Needing to upgrade CPU/RAM/MB, here's what I got

[criel]

Hi all

I'm not terribly efficient at building good machines, they all seem to be obsolete a month after I build it. I'm not at all trying to keep ahead with technology, just something that can last me a few years and can comfortably stream games on Twitch.

My current build is slow as molasses, so I'm just trying to avoid that, not really trying to max any games out.
Old:
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500k Sandy Bridge Quad Core 3.3 GHz
MB: Crap
RAM: CORSAIR XMS3 8GB
GPU: XF Radeon R9 280X
PSU: CORSAIR CX series CX750M 750W ATX12V


New:
CPU: Intel Core i7-4770 Haswell Quad-Core 3.4 GHz LGA 1150 84W BX80646I74770 Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics
MB: MSI MSI Gaming Z97 GAMING 5 LGA 1150 Intel Z97 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
RAM: Not sure what is compatible with this motherboard???
GPU: XF Radeon R9 280X

 

[game junky]

4770 is a good option in terms of performance, you could also get the 4770k - not only is the CPU unlocked for ease of overclocking, it also has a higher stock clock speed.

It's your call on the motherboard, I like ASUS' Sabertooth series for longevity since it has a longer warranty and the tough components and internal sensors are pretty nice. In terms of dollars vs performance, ASRock's Pro4 or Extreme4 for the H97 or Z97 series is a great inexpensive board with good features.

For memory, it all is about stock MHz and timing in terms of compatibility. Based on age, I am guessing you were using DDR3 1066 or 1333. The Z97 will support DDR3 1600 without having to use an XMP profile. Your board will support faster memory options but you'll have to use an overclock/XMP RAM profile which can be a little less stable. Your motherboard will tell you what it supports, but if you want it to just be simple and reliable, you can use DDR3 1600.

Another part that I will always recommend to improve the feel of your operating system is a solid state drive. Installing Windows on an SSD will not only improve your boot speed, but also the general zippiness of your system. It isn't a cure-all and multiplayer gaming doesn't see much improvement since it only impacts load times, but virtually everything else benefits from a solid state drive.

 

[criel]

4770 is a good option in terms of performance, you could also get the 4770k - not only is the CPU unlocked for ease of overclocking, it also has a higher stock clock speed.

It's your call on the motherboard, I like ASUS' Sabertooth series for longevity since it has a longer warranty and the tough components and internal sensors are pretty nice. In terms of dollars vs performance, ASRock's Pro4 or Extreme4 for the H97 or Z97 series is a great inexpensive board with good features.

For memory, it all is about stock MHz and timing in terms of compatibility. Based on age, I am guessing you were using DDR3 1066 or 1333. The Z97 will support DDR3 1600 without having to use an XMP profile. Your board will support faster memory options but you'll have to use an overclock/XMP RAM profile which can be a little less stable. Your motherboard will tell you what it supports, but if you want it to just be simple and reliable, you can use DDR3 1600.

Another part that I will always recommend to improve the feel of your operating system is a solid state drive. Installing Windows on an SSD will not only improve your boot speed, but also the general zippiness of your system. It isn't a cure-all and multiplayer gaming doesn't see much improvement since it only impacts load times, but virtually everything else benefits from a solid state drive.

Thanks for the VERY detailed response! Per your comment on an SSD, which I want to get, would I have to buy a new version of windows in order to get that onto my new SSD or could I copy over from my old HDD?

 

[game junky]

If you weren't replacing your motherboard, you could clone. Because you're replacing your motherboard, you'll want to load it from scratch. Honestly, it would be a cheap fix to clone onto a solid state drive, test it, wipe your old drive and try using your existing setup with that solid state to see how your day to day experience is. That 2500k isn't a spring chicken but if you're not wanting to play triple-A titles on high settings, you should be fine with that CPU. I am still using by FX-8150 and it's handling tasks well in combination with a GTX 770.

If you do go that route, try a 250 or 500GB Samsung 850 Evo - good bang for your buck and it comes with a data migration tool. Just need a USB to Serial cable or to connect both drives to your motherboard