Re-Building a Gaming PC

[hipposare2nd]

Hello!

I built myself a gaming PC about 3 years ago. Recently, I've started to notice a decline in performance (especially since Windows 10 force-installed itself onto my PC).

I'm definitely a novice when it comes to computers. For my current one, I told my friend I wanted to build my own computer for gaming, but it had to be affordable. He gave me a list of parts to buy, I followed online tutorials, and I put it together myself. However, ask me what the numbers in the parts mean or how they relate to each other, and I'm clueless.

So. I want to update parts of it, and I need to know what I should update.

What I have now:
-Processor: Intel Core i3-4130 CPU @ 3.40GHz
-Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660
-RAM: 8GB (not sure of brand without opening it up)
-Motherboard: MSI MS-7816
-Case: Cooler Master (not entirely sure which one, but looking at their website, it's a "mid tower" size, similar to the HAF 912)

Parts I want to update:
-Processor
-Graphics card
-RAM

Parts I'm not opposed to updating (if needed):
-Power Supply
-Motherboard (although I'd rather not. I really like the one I have now, but if it's necessary, I understand).
-The tower case (I imagine this might be necessary.)

I'm good on memory and I already never use my disc drive, so I'm not worried about updating those.

As of now, price isn't an option. I'd prefer to get the parts and do it myself, so that's why I haven't looked into pre-built or "build your own" websites.

Thank you!


Edit:

Sorry! I forgot to mention what games I play/want to play.

I basically would like to play anything that's out there right now, and will be coming out for the next few years. I don't care about things looking good, but I'm just looking for smooth gameplay. Right now, I play:

-Final Fantasy XIV
-Tales of Zestiria
-Skyrim
-Borderlands (any of them)
-Looking to play Battleborn
-Lichdom: Battlemage
-Ori and the Blind Forest

...and tons more, but those are the ones I play most and I see starting to slow in performance.

 

[JimF_35]

I would upgrade this...

-Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660

It is not the greatest graphics card. Its not junk but there is much better ones out there for around $100 dollars. Which leads me to questions:

- You say budget is not a problem but there are $3000 plus graphics cards out there where the bang for the buck drops way off so do you have an upper end to your budget?
- What power supply do you currently have so we can see if a new one is needed?

 

[redgarl]

Just upgrade your graphic card to something like a 290x or a GTX 970. You will be good for a 2 years before a total upgrade.

 

[hang-the-9]

If you are running the same games, and your temperatures are in normal ranges, no need to upgrade the system. Install Windows clean again, update drivers, keep an eye out for any Windows 10 setup prompts or optional updates from MS that can sneak Windows 10 onto the system if you don't want it.