[Upgrade] Help me identify and upgrade bottlenecks

boblobblaw

Reputable
Feb 9, 2015
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4,510
>**What will you be doing with this PC? Be as specific as possible, and include specific games or programs you will be using.**

My PC's abysmal performance in Dying Light (20-40 fps) is what has prompted me to upgrade. Battlefield 4, Nosgoth, and FIFA 15 are the other games I will be playing. I also may try to broadcast live gameplay on Twitch in any of these games.

I do not keep up to date with upcoming games or new generations of GPUs, etc... I would like to be able to play Dying Light now (it is not worth playing with my current FPS) but if the next big thing in GPUs or a huge price break is right around the corner, I can wait.

>**What is your maximum budget before rebates/shipping/taxes?**

This depends on which components I need to upgrade. I would prefer not to replace everything. If I am replacing only the GPU or only the CPU, I would like to be under $300. I am open to opinions on whether to wait or jump on a nice, current deal.

>**If reusing any parts (including monitor(s)/keyboard/mouse/etc), what parts will you be reusing? Brands and models are appreciated.**

[M5A97 LE R2.0](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131872&Tpk=13-131-872)
[MSI Radeon HD7850 2GB](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127727&Tpk=14-127-727)
[AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113285&Tpk=19-113-285)
[G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231546&Tpk=20-231-546)
[EVGA 500 B 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified 500W](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438012&Tpk=17-438-012)

I will be keeping all other peripherals (monitor/keyboard/mouse/speakers/etc).

>**Do you have any specific case preferences (Size like ITX/microATX/mid-tower/full-tower, styles, colors, window or not, LED lighting, etc), or a particular color theme preference for the components?**

I would like to continue using my [current tower](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156062)
 
I'd really like to be at $300-350 since it was barely over a year ago that I bought my current components. I had it in my head that I could just upgrade the GPU and be more or less up-to-date. From what I've read it seems like I can get a large performance boost in gaming by upgrading to an R9 290. I just don't know if my CPU or PSU would then bottleneck the new card.



 
It seems it has enough amps on the 12v rail to handle the R9 290 but I agree with you and will probably get a 600-650W to stay on the safe side. Thanks for the replies.