PC upgrading parts

[Trollality]

Hi people,

I currently have a simple pc that runs windows 10.

CPU: AMD FX8320
GPU:RADEON R9 280
MOBO: MSI
RAM: 2X DDR3
PSU: 650 WATT GOLD

I was going to get an Oculus Rift as my VR but their compatible program said my cpu won't work.

My friends are telling me I need to upgrade EVERYTHING to even get VR working.

I keep telling them I don't have too.

I just want to keep my GPU and PSU since the oculus rift said it was compatible.

Would I be able to upgrade still with me keeping my GPU?

So im asking can I just swap out per se my CPU for a Ryzen 5, my RAM to DDR4 and get a new MOBO thats able to socket the Ryzen?

I currently have AMD products and would be willing to switch to intel if it is cheaper. I have only read a few forums and thought AMD would still be better choice since I overheard something about future proofing.

Please do educate me on this.

 

[ArchitSahu]

That should be a good plan. Ryzen tends to have more cores than normal, but Intel usually is better for gaming.

If you are doing CPU intensive tasks:
PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/YhPtsJ
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/YhPtsJ/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 1700 3.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($279.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI - B350 TOMAHAWK ATX AM4 Motherboard ($71.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $521.87
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-02-26 00:50 EST-0500

Or, Ryzen 5 Build:
PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Gmjvcc
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Gmjvcc/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1600 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($188.90 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI - B350 TOMAHAWK ATX AM4 Motherboard ($71.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $430.78
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-02-26 00:50 EST-0500


Intel:
PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/WjhL8K
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/WjhL8K/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8400 2.8GHz 6-Core Processor ($178.65 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI - Z370-A PRO ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($117.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $466.53
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-02-26 00:51 EST-0500

 

[Trollality]

That is such a solid answer man.
So with that in mind I might go Ryzen 5 1600.
Price is about the same with intel and I feel like AMD future proofing and the development of games using more cores will be better in the long run.

Also my current GPU is compatible with the MOBO correct? Also if it is, is it reliable to play VR with medium settings running 45-60+fps?

 

[ArchitSahu]

That is such a solid answer man.
So with that in mind I might go Ryzen 5 1600.
Price is about the same with intel and I feel like AMD future proofing and the development of games using more cores will be better in the long run.

Also my current GPU is compatible with the MOBO correct? Also if it is, is it reliable to play VR with medium settings running 45-60+fps?

Yes your GPU is compatible. I am not too sure on its reliability, as it is pretty old. Try it out, otherwise, you can try holding off VR for a bit until prices for GPU's comes down and you can get a more up to date iteration.

 

[Trollality]

Thanks for the solid answers. I will keep it for now to do a test. If it doesn't run as expected what would you suggest budget wise when prices do die down due to crypto?

From quick research a gtx 1070? Or the recent rx vega 56

 

[ArchitSahu]

Thanks for the solid answers. I will keep it for now to do a test. If it doesn't run as expected what would you suggest budget wise when prices do die down due to crypto?

From quick research a gtx 1070? Or the recent rx vega 56

A GTX 1070 will go well, as it is the sweet spot for VR. Do note that there is a new GPU release around the corner, so you might want to wait for more option.