Unsure what to upgrade first.

RobK89

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Mar 26, 2014
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Not sure if this is the correct location for this question, but here goes!

I have a HP Envy 700-216

A10 6700 with Radeon 8670D Integrated graphics ( APU)
Generic FM2 socket MOBO
Generic 12GB Ram
Generic 300w PSU
Stock cooling all around.

I don't have the money to replace it all at once. I want to eventually replace everything, but for now I just need to know a general idea of where to go first. I DON'T need specific items to replace these. Just to know if I should start with MOBO/CPU or PSU? or GPU? or does it even matter?
 
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RobK89

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Mar 26, 2014
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Well. I guess should have read the stickies before posting :bounce:

My current setup is struggling with Farcry 4 on low settings...getting 25ish FPS on lowest possible settings.

FPS over quality is really what I like. But I still want to play at least at medium/high...Anyways. I tried grabbing a GT 730...but found out quickly it wasn't worth the 80$. So now I have to upgrade my PSU if I want to use a better GPU. my CPU does decent. But want overclocking capabilities.
 

RazerZ

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If it's for gaming I'd start with a GPU upgrade. Adding a GTX 750ti should work wonders and you won't have to replace your PSU.

Here's the cheapest version of the card right now.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Video Card ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $99.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-02 17:07 EST-0500
 

RobK89

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I guess what I meant was, I want to completely upgrade the system. So I can upgrade even more as I get more money.
Not necessarily just a quick fix. I had definitely considered that. But it doesn't future proof me much for later on.

Great advice! I may end up just doing that. haha



 

RobK89

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Mar 26, 2014
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Probably around 800 for PSU/CPU(With cooling)/GPU/MOBO and case ( Have enough ram, hard drives, peripherals)
 

RobK89

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Mar 26, 2014
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yes, I have a 1080p monitor. and hopefully it will be good enough to run just about anything at around medium-high settings and keep 40+ frames. IF im just being hopeful. then ill just have to take that into consideration.

Thank you so much for your help!

Oh, and I would prefer to stay with AMD. Just is my preference. Cost/Performance and whatnot.
 

RazerZ

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Performance wise Intel would be the way to go currently, but if you prefer AMD the 8320 would be the most sensible option in your price range.

The build you currently have looks great, except for the PSU. Never cheap out on the PSU as it is the core of your system and if it blows you risk taking out the entire system with it. I would replace it with this XFX 550W:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9

Also you could drop the thermal paste as any gains from it will be marginal.

--

Personally I would go for a cheaper case, like a NZXT Source 210, and invest the saved money into a better GPU such as a R9 290.
 

RazerZ

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AMD:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($135.00 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: RAIJINTEK THEMIS 65.7 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($20.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($74.99 @ Micro Center)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 290 4GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $540.94
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-02 19:08 EST-0500

Intel:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($177.75 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($83.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 290 4GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $564.70
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-02 19:11 EST-0500
 
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