
LG DVD R/W
Thermaltake level 10 GT

Now, from what I've experienced while running this, is that my processor isn't what I would like it to be. I have until this Sunday to return any of these parts and exchange them. I can tell that my CPU is bottlenecking my GPU, after doing some research, I can't understand why the guy would give me this combo.

Long story short, I would like to upgrade/exchange my motherboard and CPU, to both increase speed and not give such a hard bottleneck to my GPU.

I will not be overclocking, so I am thinking that Intel is better fitted for me, as I am in University and would like the increased single-core performance.

my questions:
1. Now that i want to return the motherboard and cpu and go intel, will the r9 390 be okay? or switch to the gtx 970? (or something similar) and why?
2. which cpu should i use? I've read that the ASRock H97M Pro 4 is a good budget option, and maybe the i5 4460? But does that bottleneck my GPU? or maybe the 4590?

3. I would like to see some combo suggestions in terms of CPU/Motherboard/GPU if you are all kind enough. I'm guessing these combos would all have to be compatible with the rest of my components? I am willing to downgrade a little on the GPU to open more money for the CPU/Motherboard if it better balances my system. I mostly play Dragon Age Inquisition, Elder Scrolls Online, and some MOBA's.

4. If i decide to go Intel, will the rest of the components in my system be okay to use?

My Goal:
I want to be able to do my school work and what not efficiently (not this wierd lag from the 6300), and be able to play games like Dragon Age: Inquisitions and The Witcher 3 on Ultra Settings at 1080p 60fps. I would also like a little bit of longevity in terms of this system being able to run ultra settings for awhile. Please let me know if this is even plausible

I dont mind spending a little extra, will be getting full refund on all parts, but don't want to overspend too much.

Thanks a lot in advance guys.

 

[sammy sung]

How much did he charge you for this set-up overall?

You'll be fine to swap the motherboard and processor out for say a z97 and a 4690K or better if he has availability. That power supply is concerning, especially if there's any overclocking going on.

 

[bignastyid]

The H97 and 4460 isn't a bad choice and won't bottleneck. However there are 2 other issues with the build. 1st is the PSU, it's a low quality tier 4 unit and not something that should be used in a gaming rig especially with a card like a 390. The SSD is is not good. they are really cheap for a reason.

 

[cbennett76]

Okay so the r9 would still go well with the h97 and the 4460?

Also, what kind of power supply would you recommend? And what kind of ssd?

Any other concerns with the build?

 

[cbennett76]

I paid about $1100 for the system after taxes. But Canadian dollars, so everything is inflated with the low dollar value.

Also, with the h97 and 4460, would you recommend the r9 390 or the gtx 970

 

[bignastyid]

For the SSD I'd get a Samsung 850.
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/parts/internal-hard-drive/#t=0&m=12,32&S=120000,8000000&sort=a10&page=1
For the PSU
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-110b20750vr
750w is overkill but its cheaper than a similar quality 550 or 650w unit.
My reccomendation for the 970 vs the 390 it depends on the resolution you plan on gaming at.
For 1080p or lower get the 970
For 1440p and higher get the 390
But where you already have the 390 you might as well keep it.

 

[cbennett76]

For the SSD I'd get a Samsung 850.
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/parts/internal-hard-drive/#t=0&m=12,32&S=120000,8000000&sort=a10&page=1
For the PSU
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-110b20750vr
750w is overkill but its cheaper than a similar quality 550 or 650w unit.
My reccomendation for the 970 vs the 390 it depends on the resolution you plan on gaming at.
For 1080p or lower get the 970
For 1440p and higher get the 390
But where you already have the 390 you might as well keep it.

Well I will be gaming in 1080p. Not sure. A little biased towards nvidia but maybe I'll keep the 390.

So if I went h97 pro 4 with 4460 and 970 or 390 and the new ssd and upgraded psu I shouldn't have any issues with longevity down the road or with gaming? I just want 1080p, I'll worry about 1440 when I have the monitor for it lol