Question What possible upgrades do you guys recommend?

[Deadlyron]

Hello everyone,

I've got a question. Today I noticed my system - even on Total War: Rome Remastered - almost took off and stuttered.

I already ordered 2x 8GB DDR3 RAM for improvement: Memory usage was at 95%.

Now my question: what other (cost efficient ) upgrades would you guys suggest? I built this PC myself in 2016.

Motherboard: ASROCK B85M Pro;
CPU: Intel i5 4460;
RAM: 2x 4GB + 2x 8 GB on the way;
GPU: Radeon R9 380 Nitro;

Storage has no issues.

Thanks in advance, looking forward for your tips!!

 

[Lafong]

I already ordered 2x 8GB DDR3 RAM for improvement: Memory usage was at 95%.

Now my question: what other (cost efficient ) upgrades would you guys suggest?

You are planning going from 8 RAM to 24 RAM?? That may or may not work out.

"Cost efficient" is debatable. A reasonable argument might be there are none if you insist on keeping that motherboard. Of course, you get to define "cost efficient".

 

[Deadlyron]

You are planning going from 8 RAM to 24 RAM?? That may or may not work out.

"Cost efficient" is debatable. A reasonable argument might be there are none if you insist on keeping that motherboard. Of course, you get to define "cost efficient".

So, you are saying: change MOBO, CPU and GPU? Or is that too quick of a conclusion?

 

[Lafong]

Your motherboard will keep you from progressing much. It is 2013 technology, as is the RAM.

But maybe you can't afford to replace it. I have no idea.

I have no idea how you define "cost-efficient".

If you CAN afford to spend say 500 dollars or more, I'd get a new motherboard, a new CPU, and new RAM.

If you can afford only say 100 or 200, maybe you can get a slightly better CPU, probably used.

Your GPU may or may not be tolerable if you changed those other parts. I don't use video cards at all. It may be that spending 300 on another video card might help. I wouldn't know.

Nobody knows what you do with the PC. That matters on where the money is best spent. NOTHING but gaming?

It's all budget driven. You are in charge of the budget.

 

[Deadlyron]

Thanks for your reply.

So let's say, I'd like to spend around 500!? Motherboard, CPU and GPU (assuming I still can fit DDR3).

I like to play some videogames but I am not a hardcore player. I like Total War, and all that. My PC is fine, but is getting really outdated fast.

What MOBO + CPU do you recommend and go from there?

 

[Lafong]

Thanks for your reply.

So let's say, I'd like to spend around 500!? Motherboard, CPU and GPU (assuming I still can fit DDR3).

I like to play some videogames but I am not a hardcore player. I like Total War, and all that. My PC is fine, but is getting really outdated fast.

What MOBO + CPU do you recommend and go from there?

NOOOOO....

DDR 3 is totally incompatible with any fairly recent motherboard.

If you want Intel and have 500, I'd split it something like this:

Motherboard 150 to 200; either ATX or micro ATX; chipsets like B660, B760; Z690 or Z790 ; B660 or B760 should be fine and a bit cheaper. Micro ATX will save you money.

RAM: under 100 dollars; DDR 4 or DDR 5; 16 or 32 GB; choose the board before you choose the RAM. Some boards will take DDR 4 ONLY; some will take DDR 5 ONLY.

CPU; entire remainder; from maybe 150 on up to 300 or budget limit. Probably an i5, beginning with a 12 or 13 model number.

Video cards, power supplies, etc not included.

It would probably help you if you could throw another 50 or 100 into the pot every month.

Buy it all at once; not some in July and some in September.

 

[Why_Me]

Thanks for your reply.

So let's say, I'd like to spend around 500!? Motherboard, CPU and GPU (assuming I still can fit DDR3).

I like to play some videogames but I am not a hardcore player. I like Total War, and all that. My PC is fine, but is getting really outdated fast.

What MOBO + CPU do you recommend and go from there?

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: *Intel Core i5-12400F 2.5 GHz 6-Core Processor ($149.97 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: *Gigabyte B660M AORUS Pro AX DDR4 Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: *Silicon Power GAMING 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($29.97 @ Amazon)
Total: $289.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-07-06 15:58 EDT-0400

 

[Deadlyron]

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: *Intel Core i5-12400F 2.5 GHz 6-Core Processor ($149.97 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: *Gigabyte B660M AORUS Pro AX DDR4 Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: *Silicon Power GAMING 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($29.97 @ Amazon)
Total: $289.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-07-06 15:58 EDT-0400

Thanks for your contribution!

And keep the current GPU?

 

[Why_Me]

Thanks for your contribution!

And keep the current GPU?

Yes for now and after you save a few quid look at a new gpu.

https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product/D9ytt6/asrock-radeon-rx-6600-8-gb-challenger-d-video-card-rx6600-cld-8g

 

[Lafong]

The more you can spend NOW, the longer you can delay your next upgrade LATER.

It's up to you to decide if it's better to spend 300 now or 500 in October. We don't know your expectations or your level of dissatisfaction with current hardware.

WhyMe's list is a good way to go if you want to buy now.

I hope you can get a refund on that DDR 3 you ordered?

 

[Deadlyron]

The more you can spend NOW, the longer you can delay your next upgrade LATER.

It's up to you to decide if it's better to spend 300 now or 500 in October. We don't know your expectations or your level of dissatisfaction with current hardware.

WhyMe's list is a good way to go if you want to buy now.

I hope you can get a refund on that DDR 3 you ordered?

Thanks, and yes. I can get a refund (was around 35,-, so no real biggy)!

I will calculate some. Thanks all!!