Recommendations: 2013 build, time to upgrade/buy new

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
L

lucasmkramer

Jun 24, 2018
6
0
10
My first computer build is beginning to hiccup. Of note: I'm self taught, failed computers 101 my freshman year in college (in 1997 or so), happily gaming on this system (and its capacities-and my ignorance) since it was completed circa 2013.

Case: Cooler Master HAF 932 Advanced
MoBo: Asus Rog Crosshair V AM3+
CPU: AMD FX 8350 Vishera
CPU cooler: Cooler Master 212E CPU cooler
RAM: G.SKILL TridentX Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900)
GPU: DIAMOND Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition DirectX 11.1 7870PE52GV 2GB 256-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16
PSU: Cooler Master Silent Pro M2 - 720W 80 PLUS Bronze Power Supply with Modular Cables

Monitor: Dell E Series E2213H 21.5" Monitor, 21.5 Inch VIS, Widescreen, VGA/DVI - totally forgot about the not so hot monitor
Storage: I have a 120GB SSD for bootup only, and a 2TB HD for everything else.

I clean the case far less often than I should and have two dogs. I play Mechwarrior/Battletech of late and relapse to WoW with new expansions (currently in remission.)

I started noticing some flickering/glitching during Mechwarrior, usually minor, though sometimes as long as 1-2 seconds, maybe 1-2 times a match, in addition to the occasional flicker. After cleaning out/blowing out my case and components a couple times recently, I started to investigate overclocking my system. I clicked the magic button +1 in my bios tweak to give the CPU a boost, but I really have no way of knowing if it did anything. I have not changed that back yet. I then checked out Jaystwocents and Panjno's youtube videos about beginner GPU overclocking. Basically, any time I touched any settings with the intent of overclocking, my GPU's temps skyrocketed to about 83 degrees (C) and froze up. This makes me think my GPU may need some new paste and some love (no, it's never been touched to date.) I was thinking about upgrading the graphics card but the more homework I do, the more hesitant I am that it will make the difference I thought it might. This build has been perfect for my personal habits for the past 5 years. I have no idea if I am a low, moderate, or heavy gamer. Sometimes I play a lot. Like, a lot a lot. Other times I go months without.

Question 1 (pertaining to the existing system): How much time/energy is worth putting into the various bits to push this aging system through its final months/years? Where would you start? Re-paste the GPU? Upgrade the CPU cooler?

Question 2 (upgrades): How would you prioritize upgrading this system, or would you just start from scratch? Would upgrading any particular components breathe some longevity into this build? I hope I at least get to keep the case...

Question 3: If you were to build a computer today, hoping to play games at high or almost high settings for the next... 3-5 years, and given current market considerations, what CPU/GPU/Mobo would you start with?

I greatly appreciate anyone willing to offer up ideas/opinions, etc. Also, any preferred guides to overclocking, should that be a route I choose to go with this particular build.

Thank you thank you thank you!

Edits:
-added monitor

Thoughts: it appears that perhaps a GPU and Monitor would be in order. I'm happy to spend 500-600 now (higher capacity monitor plus 1060 or 1070 gpu), and then upgrade the mobo and cpu within the next year. My approach here is to not wait until things start failing.

Final result:
I went up to my local big box electronics store for some additional investigation. I ended up walking out with a new Acer Monitor and paired it with a 580 8gb gpu (mostly to gain the freesync benefit.) My intent is to upgrade mobo, cpu, memory over the next couple months, probably one per month. The monitor was on a clearance sale which made being able to walk home with a new, confident, in box gpu from the store much more palatable. I could probably have saved $30-50 bucks buying used from the looks of it but come on... impulse people, impulse.
 
Solution
P
1. Repasting everything would only make a small difference in temps, but you can go ahead and try it. Worst case, you just end up buying a new card anyway. Your CPU cooler doesn't seem to be the culprit here.

2. I would start by replacing the GPU in general. The 7870 is aging, no matter how you look at it. Throwing in a 1060 6 GB will probably be the most effective, as you can transfer it to a new build down the line, no questions asked. The 1060 would probably give you the best shot at continuing to game on the system, as a 2 GB frame buffer is really limiting when it comes to gaming these days.

3. I would start with an Intel based system, probably the core i5 8400 as my main CPU. It's a locked processor but can still boost up to...
Sort by date Sort by votes
1. Repasting everything would only make a small difference in temps, but you can go ahead and try it. Worst case, you just end up buying a new card anyway. Your CPU cooler doesn't seem to be the culprit here.

2. I would start by replacing the GPU in general. The 7870 is aging, no matter how you look at it. Throwing in a 1060 6 GB will probably be the most effective, as you can transfer it to a new build down the line, no questions asked. The 1060 would probably give you the best shot at continuing to game on the system, as a 2 GB frame buffer is really limiting when it comes to gaming these days.

3. I would start with an Intel based system, probably the core i5 8400 as my main CPU. It's a locked processor but can still boost up to some pretty decent frequencies. It also runs 6 cores, so it is pretty future-proof when it comes to game. Pair it with a B360/H370 board, no need to overspend on a Z370 unit. Finally, a 1060 6 GB will be great for now, but if you can fit it into your budget, a 1070 pretty much guarantees longevity.

