Update my old build or start from scratch?

gjbaker003

Prominent
Mar 26, 2017
10
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510
After researching and reading many threads regarding my specific CPU I've decided that going with a fresh build off of a new CPU would not garner much of a performance boost versus money spent. Instead, I have a list of a few components I would add to my current build to get me where I wanna go. I currently have an IPS 60hz monitor and really don't need anything better than 1080p for gaming. I have read that the RX 480 is ideal for 1080p gaming and it is of course a very budget friendly card that can get me playing the current titles with good to very good FPS. I'm not interested in VR or 4K gaming. Originally I planned to start from scratch with a new system around the i5-7600K, but from what I understand my current CPU should be good for my needs.

Current build:
Intel Core i5-3570K @ 3.4ghz
Asrock Z77 Extreme4
Corsair Vengeance LP DDR3 1600 C9 16GB(4x4GB)
Nvidia GTX 660
Corsair Neutron GTX 120GB SSD
WD Blue 1TB HDD


List of components I wish to add to current build:
MSI Armor RX 480 8GB OC - I like the "less is more" approach with this card.
Samsung 850 EVO 250GB - New home for OS.
Corsair H100i v2 Liquid CPU Cooler - To finally OC my 3570K which I am intimidated to do.


Should I just bite the bullet and build a new rig or would making these few upgrades extend the life to my build from 5 years ago?
 
Solution
definitely extend its life. the CPU you have is still pretty darn strong and it will hold up nicely if you overclock it
here's some suggestions to your ideas :
1. DEFINITELY get the RX 480, shoot for a GTX 1060 as an NVidia option. Either is a great performer in this price range, and is a fine match for the CPU
2. Recommend adding the SSD, but you're going t have to move only the OS and your drivers+ most played games on there. That's some work if you're willing to take it
3. If your case can fit an air cooler, I recommend the Cryorig R1, NH-D14/15, or similar dual tower cooler as the cooler is a lot quieter and more efficient that the liquid cooler, and is more safe. But if you live in an extremely cold area, the liquid is better, as...
definitely extend its life. the CPU you have is still pretty darn strong and it will hold up nicely if you overclock it
here's some suggestions to your ideas :
1. DEFINITELY get the RX 480, shoot for a GTX 1060 as an NVidia option. Either is a great performer in this price range, and is a fine match for the CPU
2. Recommend adding the SSD, but you're going t have to move only the OS and your drivers+ most played games on there. That's some work if you're willing to take it
3. If your case can fit an air cooler, I recommend the Cryorig R1, NH-D14/15, or similar dual tower cooler as the cooler is a lot quieter and more efficient that the liquid cooler, and is more safe. But if you live in an extremely cold area, the liquid is better, as if the rad cannot dissipate heat quickly, it will be less efficient in hot areas.
 
Solution


Awesome! I appreciate your input! The cooler was the one component I really haven't been 100% on. Since my RAM is the low profile sticks, I should be able to do an air cooler. I am planning on grabbing a Phanteks Eclipse Series P400S Silent Edition case, from what I can tell an air cooler should fit. I live in Minnesota where it is pretty cold for about 7 or 8 months of the year but sounds like an air cooler would be a better option based on your input. Thank you very much for your knowledge and suggestions!