Question about upgrading GPU and PSU

[MikeJ93]

I'm brand new to building a PC or even upgrading one for that matter, Recent FPS issues have made me consider upgrading my GPU, which in return means I will probably have to upgrade the PSU as well.

My budget is $150 for the GPU, and $90 for the PSU. I'm just looking for a upgrade to boost my FPS performance, and my lack of knowledge just makes it all the more confusing.

Could anyone help start me out on the right path to getting a good video card?


My specs as follows:

Video card: EVGA 9800 GT 512MB
Motherboard: M5A78L-M LX PLUS
Ram: 8 gb Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 669MHz
Processor: AMD FX 4100 quad-core (4cpu's and ~3.6hz)
Power Supply: Cooler Master Elite 400 watt
Display: AOC 24 Inch

 

[X79]

Hey man, welcome to Toms.

This GPU would be really good for that amount:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/powercolor-video-card-ax78502gbd5dh

And then if you find yourself with spare cash, a slightly better GPU like this is also possible:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/sapphire-video-card-100354oc2l



What games do you or do you intend to play?

For a PSU, something along the lines of:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/ocz-power-supply-ocz550fty

Would also be quite neat.

 

[MikeJ93]

Hey man, welcome to Toms.

This GPU would be really good for that amount:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/powercolor-video-card-ax78502gbd5dh

And then if you find yourself with spare cash, a slightly better GPU like this is also possible:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/sapphire-video-card-100354oc2l



What games do you or do you intend to play?

For a PSU, something along the lines of:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/ocz-power-supply-ocz550fty

Would also be quite neat.

Thank you & thanks for the quick reply.

The items you've listed look great, and definitely in my price range. I honestly had no idea where to start, so thanks for that.

Games I usually play:
Total War: Rome 2
Crusader Kings 2
BF3/BF4
SA-MP

 

[X79]

Glad to help and thank You for your politeness.


What's your monitor resolution?

Presuming it's Full HD:

 

[MikeJ93]

Well right now it is on the recommended 1920x1080

Exact monitor I have hooked up is right here

I actually started getting the FPS issues after I upgraded to the 24 inch (if that matters).

 

[X79]

Well right now it is on the recommended 1920x1080

Exact monitor I have hooked up is right here

I actually started getting the FPS issues after I upgraded to the 24 inch (if that matters).

Higher screen resolutions tax the GPU more; especially when you pair it with same level or higher level graphic

settings in games. Thus it's relevant to know what your resolution, so we're sure we're recommending proper

things. Full HD, what you've got, is quite ideal. No problems. You'll be able to play BF3 at a very comfortable FPS

at you see. BF4 may bump you down to medium, but perhaps you'll get lucky. You'll still be able to play the game

without a hitch though, I'm pretty confident in that. Next thing you might want to upgrade, is your CPU. BF games

tend to be CPU bound in the multiplayer; moreso than GPU bound.

 

[MikeJ93]

Thank you for quick reply's and helpful answers X79, I honestly wasn't expecting such a good response. I will definitely browse these forums from now on.

And yeah, CPU is next on my too-do list. I will go with what you've recommended me in the first post.

Thanks again!

 

[X79]

No problem man. Hope it works out for you.

Take care and again, Welcome to Tomshardware!