Upgrading CPU/GPU for Witcher 3

[mathezar]

Hey guys,

I'm trying to figure out some upgrades for my 3 year old Desktop in preparation for Witcher 3's release next month. Trying to stay within $300-400 budget. Here are my current specs:

HP Z600 Mobo/Tower w/ 650 W PSU
CPU: Intel Xeon E5607 @2.27GHz
RAM: 12 GB (3x 4gb)
GPU: Radeon HD 6850
SSD: 223 GB
HD: 232 GB w/ 2x 3TB Externals
Display: 2x 24 inch monitors (PL2410W, BenQ G2400W)
OS: Windows 8.1

After talking with friends and family who are more experienced with upgrading than I am, there are several suggestions that people have made.

Suggested GPU upgrades to a STRIX 960 or a 970

Suggested CPU upgrades to a Xeon W3580 (3.33Ghz) or Xeon X5687 (3.6 Ghz)

My biggest concern is that I've never switched out a CPU before, and my cousin isn't %100 certain that either of those CPU's will work with my workstation's motherboard.

I'd appreciate any recommendations and/or suggestions.

 

[Shamar Holtz]

I would recommend this

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-78LMT-USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($46.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($189.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $398.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-16 02:21 EDT-0400

 

[Shamar Holtz]

And your RAM is atleast 1600mhz speed right?

 

[mathezar]

Thanks for the response! Yes my RAM is at least 1600mhz. Only issue with your recommendation is that i'd really rather not swap out the mobo if possible. If I were to switch out the mobo i'd probably just rather get a whole new computer. The Z600 workstation has a unique mobo and PSU, so i'd have to swap out almost everything else.

 

[Shamar Holtz]

Get the Xeon X5687 and the XFX 280X

 

[mxpie6]

I'd say get an aftermarket cooler, overclock your xeon and then upgrade the GPU, game debate recommends a 290($250)

 

[mathezar]

get an R9 290/290x for about $260/$330 on newegg, then an aftermarket cooler and overclock your xeon.

Because my system is a workstation it doesn't have any overclocking capabilities sadly 🙁

Initially I was going to just shoot for a new GPU, but a lot of people started saying that my CPU would be a pretty harsh bottleneck because its clocked so low.

Is there any way to confirm that the 5687 will be compatible in the generic mobo for the Z600? The specs pdf for the Z600 doesn't seem to be updated to that generation of CPU.

 

[mathezar]

Get the Xeon X5687 and the XFX 280X

Thanks for following up Shamar. Is there any reason that you pick the 280x over the Strix 960?

A nice side note is that the 960, 970, 980 cards all get you witcher 3 for free, so that bumps $60 off their price for me.

 

[Shamar Holtz]

If you'll get witcher for free then i'd get the X5687, like mxpier6 said "Get an aftermarket cooler" and get the 960

By the way, what PSu do you have??? This will play a huge role in what you can get

 

[mathezar]

If you'll get witcher for free then i'd get the X5687, like mxpier6 said "Get an aftermarket cooler" and get the 960

By the way, what PSu do you have??? This will play a huge role in what you can get

Its a custom 650W power supply, it's pretty unique, you'd have to look up the z600 to get a better idea of what its like.

The 960 actually is more energy efficient than the 6850 i'm currently using, so I'd hope that wouldn't be an issue. It also runs alot cooler from what i've been able to find.

Do you have any recommendations for an aftermarker cooler? I've never messed with upgrading/changing fans or anything like that before. I've never had issues with overheating, are you expecting the X5687 to run hotter?

 

[mxpie6]

I'm no expert on xeons or your workstation but you might be able to overclock it through software like this
http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/motherboards/desktop-motherboards/desktop-boards-software-extreme-tuning-utility.html

the 280x is more powerful than the 960 and they cost about the same

 

[mathezar]

I'm no expert on xeons or your workstation but you might be able to overclock it through software like this
http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/motherboards/desktop-motherboards/desktop-boards-software-extreme-tuning-utility.html

the 280x is more powerful than the 960 and they cost about the same

Hey Mxpie6, Thanks for all your input, I really appreciate it!

I mentioned earlier that the Strix 960 has a current deal where i'd get the $60 witcher 3 for free, so that would put the 960 pretty significnatlly below the 280x price wise.

 

[Shamar Holtz]

Everyone loves the CM Hyper 212 Evo as their CPU cooler, it's $30 now

 

[mathezar]

Another option would be to get this CPU: Intel® Xeon® Processor X5672 4C 3.20 GHz, 95W, 12M cache, 6.40GT/s QPI, DDR3 1333MHz, HT, Turbo
Which is actually on the compatibility list for the Z600, and that might give me enough room in my budget to get a GTX 970 over the 960.

 

[Shamar Holtz]

That is a possibility! The most important thing now is getting a GPU while the prices are decent. You can always upgrade your CPU and not feel like the prices are $100 more than before because CPUs don't fluctuate in prices like GPUS. GEt the CPU above ^ and see to getting a 970 if possible

Get the best GPU you can and worry about the CPU later, but soon.