Need Upgrades-But where to start?

[Nosdog88]

Hello all,
I am currently in the process of trying to upgrade my desktop but can't really do a major overhaul of the system and would like to be able to use it between hardware replacements. I'm trying to upgrade it mostly for gaming(WoW, Sims 4, Starcraft, Diablo). I have never tried to upgrade/build my own pc so any input would be grateful.

My current setup is:
Mo-Bo: Lenovo Mahobay CIH61MI V1.1
Ivy Branch Chipset
CPU: I3 3220 3.3GHz
1155 LGA socket
RAM: 6Gb DDR3
GPU: Intel graphics im assuming through the cpu, no graphics card
PSU: AC Bel 250W
HDD: 1TB

I know that a graphics card and to max out my ram would be the first upgrade that I need. The motherboard does have a PCIe 16x slot but I'm not sure what g-card to go with that my PSU could handle. The only upgrade to RAM that is available with the current board would be to add 2Gb, but would that make a significant improvement?

Any input would be appreciated

 

[Larry Litmanen]

For me the first upgrade is SSD, it does not affect gaming but man does it speed up the computer. It makes the whole PC experience very enjoyable.

Here's a PSU for $19

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438015

But i am not sure if your current PSU is standard ATX size.

Here's an SSD for $40

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?sdtid=8125124&EdpNo=9640803&SRCCODE=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc_o=-ddCjC1bELltzywCjC-d2CjCdwwp&utm_source=Linkshare&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=lw9MynSeamY&AffiliateID=lw9MynSeamY-qVvjnkpheIywtBxsAj93Jw



Next comes GPU, i have never used anything but nVidia so for me it's all about your budget

I would go for GTX950, it is almost as good at GTX 960, but cheaper and it is the newest card on the market.

As far as memory, my personal experience has been.............no effect what so ever on the system, for me SSD is the #1, #2 and #3 and everything else is after.

 

[Nosdog88]

As far as the SSD, would putting just the OS on it and the other programs on the TB hdd be the best choice?

Considering the PSU, is it just plug and play or are there other factors i need to take into effect?

Yes I would say the GTX 950 is much cheaper and more in my price range. Would that really be the best option though?

Also, I don't believe the PCIe slot no the motherboard is 3.0. I'm assuming that makes a difference.

 

[Nosdog88]

Any recommendations on a motherboard and cpu?

Also, I shouldn't have any trouble running a GTX 960 with this should I?
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=899123&CatId=1079

 

[Larry Litmanen]

As far as the SSD, would putting just the OS on it and the other programs on the TB hdd be the best choice?

Considering the PSU, is it just plug and play or are there other factors i need to take into effect?

Yes I would say the GTX 950 is much cheaper and more in my price range. Would that really be the best option though?

Also, I don't believe the PCIe slot no the motherboard is 3.0. I'm assuming that makes a difference.

Check your current PSU, as long as it says form factor is ATX you are good to go.
If you are buying a GTX 950 the 500W PSU is good, for GTX 960 i'd go for 550 just in case.

With SSD, try to look up online how others do it, put it inside, change boot order, insert your windows disk and install it.

Take it step by step, first do PSU, after that GPU.

 

[Nosdog88]

Is there such a thing as too large a power supply when it comes to psu?

For instance, if the psu is too large, would it affect any of the other components?
May be a silly question, but just making sure.