What should I replace on my gaming PC?

[zeberrr]

So I've had my PC for about 3.5 years now. Its done me fine and I've never done anything to it except some dust maintenance. But as time goes on im beginning to have some issues with newer games and overall performance errors.

The first issue is when you boot up the computer from it being shut off. The computer boots up quickly and im able to log in quickly. But once i get to the desktop, I cant click anything, none of my desktop or task-bar icons are showing up. I usually cant click on anything either, I just have to wait. It usually takes a couple minutes until im able to fully use my pc.

Second issue is with im 90% sure my graphics card. I have a gtx 770, and whenever I play battlefield one ( i play at 1440p with low/med settings) I usually can play for an hour or hour an a half no problem, but after that I start getting really poor performance, mainly lag spikes where it just spikes down below 30 every 5-15 seconds. Also my game will crash frequently, this happens maybe 1 out of every 3 times i play the game and im left with an error saying either the graphics driver crashed or something else having to do with my graphics card.

I may be just being redundant and already know the answer but I wanted to get the opinions of some smarter people than me. I think my problems are coming from the graphics card and hard drive... But if you think its something else just let me know. Also should I replace just the card and hard drive? Or is it time to upgrade from my 4 year old rig and just go all new?
Thanks for reading and giving me your time.

**Specs for reference
Computer Specs
-intel i54670k(with some coolermaster water cooler)
-EVGA GTX 770
-MSI Z87-G41
-8gb DDR3
-Toshiba HDD
-Apevia X-trooper case (Dont judge me i was 15 lol)
-corsair cx500

 

[Deleted member 217926]

The GTX 770 can be replaced with a GTX 1070 or even a 1080. The rest of your system can handle it. I really hope you aren't using an Aptevia power supply though.

 

[zeberrr]

The GTX 770 can be replaced with a GTX 1070 or even a 1080. The rest of your system can handle it. I really hope you aren't using an Aptevia power supply though.

Nooo, using a corsair cx500

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Not much better but sufficient.

 

[chegalhavara]

Anyway I would first try formatting you hdd and fresh install windows, drivers and anything that you need. Only after would I think of an upgrade.
Btw check your temps while playing. Your sudden loss of performance can also be temperature related.

 

[zeberrr]

Anyway I would first try formatting you hdd and fresh install windows, drivers and anything that you need. Only after would I think of an upgrade.
Btw check your temps while playing. Your sudden loss of performance can also be temperature related.

Alright thanks, yeah my hard drive is virtually full so I think a format will open things up. But what temperature should I be looking for when overheating? anything over 90*C?

**edit** gtx 770s run at 80*C under load anything above 90 is over heating

 

[UnknownUser1022]

Anyway I would first try formatting you hdd and fresh install windows, drivers and anything that you need. Only after would I think of an upgrade.
Btw check your temps while playing. Your sudden loss of performance can also be temperature related.

Alright thanks, yeah my hard drive is virtually full so I think a format will open things up. But what temperature should I be looking for when overheating? anything over 90*C?

**edit** gtx 770s run at 80*C under load anything above 90 is over heating

I would really test your PSU. Voltage drops can cause the GPU to give out which will cause freezes and game crashes because the driver stops working during the power drop. You can check in the BIOS to see if the 12v rail is providing constant power. A better way to be to use a multi meter to make sure its giving a consistent stream of around 12v.

If you do decide to upgrade your GPU upgrading your PSU would be highly recommended. Many people overlook the PSU but it really is probably the most important thing in the system because it holds the life of all your components in its electric hands.

 

[zeberrr]

Anyway I would first try formatting you hdd and fresh install windows, drivers and anything that you need. Only after would I think of an upgrade.
Btw check your temps while playing. Your sudden loss of performance can also be temperature related.

Alright thanks, yeah my hard drive is virtually full so I think a format will open things up. But what temperature should I be looking for when overheating? anything over 90*C?

**edit** gtx 770s run at 80*C under load anything above 90 is over heating

I would really test your PSU. Voltage drops can cause the GPU to give out which will cause freezes and game crashes because the driver stops working during the power drop. You can check in the BIOS to see if the 12v rail is providing constant power. A better way to be to use a multi meter to make sure its giving a consistent stream of around 12v.

If you do decide to upgrade your GPU upgrading your PSU would be highly recommended. Many people overlook the PSU but it really is probably the most important thing in the system because it holds the life of all your components in its electric hands.

Yup the power supply was the problem, got a new one and now I dont have anymore crashes or shotty performance after long game sessions, thanks a lot for the suggestion!