New processor needed to futureproof my LGA 1155 based pc

[Chris Balkaran]

Dear all
PLEASE NOTE: I'm not willing to spend more than £110 on the CPU upgrade

I want to upgrade my processor from a Pentium G640 to either an Intel core i3 3220 or core i5 I5 3350P. I need this upgrade to make my PC relatively future proof machine for day to day computing and gaming on medium settings. I need the PC to stay snappy for at least 2-3 years from now.

I have three questions:
Is it even worth upgrading the CPU? (should i instead spend the money on an SSD?)
Will my GPU bottleneck either of these 2 CPU's?
Will I need the power of a core i5?

System Info:
CPU: Dual Core sandy bridge Pentium G640
GPU: XFX R7 250
RAM: 8GB DDR3 1333 MHZ RAM
HD: Seagate Baracuda 7200 Rpm 500GB
MoBo: Fujitsu Motherboard
Optical Drive: Generic DVD/RW Drive
PSU: XFX TS 450W

 

[Chris Balkaran]

What chipset is your motherboard? if it even supports ivybridge, yes that's not a bad idea.

However, Fujitsu is not known for good motherboards, like at all, and you do have some pretty old stuff there. I'd personally scrap it all and go with a broadwell build and some fast RAM and a quality motherboard and GPU.

Your GPU is too weak. You can't do anything decent with it.

I suggest

i5 4460
ASRock H97 Anniversary
2X4GB DDR3 2133
R9 280X

and keep your other parts

My motherboard has the Intel® H61 Express Chipset. The data sheet suggests that it will support 2nd and 3rd generation Intel processors: http://globalsp.ts.fujitsu.com/dmsp/Publications/public/DS_D2990-A.pdf

I would have built the system you suggested. But all I can afford to do at the moment, is upgrade what I have. What would be the best solution to keep my system snappy? (keeping in mind my budget no more than £110)

 

[Wolfshadw]

I would verify with Fujitsu that the processor you're looking to purchase actually is supported by that motherboard. The Data Sheet you linked only states compatibility with the Intel Core I3/I5/I7 2xxx series CPUs. It doesn't say anything about the 3xxx series CPUs. Verification would be prudent before purchasing.

Additionally, I respectfully disagree with MisterSprinkles on the graphics card. No, it is not a great gaming card, but it will be sufficient for everyday use and some minor gaming. Given your budget, You're unlikely to find both a solid processor upgrade AND a decent gaming GPU.

-Wolf sends

 

[Chris Balkaran]

I would verify with Fujitsu that the processor you're looking to purchase actually is supported by that motherboard. The Data Sheet you linked only states compatibility with the Intel Core I3/I5/I7 2xxx series CPUs. It doesn't say anything about the 3xxx series CPUs. Verification would be prudent before purchasing.

Additionally, I respectfully disagree with MisterSprinkles on the graphics card. No, it is not a great gaming card, but it will be sufficient for everyday use and some minor gaming. Given your budget, You're unlikely to find both a solid processor upgrade AND a decent gaming GPU.

-Wolf sends

So I should go with an i5 of some description for my system to be relatively snappy?

 

[Chris Balkaran]

I would verify with Fujitsu that the processor you're looking to purchase actually is supported by that motherboard. The Data Sheet you linked only states compatibility with the Intel Core I3/I5/I7 2xxx series CPUs. It doesn't say anything about the 3xxx series CPUs. Verification would be prudent before purchasing.

Additionally, I respectfully disagree with MisterSprinkles on the graphics card. No, it is not a great gaming card, but it will be sufficient for everyday use and some minor gaming. Given your budget, You're unlikely to find both a solid processor upgrade AND a decent gaming GPU.

-Wolf sends

So I should go with an i5 of some description for my system to be relatively future proof?

Running on that old motherboard its not going to be future proof no matter what you do

I believe I'm at fault here. What I mean by future proof is having a snappy system (not having a pc that will still be blazingly fast in 5 years, because I will eventually move over to a new platform. Considering what I have just stated, would a processor upgrade make a difference. Or should I spend the money on something else?

 

[Wolfshadw]

Personally, I'd probably save up until I could afford a current gen motherboard/processor combo that won't need upgrading (Z97 motherboard/Core I5/I7 processor) for a while.

-Wolf sends

 

[VincentGeddon]

Honestly, I would get rid of that HDD and get a decent SSD. You will be extremely surprised how much faster your system will feel. I made the switch years ago and will absolutely never go back. Upgraded the wife's laptop to an ssd after is was slowing down and the difference was immediate.
I also agree that your video card is probably fine for now, though when its affordable buy a used last gen model when the next gen stuff comes out. Folks always sell their old stuff to offset the cost of new cards, I do.
Verify what is the max cpu you can use for your board. Always listen to the manufacturer and don't guess.

 

[Wolfshadw]

Closing thread
Wolfshadw
Moderator