Upgrading my PC for VR gaming!

[azisatree]

Hello!
Here's what i'm currently using:

Motherboard: gigabyte 990fxa-ud3
CPU: AMD FX-6300
Cpu cooler: Corsair H60
Power supply: 750w
GPU: 4gb NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970
RAM: 8gb ddr3


I'm trying to make the most efficient upgrades to be able to handle VR gaming and of course better overall performance.
I really want to keep my GPU and upgrade everything else if possible.
I have a budget around $500 and I would love some input on what my next steps should be, and what options i have.

Please lend me your knowledge and help a brother out!
Thanks!

 

[julienruc]

Managed to get something oretty decent here. Have a look.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 2700 3.2GHz 8-Core Processor ($269.91 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI - B450 TOMAHAWK ATX AM4 Motherboard ($99.99 @ B&H)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($123.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $493.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-10-08 17:29 EDT-0400

I'm assuming here that you'll use whatever storage and case you already have on top of keeping your GPU and PSU.

Note that your GPU is considered a minimum spec for VR.

 

[justin.m.beauvais]

Well, the CPU, motherboard, and RAM would be the upgrade you'll need. The GTX 970 will be ok. PSU will be plenty for any new system you are building.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/BwftKB
This would be your optimal AMD based solution with a heaping helping of 16 GB of RAM and a Ryzen 2600, it'll be more CPU than your GTX 970 can handle, giving you the best possible performance out of your graphics card.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/L63gJ8
And this is the obligitory "you'll get higher framerates out of an Intel CPU" build with the same RAM and the i5 8400, still plenty of power but in a blue badge.

Both builds leave you some cash out of your $500 budget for a new case if you want it, but the AMD one gives you more.

The question is if you need storage, in which case, drop to 8GB of RAM and grab a Crucial MX 500 or a Samsung 850 EVO drive.
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/BftZGG
In that case, this would be what to go for. It doesn't leave much room for a case, but there are plenty of sub-$50 cases that look ok to choose from.