Need Help for Upgrades

Pizzaa

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Feb 13, 2012
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Hi,
I was wondering if anyone could help me figure out what I should upgrade first in my computer. My computer is used primarily for gaming (WoW, SWtoR, D3, SC2, and various Steam games), and while none of these games are particularly taxing, my current rig cannot quite run them at ultra (with the exception of SWtoR and some Steam games). I'm just not sure where I will get the biggest upgrade. Here is my current computer's specs:
Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate
Boot/Game Drive: Adata 128gb SSD (6gb/s)
Storage Drive: 2tb Seagate Barracuda (7200 RPM, 6gb/s)
MoBo: ASRock Z75 Pro3
RAM: GSkill Ripjaw X 8gb (1600)
CPU: i5 2500k (OC'ed to 4.5ghz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo
GPU: MSI Twin Froze II 7950 (@ 1075/1575 on stock volts, can push it to 1200/1600 stable with voltage boost and 70-80* temps)
PSU: OXZ ModX Stream 620w PSU
Case: NZXT Phantom Crafted Series
So, again, my question is which component to upgrade first to give me the largest upgrade? When I first built this computer, it was on a budget so I could slowly upgrade later (have added windows ultimate and the 2tb drive), and now I'm looking to buy some of the better parts available to upgrade. Thanks for any help, it is appreciated.

Edit: Added PSU to list, thanks for pointing that out.
 

Pizzaa

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I was looking at the Sapphire Vapor X 3gb (the other one has insane pricing), but I'm not sure if it's worth it to buy that, or a xfire compatable mobo (Z77 ASRock Extreme 3) and another of my current 7950's. I'm just not sure about how much of a hassle it is with the operating system. Do you just need to enter the product key again, or do you need to reinstall everything?
 

JMer806

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Jun 12, 2012
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You would most likely see better performance by adding another 7950 than by upgrading completely, it's true. I recommended upgrading because you didn't mention your PSU, so I don't know if you have the power to run a second card. What is your PSU? Also, given that you'd have to buy a new MOBO, the price will be a little high.

I would reinstall your OS. It may work even if you don't, but it'll certainly work fine on a reinstall :). It's a bit of a hassle, but just back up your hard drive and reinstall the OS, using your current product key. If your product key is OEM, then technically you'll have to buy a new OS key, since it's tied to the hardware. You may be able to get Microsoft to renew your OEM key if you tell them you replaced your MOBO due to hardware failure.
 

acktionhank

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If you are picky enough to be complaining about your 7950 (it's okay, that's what pc gamers do) then i wouldn't crossfire them, that is just asking for more issues. I would suggest buying the Vapor X 3gb unless you are playing on a triple monitor set up the 6gb version just doesn't justify paying an additional ~$150.

That being said, if I (who IS concerned with money) were going to spend another $400+ to upgrade one level of card with in the same generation. I would just.... suffer through the disappointing performance of the 7950 (catch the sarcasm?) and wait to upgrade to an Radeon 8000 series gpu.
 

Pizzaa

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I caught the sarcasm, and understand where you're coming from. I just have a habit of spending money on random stuff I can't really use (think laser pointers, games I never play from Steam, apps from appstore, new headphones) whenever I start to save money without a goal in mind, and I prefer to save with a goal in mind since it gives me something I can use. Unfortunately, without something in mind to save for besides bills, I'll spend some extra money on little things I won't use unless I put it in a CD.
So I'm thinking I probably will just wait for the 8000 series cards to come out since I probably can't handle 2x 7950 (at least not with OC's) on my current PSU.