Build Advice PC Upgrades - Need Advice.

[mcsimon]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to start upgrading my computer. I'd like to add more RAM (16gb total), and upgrade the CPU & GPU. But would be willing to add other parts to make a compatible/ better overall system. I have $500 - $800 to spend, and I'd like the best value for what I have to spend. I bought this computer pre-built, and I'm unfamiliar with the latest and greatest technologies.

I mostly use my computer for work - Microsoft Office, the occasional CAD drawings, and usually a few tabs open for information on Chrome, and jamming Spotify in the background. I also enjoy playing CS:GO when I can find time.

Here's my current setup:
CPU: AMD - FX-6300 3.5 GHz 6-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Thermaltake - Contac Silent 12 74.33 CFM CPU Cooler
Motherboard: Asus - M5A78L-M PLUS/USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard
Memory: ADATA - 8 GB (1 x 8 GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Storage: Crucial - MX500 250 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card: MSI - Radeon RX 560 - 1024 2 GB AERO ITX OC Video Card

Looking for where you think I'd get the most value, and what components to look at upgrading from/ to. Thanks for your help!

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

I genuinely wouldn't bother at all with that upgrade. It would be a waste of cash.

On the other hand you could get this:
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 2600 3.4 GHz 6-Core Processor ($145.74 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock - B450 Pro4 ATX AM4 Motherboard ($64.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6 GB VENTUS XS OC Video Card ($254.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT - H500 ATX Mid Tower Case ($76.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA G3 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($77.88 @ OutletPC)
Total: $690.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-06-25 14:09 EDT-0400

And have a system that would stomp all over your current system in every conceivable way! It will do everything you want, and be a great gamer/streamer/productivity PC. A brilliant all rounder that would serve you well.

Keep your current storage, sell the rest for a few bucks to offset the cost a little.

 

[logainofhades]

Wait for Ryzen 3000 benches, and then buy. Time for a new platform.

 

[mcsimon]

I genuinely wouldn't bother at all with that upgrade. It would be a waste of cash.

On the other hand you could get this:
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 2600 3.4 GHz 6-Core Processor ($145.74 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock - B450 Pro4 ATX AM4 Motherboard ($64.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6 GB VENTUS XS OC Video Card ($254.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT - H500 ATX Mid Tower Case ($76.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA G3 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($77.88 @ OutletPC)
Total: $690.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-06-25 14:09 EDT-0400

And have a system that would stomp all over your current system in every conceivable way! It will do everything you want, and be a great gamer/streamer/productivity PC. A brilliant all rounder that would serve you well.

Keep your current storage, sell the rest for a few bucks to offset the cost a little.

That's what I thought - I wasted my money on a prebuilt system I thought I could upgrade later, but the compatibility seems to be obsolete. I may just build something new for fun. Thanks for the help!

 

[mcsimon]

Wait for Ryzen 3000 benches, and then buy. Time for a new platform.

Good call. Release is in a couple weeks.