If you were to start fresh you could keep a few things, chiefly the storage, case, and CPU cooler. I'm a bit hesitant with the PSU, as it is quite old, and wasn't an entirely high quality unit to begin with. That decision I'll leave up to you.
 
Upvote 1 Downvote
Solution
I really wouldn't advise the previous build...The RAM pricing that you listed is WAY overpriced, as I found the exact same model from Newegg for a fair bit lower. As I also mentioned, you can keep your cooler, no questions asked. Just be sure you have the mounting brackets ready. Here's a great guide on picking a motherboard, along with my rationale for going b360 over z370. https://www.pcworld.com/article/3268063/components-processors/intel-motherboard-z370-vs-h370-vs-b360-vs-h310-8th-gen-cpu.html

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/3nbZQZ
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/3nbZQZ/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8400 2.8GHz 6-Core Processor ($178.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock - B360 Pro4 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($85.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB GAMING Video Card ($249.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Plus Gold 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $744.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-06-24 13:22 EDT-0400
 
Upvote -1 Downvote
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8600K 3.6GHz 6-Core Processor ($239.00 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool - ICE BLADE 200M 43.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($20.89 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - B360 HD3 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($81.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($160.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital - Blue 250GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($85.07 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB GAMING Video Card ($249.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master - MasterBox Pro 5 RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA - BQ 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($55.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $973.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-06-24 13:27 EDT-0400
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
This one doesn't make much sense either...going for the 8600k is a reasonable choice, but if you're going to be buying an unlocked chip, why not go for a z370 board? The overclocking will come into great play in the later years of the build, so why pay for a feature that the OP wouldn't be using? Also, going for a bronze lower-tier PSU to save ~$20 isn't worth it imo. The OP can keep his storage, case, and cooler just fine.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
First off; If it's doing what you want, the way your want it then there's no great need to upgrade...

Keep an eye on the system temperatures, both the CPU and GPU are well known for running hot and demanding good cooling, especially if overclocked, there's plenty of monitoring stuff out there but I like HwInfo: https://www.hwinfo.com/download.php

1: Repasting won't hurt, and will almost certainly help the GPU, just be very careful with the fans, the blades are very fragile. Changing the CPU cooler may help further, max core temp is 60C, max package temp 75C so if you're regularly seeing these, or higher a swap is in order.

2: We need to know what display/s you're using, aiming for 150FPS is all fair and good but it'll be pointless if you have a 60Hz display and have no plans to upgrade it.

3: See above, we need to match the whole system; CPU/GPU/RAM/display.

Assuming a 60Hz, 1080 display I'd just drop a 6Gb GTX1060 in there and be done, changing platforms will be an expensive waste of money because you'll have a blazingly fast setup held down to 60FPS by the display.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
oops, my bad on the mobo, indeed a 370 series mobo is needed for oc.

i really like the 8700 chip, if you can swing an i7. No need to oc it for todays games. im running it with m.2 storage, 32gb 2666 ram and a 1070gtx. It rocks.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
@ Lucasmkramer: Unless you intend to upgrade to a higher resolution or high refresh display the base system is still more than capable of driving 60FPS with a suitable GPU upgrade.
The GTX1060 linked by Profoundnoah is a decent choice, especially if you live in the USA or Canada where you'll get the best of their warranty and customer service, just remember to register the card to get the full benefits.

If the system is getting too much dust/fur build up, try adding magnetic mesh filters to the intake fan/s to keep it under control.
A more home grown solution is to cut open and stretch out a pair of tights over the openings, don't laugh, the fine mesh works as an excellent filter, just be sure not to get too fine a mesh or it can block the airflow excessively, perhaps the purchase would be a job for your partner? 😉
 
Upvote 0 Downvote


That's not really an attitude that would benefit the OP...I clearly stated that the main reason why I didn't recommend what you listed was due to overpricing, not due to low-quality components or poor hardware selection. Would you rather the OP overspend his money?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote


 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Hi, lucas, which monitor did you choose? The one linked is a 4K Acer CB281HK 28" 4K display, is that correct or just a typo? I ask because the RX580 isn't really strong enough to run a 4K display at its full resolution without significantly reducing the game settings or reducing the game resolution to 1920x1080.

I know all about Impulse purchases...😉
 
Upvote 0 Downvote


That is the correct monitor. It was such a huge upgrade from my previous, at such a reduced price (I payed $250) that I couldn't really pass it up. My intent is to keep game settings at the 1080 level, exploring what I might be able to get away with above that, depending on the game. Ultimately, my decision was based on capitalizing on the clearance opportunity and my desire to have a monitor that wouldn't be the limiting factor in my build.

Again, my intent is to upgrade the mobo & cpu, PSU, and RAM over the next couple months. While everything is running fine, I would rather not wait until failure to replace it. If I manage to get a fully rebuilt system in the next 4-6 months, I'll probably see where GPUs are sitting and likely sell the 580 to offset a more 4K capable gpu. That was my plan at least, reality tends to differ...
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Not sure if I made my point clearly:
You can lower graphics quality settings to improve the frame rate but also set the game resolution to 1920x1080, leaving the desktop at 4K, dropping the game rez like this on most other displays can really hurt the image quality because the scaling isn't exact, here you're just making each pixel twice as large, which eliminates the fuzzy effects seen when scaling less precisely.
Anyway...Something else to play with. 😉
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom