Replace? Upgrade? Do over?

[WoodrowWilson]

System:
i3-2100
Radeon 6770 GPU
Gigabyte Z68 MB
Thermatake 600W PSU
XMS DDR3-1333 (2x4g) Memory

My GPU is toast, and being a few years old, I'm not certain of a couple things. My first time build has served me well, but now that technology keeps on advancing, I'm not sure If I should start from scratch, replace with a newer GPU, or swap out for my needs.

My first thought was to just upgrade the CPU with a higher end Ivy i5, but after research, my MB is not compatible with Ivy (cheap Gigabyte MB I guess). Second, invest in a higher quality GPU ($200 buck range). Or, blow it up and replace the CPU with a high end AMD processor and new MB (but I'm not sure if I can, complete building amatuer here) due to AMD's superior built-in GPU's.

For cost benefit analysis, is my memory and drive compatible to cross over from Intel to AMD, or do I reinstall and wipe the HD Drive or just disable/update drivers

I watch movies with family and light gaming, and until now has been great. I just think I may due for an upgrade of sorts. Any and all input is appreciated. Thanks in advance (this site has been invaluable)!

 

[rolli59]

Upgrade the GPU is the easy and straight forward upgrade. Your motherboard should support Ivy Bridge after a BIOS update. Which board is it.

 

[computertech82]

Just upgrade the video card. I do something similar myself. cpu, mb, memory on one upgrade, and video card, monitor (if needed) the next upgrade.

 

[WoodrowWilson]

Thanks for the fast responses, for ease, I was leaning this way too.

So do I uninstall/disable current GPU software and just take out and replace card?

I hate to say, but there's a BB (I have a MicroCenter out of the way which is where I bought original) on my way home, they have a Radeon 7770 and 7850 in stock, for $10 more the 1024 over 640 processor seems worth it (I know they gouge 30% over)?

 

[rolli59]

HD7850 would be a great choice. You are right on the method, uninstall, shut down replace, startup and install the drivers for the new card.

 

[WoodrowWilson]

Thank you both