PC Upgrade Help

SolidSnake305

Reputable
Jul 22, 2015
22
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4,520
I have been using this PC for a while now more than 5 months but I am now deciding to upgrade it BUT I need help.

Here is a link of the PC I have: http://

My Specifications are:

Operating System: Windows 10 ( Upgraded from 8.1)
Processor and Speed: Core I5 - 4460 | 3.2 Gigahertz
RAM: 8GB DDR3
Graphics Card: Nvidia GT 720
Video Memory: 2000 MB
Hard Drive Type: SATA
Hard Drive Capacity: 1000 GB
Expansion Slots: 1 PCI Express x1, 1 PCI Express x16, 1 mini PCI Express

* I'm Not sure what Motherboard I have, The PSU Is some brand I don't remember but not one of the top brands that's for sure, This is something I plan on replacing but need help with.
** Also I provided a link to the PC so that you guys can see how the PC looks and consider the space and airflow.

I play games like CS:GO and Dota 2 with playable FPS I don't do 1080p because i get lower FPS especially when a lot of effects are happening, but I play on lower resolutions because I feel better with it, I have other games like Far Cry 3 I cant play on high because I get low FPS around the 20 so this isn't a 1080p Build

I would like to play games like MGS V TPP and other games on at least 1080 doesn't have to be max settings and I don't mind having AA off I'm ok with 720p on High but preferably 1080p.

For my Budget I am willing to spend $500, If I need to I can spend 100-200 more but $500 is my budget. I think that my upgrade would be GPU and PSU but I would like opinions on what I should get because I don't know what PSU to get based on what GPU

Thanks!
 
First off, use a program like CPU-Z which will show you your motherboard. Your processor is fine, it's the graphics card that desperately needs updating. However, knowing prebuilt bestbuy computers, your PSU is probably trash. Personally, I would do this, because I'm not sure how much space you have for a new GPU in that case, but more than likely not much, airflow problems aside.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB SSC ACX 2.0+ Video Card ($317.93 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT H230 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($111.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $494.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-10-03 15:36 EDT-0400
 


Looked at each part you recommended I like the 970 it's a great card for gaming these days, I also had thought of purchasing a new case because probably with the 970 airflow will suck on this case, but upon opening it does have fairly good space nothing is blocking the fan. the power supply sounds good but for 111.99 sounds like a lot not sure if its because the GPU will need more power or because that how much a good PSU cost.

Do you know the cheapest upgrade i can get or that you can think of, I have seen people say the 750 TI is a good card as well as the 950 but I'm not sure what performance i get with them and if you choose between these 2 GPU what PSU should they go with they don't seem like they demand much power.

Knowing the answer to this I can conclude what I will do but I'm liking the recommended parts you chose.

Oh one more thing when considering airflow how do you determine if its good, I'm thinking good ventilation where air can go in and out well, good pressure and not being cramped up where the air is not being recycled out.
 
The EVGA G2 is expensive, but that's for a reason. The G2 series power supplies are arguably the best series you can possibly get, scoring a 9.8 out of 10 from JonnyGuru (http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=380)

Airflow isn't just looking at the internals, but also the case itself. Is the case made of plastic that doesn't allow air to flow? Are there ventilations areas (areas made of mesh or metal with holes in it) etc.

Personally I'm running a GTX 750ti in my computer right now, and it's a great budget card. However, it is starting to show it's age, and I'm starting to need to kick down settings to medium instead of high on the brand new games. If you absolutely want to go budget, I'd go with the GTX 950, which is only $20-$30 more, depending on the model, for a supposed 30% increase in power.

For either the GTX 750ti or 950, with your processor, probably a 550 watt power supply would do. Honestly, even with the GTX 970 a 650 watt power supply would be fine, but I put a 750 watt to give it some extra headroom should you decide to upgrade in the future.

 


Thanks for the replies,
A new case is a good idea I rather be safe than wait for my system to overheat, i like the 970 it will be good for years and the PSU is the most important the price for 111.99 I don't mind as long as i get what its worth and from the reviews it's a good one.
 

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