Upgrading my PC

[lordmanatee]

So, nearly 2 years ago Toms Hardware helped me decide on parts for my PC..and now that I'm graduating college I want to upgrade it, though I'm not sure which direction to go with.

I'm currently running an AMD, ATi setup which works alright, but it was built on a $1500 budget. I just don't know which parts are worth upgrading. I'm looking to upgrade my RAM, CPU, and MoBo.


Approximate Purchase Date: Sometime in the future, still working out details.

Budget Range: Somewhere under $1000, but price doesn't matter all that much as long as its not extravagant. (i.e. $600 max for each part.)

System Usage : Gaming first and foremost, and general computer use.

Parts Not Required: I have all basic peripherals, no need for case, PSU, GPU)

Preferred Website : Newegg, unless the price is much cheaper somewhere else.

Country: USA

Parts Preferences: I would prefer an upgrade in the Intel direction, they have given me the most luck in the past. Overall the brand should have a good reputation, as well as being fast and durable.

My current setup :

MoBo - ASRock 870

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157198

CPU - AMD Phenom II X4 955

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808

PSU - XFX Black Edition p1-750B

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207003

GPU - XFX ATi HD 6950

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150518

RAM - G.Skill 4GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231303

Case - CM HAF 932

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119230


Running Windows 7 home premium.


Sometime in the future I will be upgrading to dual GPUs so I would definitely need a MoBo that could support that.

Overall I just want the fastest computer that I can afford on a line cook's budget.

Thank you for any help you could give me.

 

[g-unit1111]

You should definitely upgrade your motherboard, CPU, and RAM - and then add a second 6950 for Crossfire.

For the motherboard / CPU / RAM setup I'd recommend this:

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128498 - Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD3H
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072 - 3.3GHz Core i5-2500K
Cooler: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099 - CM Hyper 212 Evo
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148544 - 8GB Crucial Ballistix Sport

Then add a second 6950 if your PSU allows for it and that should be a pretty killer setup.

 

[lordmanatee]

Those parts are all on the inexpensive side, which is great. But I'm wondering..would pumping in a bit more cash be worth it?

I was looking at this

CPU : Intel Core i7-3930K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116492

Thanks for the speedy reply.

 

[AbdullahG]

Those parts are all on the inexpensive side, which is great. But I'm wondering..would pumping in a bit more cash be worth it?

I was looking at this

CPU : Intel Core i7-3930K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116492

Thanks for the speedy reply.

For gaming, the i7 3930k is a waste of money.
It's only worth considering if you want to do CPU intensive tasks such as folding, rendering, etc.
g-unit chose out some great parts.
Another option for the MoBo:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271&Tpk=asrock%20extreme3%20gen3

 

[lordmanatee]

Duly noted, though I'm also wondering what performance increase the Intel CPU will give me..comparing the specs of the two chips they seem almost identical.

 

[AbdullahG]

Duly noted, though I'm also wondering what performance increase the Intel CPU will give me..comparing the specs of the two chips they seem almost identical.

The i5 2500K consists of a smaller die and much more advanced architect than the Phenom IIs.
This allows much high gains in terms of performance, and even power consumption and heat.
Simply Google reviews on the i5 2500K for a much clearer picture; Gigahertz are only a small part of the story.

 

[GhosT94]

get the cpu from here
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354589
much cheaper

 

[lordmanatee]

get the cpu from here
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354589
much cheaper

"Available in-store only" but thank you for the suggestion.

 

[lordmanatee]

One final question and I think I'll be done...

If I wanted to put a soundcard somewhere in there..what would be my best option?

 

[g-unit1111]

One final question and I think I'll be done...

If I wanted to put a soundcard somewhere in there..what would be my best option?

None - sound cards are pretty useless anymore. The onboard audio on your motherboard is perfectly fine.

 

[lordmanatee]

Best answer selected by lordmanatee.