What hardware upgrades should I do for my computer?

[the1sun]

So my computer has been great for general office/school work, but I would also like to be able to do some light gaming on it. I understand that my PC is a little outdated and I'm wondering what relatively cheap upgrades would benefit me the most. Im not a serious gamer so I dont need to go overboard, just a cheap upgrade that I can do that will still put me in the game.

For example, right now I can run Battlefield 3 without a problem, but Battlefield 4 wont run.

My computer is Alienware Aurora R5 desktop (classic alienware), specs are:
Amd Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5200+ 2.71 Ghz
NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT
8GB Ram
Windows 7 Ultimate, 64 bit

I don't really want to spend more than $200, preferably around $100 or less. Whats the most efficient upgrade I can do? Whole CPU need to be swapped or can I get away with just bumping up the GPU a couple levels? I don't mind using used parts off ebay if it'll do the job and significantly cheaper.

Thanks for your advice!

 

[James Mason]

A GPU would be the most noticeable upgrade.

You'll have to find out if what PSU you have, as stronger GPUs will use more power and will need 1 or 2 6 to 8 pin PCIE connectors to power them.
Luckily there is a GTX 750ti ($120-160) which can run most games at medium to high settings at 1080p, and doesnt't require any PCIE power connectors.

But both your CPU and GPU are really weak for modern games like BF4.

 

[the1sun]

Thanks James, what is the best way to go about checking what PSU I have? Can it be checked from the outside or do I need to open up the case? There aren't any programs on the computer that will identify it right?

 

[James Mason]

Thanks James, what is the best way to go about checking what PSU I have? Can it be checked from the outside or do I need to open up the case? There aren't any programs on the computer that will identify it right?

Yeah, you have to open the case and look at the labels on the side for a model number.
Typically only fancy servers would tell you the PSU information in the actual OS or BIOS.

 

[the1sun]

A GPU would be the most noticeable upgrade.

You'll have to find out if what PSU you have, as stronger GPUs will use more power and will need 1 or 2 6 to 8 pin PCIE connectors to power them.
Luckily there is a GTX 750ti ($120-160) which can run most games at medium to high settings at 1080p, and doesnt't require any PCIE power connectors.

But both your CPU and GPU are really weak for modern games like BF4.

Thanks James, what is the best way to go about checking what PSU I have? Can it be checked from the outside or do I need to open up the case? There aren't any programs on the computer that will identify it right?

Yeah, you have to open the case and look at the labels on the side for a model number.
Typically only fancy servers would tell you the PSU information in the actual OS or BIOS.

I opened it up and it says Model Nps-750ab-1 b max watt 750W. I did a quick google search using the model number and it comes up with Alienware NPs-750AB-1 B 750W 80 Plus Certified 24-pin ATX Desktop Power Supply

So is this enough to run the GTX 750ti gpu? And also, what manufacturer would you recommend? I noticed there is EVGA, MSI, ASUS, PNY, ect. And some say Overclocked or Superclocked...How do I know what is the best one for my rigs capabilities?

Thanks

 

[the1sun]

Also I was reading that even though this psu says 750w somebody was saying that is only has "12A on the 12v rail = 144W of total output"...Can you check into that? Does that mean its too weak to power the GTX 750ti?

 

[James Mason]

Also I was reading that even though this psu says 750w somebody was saying that is only has "12A on the 12v rail = 144W of total output"...Can you check into that? Does that mean its too weak to power the GTX 750ti?

The 750ti requires an extremely small amount of power, don't worry about it.
Brandwise, MSI makes one of the best coolers for it.
This one particularly.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-n750titf2gd5oc

BF4 still may not run, because your CPU can't really run it, it's pretty demanding.

 

[the1sun]

Also I was reading that even though this psu says 750w somebody was saying that is only has "12A on the 12v rail = 144W of total output"...Can you check into that? Does that mean its too weak to power the GTX 750ti?

The 750ti requires an extremely small amount of power, don't worry about it.
Brandwise, MSI makes one of the best coolers for it.
This one particularly.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-n750titf2gd5oc

BF4 still may not run, because your CPU can't really run it, it's pretty demanding.

Great thanks! I'll look into getting it soon.

How hard would a CPU upgrade be? Something I could handle installing myself? What would be a good, relatively inexpensive, upgrade? And would I lose any of my data or settings or is it simply unplug old CPU and plug in the new one and everything remains the same?

Sorry for noob questions lol, just trying to improve my computer a bit without having to buy a whole new one or do anything too major.

 

[James Mason]

Great thanks! I'll look into getting it soon.

How hard would a CPU upgrade be? Something I could handle installing myself? What would be a good, relatively inexpensive, upgrade? And would I lose any of my data or settings or is it simply unplug old CPU and plug in the new one and everything remains the same?

Sorry for noob questions lol, just trying to improve my computer a bit without having to buy a whole new one or do anything too major.

A cpu upgrade would require a new motherboard, and is about as hard as just building a new PC:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIF43-0mDk4

You might have to reactivate windows, because windows will detect a new motherboard and say it's no longer valid, but all you have to do is call microsoft and tell them you replaced your motherboard. there will be a phone number where it says you're not activated.

This is what you'd be looking for in a CPU upgrade:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4160 3.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($112.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($70.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $183.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-14 10:28 EDT-0400

 

[MrNewb]

To be honest a nice GPU and CPU upgrade will get you far. Since you are on a budget a R9 200 series may be good like the 270x but if you have the money definitely go for Nvidia. For the CPU I think a AMD A-10 6800k would work well or a FX 8350 would work wonders but an upgrade to those would require a new Motherboard since the Anthlon is on a different socket. If you up the CPU and need a new Mobo (motherboard) make sure your ram bars would be accepted I believe DDR3 ram is what the Mobos for stated CPUs would need. As far as the upgrade process I would start out by unplugging all components then take out the GPU and RAM these usually have switches that hold them in so make sure you pop those down before pulling. The CPU should have a fan on top you would need to lift the locking mechanism which is usually a lever and that should then just pop off the CPU you can leave in or take out but if you are switch CPUs to a newer one then a new mobo would be needed and you can just unscrew the mobo. Then just put in the new Mobo then the CPU which goes in a particular way and lock it in (should be a metal lever thing next to the socket push down to lock pull up to unlock) apply thermal paste and now the CPU fan and lock it in place ( this can be a bit difficult) pop in the RAM bars and Pop in the GPU hook up respective wire/cords and turn on the PC let it update to the new hardware and you should be good.

 

[MrNewb]

Here is what I would do:
CPU AMD Anthlon 860k Quad core 3.7
GPU R9 270x from XF
Mobo Gigabyte GAF2A88X

About 350 to 375 upgrade.