Upgrading PC: What Parts To Get First?

[nickson104]

I have a dated pc which is in need of some love, however I cant afford to upgrade all at once.

Here are my specs:
Operating System: Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit (6.3, Build 9600) (9600.winblue_r9.150322-1500)
Motherboard: BIOSTAR N68S3+
Processor: AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 850 Processor (4 CPUs), ~3.3GHz
Memory: 8192MB RAM (pretty sure its DDR3)
Graphics Card : ATI Radeon HD 5400 Series
Monitor : ACER X193W
SSD: Samsung SSD 850 EVO SCSI Disk Device 240GB
HDD: SAMSUNG HD103SJ SCSI Disk Device

I assume that my storage and memory are acceptable, but if they will give a benefit I am happy to upgrade.

I aim to upgrade one component at a time (unless components are cheap), so I would like to ask for advice as to the order of upgrades that will allow for the computer to move forward, but remain usable.
I dont know enough in order to say whether the motherboard would be compatible with today's processors, especially seeing as I would like to jump to an Intel processor.

Advice as to the best order of parts to upgrade in, would be appreciated.

 

[James Mason]

Your CPU isn't that bad.
You'd see the biggest boost from a new GPU, you'll probably have to get a new PSU as well.
I'd estimate a good GPU would run you between $150-200
And a new PSu for it would be around $50.

If a new CPU, like an intel, will require a new motherboard, and you won't see that big of a difference in game performance. The GPU will give you biggest difference, and then you can upgrade the CPU and motherboard.

 

[nickson104]

Your CPU isn't that bad.
You'd see the biggest boost from a new GPU, you'll probably have to get a new PSU as well.
I'd estimate a good GPU would run you between $150-200
And a new PSu for it would be around $50.

If a new CPU, like an intel, will require a new motherboard, and you won't see that big of a difference in game performance. The GPU will give you biggest difference, and then you can upgrade the CPU and motherboard.

Thank you James, I was under the impression that the CPU was substandard. I agree that a GPU is certainly a must, and thank you for pointing out that this would be the best first purchase.

Thank you also for reminding me to add a PSU to the list of components, I always forget that its a pretty integral component.