What PC part should I upgrade first?

[connellykerriann]

Hi guys! I'm thinking that my gaming PC might be needing an upgrade soon. I've had it since 2012, although I have upgraded parts since then. I don't have a lot of money, so I can only afford to upgrade maybe one or two components.

What do you guys think I should upgrade first? My budget range is probably about 200-300.

Also, I'm in Scotland, if that matters.

Current specs:

Windows 10

16GB PC3-10666 1333MHz DDR3 Memory (4 x 4GB sticks)

GeForce Gtx 960 graphics card

Intel Core i5 3570K 3.40 GHz (No Overclocking)

Asus P8H77-M PRO Motherboard

250GB SSD, unsure of model, I think it's Kingston.

I've got about 3TB space, 1x 1TB and 1x2TB drive

I'm pretty sure the case is the Pure Base 600 Window, if I remember right.

Unsure of the name of my PSU but it's new and upgraded recently.

Thank you in advance for any help!

 

[volkgren]

I would upgrade the GPU. Which GPU to buy depends on your budget.

 

[Wolfshadw]

Personally, I'd keep saving until you can perform a complete core system upgrade (CPU/Motherboard/RAM).

-Wolf sends

 

[shrapnel_indie]

Here are some choices for upgrading your GPU. They are a bit better, and comparatively they would compete with the GTX-970 of the same era of car you got right now. It's hard to get more specific on the best choice because of lack of info on the PSU.

https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/products/compare/RFs8TW,zwbkcf,dTfmP6,MC7CmG/

Note it isn't necessarily a huge improvement, but at 1080p there will be an improvement. CPU upgrades would help some, but for the latest CPU would require a new MoBo and RAM, which is outside of budget you have. 16GB of RAM is good though.

 

[WildCard999]

Edit

 

[geofelt]

A perennial question.
The answer is... it depends.
Here is my stock approach:
Some games are graphics limited like fast action shooters.
Others are cpu core speed limited like strategy, sims, and mmo.
Multiplayer tends to like many threads.

You need to find out which.
------------------------------------------------------------
To help clarify your CPU/GPU options, run these two tests:

a) Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 70%.
Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.
Conversely what a 30% improvement in core speed might do.

You should also experiment with removing one or more cores/threads. You can do this in the windows msconfig boot advanced options option.
You will need to reboot for the change to take effect. Set the number of threads to less than you have.
This will tell you how sensitive your games are to the benefits of many threads.
If you see little difference, your game does not need all the threads you have.



It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system,
and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS.
-------------------------------------------------------------

You will find that a graphics card upgrade is easiest. you may exceed your budget here.

The cpu upgrade is going to need a new motherboard, cpu and ddr4 ram you certainly will exceed your budget here.

 

[shrapnel_indie]

With your budget, A GPU upgrade is possible. Some games may even appreciate the 4GB or 6GB of VRAM too.
A (traditional HSF, not CLC/AiO) Cooler is fairly cheap, but the exact amount you spend can have an effect on if you can afford a better GPU or waiting a little longer too.

 

[geofelt]

I'd get a aftermarket cooler and overclock that 3470K as far as it will safely go then use the rest of the budget for a GPU, although right now it appears GPU pricing is quite high. Also overclocking the GPU a bit should add some more performance to the system.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: be quiet! - Dark Rock 3 67.8 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($62.88 @ OutletPC)
Total: $62.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-01-12 12:00 EST-0500

OP has a H77 motherboard, you can't overclock.
Then, it is probably not worthwhile to buy a zxxx chipset motherboard.

 

[WildCard999]

Woops, fixed.