Q6600 vs i5 3470 setup really worth it?

[Jorge4757]

I want to build a computer for my younger brother so we can play video games in LAN/Online and record gameplay and his current setup is

CPU: Intel core 2 quad q660 @2.6Ghz
RAM:6Gb ddr2
Storage: Intel ssd 320 160gb and 250Gb HDD
PSU:500w generic crappy.
MOBO: Basic intel desktop board (no O.C. options at all.)
GPU: GT640

It is not bad considering he is playing with a 17' inch monitor (not 16:9) with max res of 1280x1024.

For the CPU + Mobo + Ram (4GB) I spent $125 **used** but good, the other stuff I already had it so I dont considere it as something I recently spent on.

The next setup would be

CPU:Intel core i5 3470 @3.2Ghz
RAM:8Gb DDR3
Storage: Intel ssd 320 160gb and 250Gb HDD **same
PSU:500w generic crappy. **same
MOBO: Gigabyte GA-H61 to be honest I don't know which exact model would be
GPU: GT640 **same

This one would cost me CPU+Mobo+RAM (4Gb because I already have another 4Gb stick) for $ 150 the motherboard it is supposed to be brand new but ram and CPU are used.

Basically intended for gaming but not necessarily for high end remember that he would use a 17 inch monitor and he is just 14 years old and he doesnt bother too much for graphics as long as ir runs smoth I have a personal higher end rig since I do bother about everything.

the true question here is... does it really worth the change? not necessarily for the $$$.

 

[airplanegeek]

i feel that getting a new graphics card would be a more substantial upgrade. If you can spend $170 get the GTX 750 Ti and he can keep using it if he upgrades later on

 

[CTurbo]

Why did you pick the i5 3470 of all cpus? If I were you, I would upgrade the psu and video card and stick with the q6600 a little longer. 1TB hard drives are around $50 these days and it looks like you could probably use one too.

 

[Major_Trouble]

The C2Q Q6600 was a great chip in its day and does not hold up to badly today either. The difference between 6gb ddr2 & 8gb dd3 won't be that significant either to warrant an upgrade if on a budget.

I would go with Arplanegeek & CTurbo's suggestion and upgrade the PSU & Gfx and look to upgrade CPU, Mobo, Ram in the future when finances allow.

You can check his current component usage with MSI Afterburner when gaming and make a better decision. If what he's playing maxes the cpu and not the gfx then you'd need to spend in that direction. If the Gfx is maxed and the CPU not so much then obviously it's a Gfx upgrade to get more performance.