What do I upgrade in my desktop for beter Gaming Performance?

[AddictGamer]

Hello, I am looking to upgrade some parts in my computer because it's not performing like I want it. I haven't been able to play games on the default settings for a long time, I always have to change the settings in each game to the lowest or near low. Btw i play online games like Starcraft2, Payday2, Battlefield 2 ect.

Also, I did some research on how to improve gaming performance. All it told me was to update your drivers and make sure there is no programs slowing down your computer. I just finished looking threw my driver and they are all up to date, and I am sure nothing is slowing my computer down in the background. at this point i think i need upgrades im just not sure where to start and if i buy a new part with it be compatible with my current set up.
Here is my specs:
Windows 7
Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz 2.39GHz
Ram: 3GB
32-bit operating system
ATI Radeon™ HD 4830
DDR2 MotherBoard
Power Supply: 600W OCZ Technology

 

[Johnny_C13]

What's your casing?

If I were you, I'd pretty much gut that whole built. I'd save the PSU and maybe Windows 7 (it's 32 bit... but that wouldn't be my priority for now)

-CPU: The Core 2 was serviceable, but it's starting to show age for sure. I'd get i5/i7 Haswell (4th gen).
-Mobo: ...which means you need to change your mobo to a 1150 socket type (and one with DDR3 compatibility).
-RAM: DDR3 of course, 4 is acceptable and 8 is plenty. Something from Corsair, Kingston, or other reputable brands.
-GPU: Many affordable options are available depending on price range. Check Tom's Best GPU for the Money article (September edition came out a few days ago).

So in short, you pretty much need a refresh, save the PSU (and maybe Windows) IMO.

 

[AddictGamer]

It's a Acer aspire m5641 Am5641 E5620A

 

[AddictGamer]

Since im looking at a new computer basically, i just have to look for part to fit my tower?

 

[Johnny_C13]

Ok, so your case is a small form factor casing. This means when shopping for a mobo you'll need a microATX or mini-ITX. Also, depending on the lenght you have in that case, you'll have to make sure you get a GPU that's not much longer than 10''-10.5''.

Now, this is certainly doable; in fact more and more companies are releasing small form factor components since it seems to be the new thing these days. However, you still have a MUCH smaller diversity of products, so bargain hunting might be harder.

So, I don't know what your budget is, but for around 200$ more, you could buy a decent normal sized case + PSU. This would eliminate that limitation for any future upgrades. Anyway, you're already changing most of your components anyhow. Now might be a perfect time to start from scratch, and keep your other PC as a back-up, or utility or w/e.

 

[AddictGamer]

Thanks for the feed back, just one more quick question.
i went shopping last night and priced out a good computer (in my opinion). I just would like to know what case i should get and im looking for somthing of good value.

Heres the set up I priced out.

CPU - Intel Core i5-4670K Haswell - $249.99
Mobo - ASUS Z87-A LGA 1150 - $177.99
GPU - EVGA GeForce GTX 760 Suplerclocked Video Card - $269.97
RAM - CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB - 72.99
CPU Heatsink - Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo Direct Touch 4 Heatpipe Heatsink - $31.06
HDD - Seagate Barracuda ST500DM002 500GB - $54.99
Total - $856.99

I would also like an opinions on this build.

 

[coozie7]

Just butting in 😉.
The biggest issue is the graphics card, it is holding back the CPU hugely and despite its age the Q6600 is still a capable gaming processor: http://www.ocaholic.ch/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=817
Will the existing case house a normal sized power supply and what PSU is currently installed?
How large is the case inside? I can see it's quite small but can't see what length of graphics card it can hold.
What games are you wanting to play, at what sort of settings and resolution?
Rather than hit the credit card so hard now it might be better for you to just upgrade the graphics/power supply and get gaming while you set some cash aside for a new build later next year.
Nice build BTW you just missed out the power supply and OS 😉.

 

[Johnny_C13]

My recommendations for the change in CPU is less about the processor itself as it has to do with the mobo. I mean, Z87's mobo have such nice features like plenty of Sata 3 and USB 3 connectors, not to mention finally switching to DDR3 Ram, that IMO it's worth it.

Anyway, back to your build. I'd say flat out nicely done. As for which case, you'll have to choose the look you like obviously, but nice cases such as the Corsair 400R or the Rosewill Thor can be had for like 80-100$.

An SSD would be nice, but it's certainly not a priority for you right now, especially for gaming. You can get decent 240-256Gb ones for like under 200$ so it's a fair investment (Samsung, Sandisk, Intel...).

 

[boboftw]

Thanks for the feed back, just one more quick question.
i went shopping last night and priced out a good computer (in my opinion). I just would like to know what case i should get and im looking for somthing of good value.

Heres the set up I priced out.

CPU - Intel Core i5-4670K Haswell - $249.99
Mobo - ASUS Z87-A LGA 1150 - $177.99
GPU - EVGA GeForce GTX 760 Suplerclocked Video Card - $269.97
RAM - CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB - 72.99
CPU Heatsink - Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo Direct Touch 4 Heatpipe Heatsink - $31.06
HDD - Seagate Barracuda ST500DM002 500GB - $54.99
Total - $856.99

I would also like an opinions on this build.

This is assuming you're in US and you're buying it now.
4670k + z87 at $350 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116899
GPU : amd 7950 > gtx 760. You can usually find one at $200 or less after rebate. Stick with MSI or Sapphire.
Ram : Ok.
CPU Heatsink : Ok.
HDD: Ok.

I would personally get a new PSU, OCZ is kind of average and you've been using that system for a couple years.
This is $38 AR : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?SID=KAKNBh5dEeOMqrb8dtOeEw0_kP3i3_0_0_0&AID=10440897&PID=1225267&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-cables-_-na-_-na&Item=N82E16817139028&cm_sp=

If you're going for a new case this was is $48 AR: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?SID=ZwWi1h5dEeO2Jf70KdAAXg0_2ICi3_0_0_0&AID=10440897&PID=1225267&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-cables-_-na-_-na&Item=N82E16811112389&cm_sp=