Super Low Budget Gaming Upgrade Needed

[Ken_Nichols]

About 8 years ago I built a computer for my sons which ran great for many years.
They are now older 16 & 14 and play more graphic intensive games and the PC just can't keep up anymore.

My financial situation has changed since then and I can only spare about $100-$150 right now.

My question is do I buy something like a GTX1050/Ti or do I buy a used CPU and Mobo first and worry about GPU later?

Current System:
CPU: Intel E8600 (3.3Ghz Dual Core)
Ram: 8GB DDR2 (4x 2GB)
Video: GTX 280
PSU: 650 Watt(Antec EathWatts)

 

[King Dranzer]

It is hard to get anything decent at this budget. But here is the least required for a better performance build.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G4400 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($57.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H110M-HDS Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($46.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Crucial 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($24.38 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GT 730 2GB Video Card ($54.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $184.23
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-01-15 21:10 EST-0500

You can get this or you can do this upgrade in two parts to divide and spend good enough amount over a year. Like spending $150 now and spending $150 in next 6-12Months if possible.

 

[King Dranzer]

The GTX1050/Ti will possibly be bottlenecked by that CPU so only get it if you plan on upgrading CPU+Motherboard+RAM setup in near future.

 

[Mightyena]

Depending on what games you're hoping to play, and at what settings, it might be an idea to look at a used Core 2 Quad/Xeon for your current motherboard and upgrading the graphics card to something like a 750ti or 1050ti. You can always re-use the GPU if you eventually replace the system.

I have a Xeon E5450 (basically a Q9650) system with a GTX 570 that runs most games pretty comfortably at 1080p, even though it's getting on a little.

 

[logainofhades]

What motherboard does this system have?

 

[Ken_Nichols]

Depending on what games you're hoping to play, and at what settings, it might be an idea to look at a used Core 2 Quad/Xeon for your current motherboard and upgrading the graphics card to something like a 750ti or 1050ti. You can always re-use the GPU if you eventually replace the system.

I have a Xeon E5450 (basically a Q9650) system with a GTX 570 that runs most games pretty comfortably at 1080p, even though it's getting on a little.

I looked into getting a Xeon Socket 771.
I have an Intel(brand) motherboard.
I've read about a lot of people having issues when trying to use a 771 CPU with an Intel board.
I don't want to buy a Q9650 because I ultimately need to upgrade to newer technology.

 

[logainofhades]

Intel branded doesn't tell us much. Need the actual model. Many boards, of that era, were able to run their Xeon counterparts, in 775 socket. They are also often cheaper. The x3370 is cheaper, than a Q9650, on ebay, but is basically the same cpu.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Xeon-X3370-3-0GHz-12M-1333MHz-Quad-Core-Prozessor-SLB8Z-LGA775-Sockel-CPU-/162330310295?_trksid=p2349526.m2548.l4275

 

[Ken_Nichols]

Intel DP35DP

https://ark.intel.com/m/products/50380/Intel-Desktop-Board-DP35DP#@product/specifications

 

[logainofhades]

Here is a list of supported CPU's, for that board. http://processormatch.intel.com/Processors/CompatibleProcessors?componentName=dp35dp

 

[Ken_Nichols]

Thanks everyone!