Upgrading my Gaming Computer, I Need Insight

[orthokid]

Hello everyone.

Over a while I've managed to save up some cash for upgrading my computer. I've set aside $200 at the absolute maximum for what components I'm going to get, but I don't have enough experience in hardware to decide what would be most beneficial to my gaming experience. This is where I've come to the community for help.

Okay, so here's my current build:

CPU: Intel i3-3220 (With stock fan)

GPU: Sapphire HD 7770 Gigabyte Edition

Motherboard: ASRock H61 iCafe

RAM: Ballistix Sport 2 x 4GB 1333Mhz

PSU: Raidmax 500W (came with the case)

Case: Raidmax Smilodon

HD: Samsung 840 EVO SSD

Monitor: Acer H6 Series H226HQLbid

I just upgraded my monitor to the one you see now, and I'm all good with my SSD, but aside from that I have no idea what would make my games run better.

Thanks in advance everyone for you help.

 

[Onus]

A video card upgrade would make the biggest difference for games, but first you need to replace the PSU-shaped object. There are usually decent deals; you should be able to find a reasonable PSU for $50. For the remaining $150, you might find a R9 270 like this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202090

 

[orthokid]

A video card upgrade would make the biggest difference for games, but first you need to replace the PSU-shaped object. There are usually decent deals; you should be able to find a reasonable PSU for $50. For the remaining $150, you might find a R9 270 like this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202090

Is this a good PSU?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817148008

 

[Onus]

NO! Apevia offers only PSU-shaped objects.
Check out the Antec VP-450 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371045 which can handle any card needing a single six-pin PCIe power connector.

 

[orthokid]

NO! Apevia offers only PSU-shaped objects.
Check out the Antec VP-450 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371045 which can handle any card needing a single six-pin PCIe power connector.

The requirements for the Dual-X you recommended include having a 500W PSU. Is that just an "on paper" thing or is it an actual requirement?

 

[Onus]

Graphics card manufacturers overstate requirements in the attempt (sometimes futile) to account for all the liar-labeled PSU-shaped objects still somehow being sold. A graphics card with a single 6-pin PCIe connection will not use more than 150W total (75W for the PCIe slot and 75W for the single cable), and in actual use may need considerably less (such as the ~110W your current card needs).

 

[mdocod]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182073

$63 after promo code. Best value in PSUs right now.

 

[Onus]

^That is indeed an excellent PSU, however I was trying to leave enough in his $200 total budget for a worthwhile graphics card upgrade. That might leave enough for a r7 260X, but that isn't a big jump over what he has. On a total budget of $250-$300 though, it's a fine choice.

 

[orthokid]

Thanks for your help Onus, I would have been shooting in the dark without you

 

[mdocod]

The Antec VP450 doesn't impress me. The split rail design, the single 6 pin power connector, as well as the maximum 360W rating from the 12V rails combined are some significant limitations for future use with better GPUs/CPUs. There are plenty of 450W PSUs out there that can power nearly any CPU+GPU combination, the VP450 isn't one of them. The VP450 is an old group regulated unit that is obsolete, I wouldn't pay half what they are asking for it.

An R9 270 + the $63 capstone is 6.5% over the $200 budget. Splurge and do it right.

 

[Onus]

The VP-450 was reviewed by HardwareSecrets, where it was found to be an efficient, modern design. There is nothing wrong with a split +12V rail; the idea that power could be "trapped" on an under-utilized rail was some old Corsair marketing gibberish (which actually could have merit, but only if the OCP set points are not done right; a non-issue in modern PSUs).
That said, the Capstone is a better PSU, but on a budget the VP-450 will be fine.

 

[mdocod]

If I'm into a $40 PSU I'd take the Rosewill ARC 450W before the VP450 because it has beefier component sizing, nicer quality capacitors in the secondaries, better efficiency and is power factor corrected.

I do need to take make a correction. The VP450 is *not* group regulated. I was looking at specifications for the wrong unit.

 

[orthokid]

By the way, I was able to scrounge up a bit more money for the Rosewill, so thanks for the recommendation.

 

[mdocod]

The Capstone?

 

[orthokid]

The Capstone?

Yeah