New Build Upgrade Help

[jimmyknuckles]

Hi guys,

I originally intended on just replacing my SLI 9800GTX+ cards with a more modern video card for use with Guildwars2 and anything else on the horizon. I was informed that my core 2 duo was really the problem, which unfortunately means an almost complete rebuild. I don't really want to spend a lot of cash, but I would like a sizable upgrade if that's possible. Here's what I currently have:

C2D E8500
4GB Kingston RAM
Gigabyte LGA 775 MB
2x EVGA 9800GTX+ in SLI
650W Corsair PSU
Antec 300 case

Here's my idea for a replacement:

MB (ASRock H77) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157302
CPU (i5-3350P) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116782
RAM (corsair 8gb 1600) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186
GFX (evga 660ti 2gb) - http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-2048MB-Graphics-02G-P4-3660-KR/dp/B008S15X3W/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1356740784&sr=1-3&keywords=660ti

Does this seem like a good upgrade? Worth the money? Anything else I may need? I do not plan on overclocking.

Also, I'm running Windows 8, which I purchased as an upgrade (for my Windows 7 upgrade). In previous builds, I had to re-install Windows. Is there any way around this now adays?

Thanks!

 

[jimmyknuckles]

Figured I'd fill this out.

Approximate Purchase Date: this week (the closer the better)

Budget Range: 300-400

System Usage from Most to Least Important: (gaming, surfing the internet)

Are you buying a monitor: No

Parts to Upgrade: CPU, mobo, RAM, Video
Current PSU: Corsair HX650

Do you need to buy OS: No

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg, amazon

Location: Washington DC

Parts Preferences: by brand or type: Intel, Nvidia

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Game lagging when lots going on, on minimal gfx settings

 

[jonjonjon]

get the 3470 instead its faster and has HD 2500 graphics if you ever needed them for the same price.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0087EVHVW

how close do you live to a microcenter? looks like there are a couple near you. you can get some a 3570K for $170 and a GA-Z77-DS3H for $70. they also have a $25 msi z77 board. if you are close its worth going there.

http://www.microcenter.com/site/stores/fairfax.aspx

 

[100pr00f]

I like every thing but you could get a better cpu for $10 more

Microcenter i5 3570k

I know you only want to use amazon or newegg. but this is a cool place too..top of the line i5 on the cheap. I never ordered of line but i go to the store here in Baltimore they just opened up (its the greatest thing ever lol)

I got a 2700k for $220 sandy bridge the ivey bride version 3770k is at $230 way cheap

if you go with i5 3570k you can overclock but not with the mobo you have selected you would need to go with asrock extreme4 but is out of budget .

I would still go with what I posted even thought you dont need an unlocked cpu its still better then what you have for just $10 more

 

[jimmyknuckles]

I actually drive past that Microcenter in Fairfax three times a week, and have been shopping there since the 90s. Didn't realize they had gotten competitive. Wonder if they have the 3570 in stock. Is the GA-Z77-DS3H motherboard a good board?

Only problem is taxes, I suppose, but Newegg charges for shipping, and Amazon Prime sells for a higher base.

 

[Guest]

I actually drive past that Microcenter in Fairfax three times a week, and have been shopping there since the 90s. Didn't realize they had gotten competitive. Wonder if they have the 3570 in stock. Is the GA-Z77-DS3H motherboard a good board?

Only problem is taxes, I suppose, but Newegg charges for shipping, and Amazon Prime sells for a higher base.

just pick up a i5-3470 from there for $149.99 and get the other parts for your build:
MB (ASRock H77) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157302
RAM (corsair 8gb 1600) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186
GFX (evga 660ti 2gb) - http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-2048MB-Graphics-02G-P4-3660-KR/dp/B008S15X3W/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1356740784&sr=1-3&keywords=660ti

it look good. well now if you can squeeze a GTX 670 in there . . .