What should I upgrade on my PC next?

[Dan Hind]

It's around that time of year when I like to look at upgrading my rig but I'm not sure what I should prioritize. I obviously want to increase my in-game FPS but I am also considering a new hard drive.
Here's an overview of my current specs:
Summary
Operating System
Windows 8.1 64-bit
CPU
AMD FX-6200
Zambezi 32nm Technology
RAM
8.00GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 669MHz (9-9-9-24)
Motherboard
Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-78LMT-S2P (Socket M2)
Graphics
DSGR (1920x1080@60Hz)
2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 (Gigabyte)
Storage
931GB MB1000EAMZE ATA Device (SATA)
Optical Drives
TSSTcorp CDDVDW SH-222BB ATA Device
PSU
Corsiar GS800
Audio
Logitech G930 Headset
(Speccy)

What should I upgrade next?

 

[Vitric9]

SSDs is a good way to improve overall system responsiveness I use one for my OS and I will not turn back to a mechanical drive now..

 

[Vitric9]

I did not see what PSU you're using , maybe i missed it Any how a good PSU is the best place to start IMO before buying anything else to imprive gaming performance that will use lots of Power ie: GPU/CPU and it is good to have clean power going to your MB and CPU if your overlocking . A lesser quality PSU or Just not enough Wattage can result in instability espcecially when overclocking..But an HDD as little to no impact on your framerate in game but can reduce loading times

 

[swifty_morgan]

you can try over clocking.......... cpu swap won't do anything. the ssd is a good idea. can get decent a 512 pretty cheap today.

 

[Dan Hind]

I did not see what PSU you're using , maybe i missed it Any how a good PSU is the best place to start IMO before buying anything else to imprive gaming performance that will use lots of Power ie: GPU/CPU and it is good to have clean power going to your MB and CPU if your overlocking . A lesser quality PSU or Just not enough Wattage can result in instability espcecially when overclocking..But an HDD as little to no impact on your framerate in game but can reduce loading times

It's a Corsiar GS800

 

[Vitric9]

Ok..Similar to the Corsair CX750M in ways. Semi- modular. 80 Plus Bronze. Anyway That is a good PSU and if you planned on Overclocking the GS800 is good enough to give good clean current to the components. Even if you got a new CPU and MB the FPS in game would not change that much. The GTX 770 is great for 1080p gaming. Also GTX 770 2GB Memory is Faster than it says i think. If you really must Try Making a Custom Resolution in the NVC for 2560x1440 and see how games can run. If they just need more power than a Second GTX 770 would be a good option as Newer GPUs are around the corner. Other than that I would want a Newer platform to work with Myself than the FX6200 and GA-78LMT-S2P setup. Maybe Even a AM3+ MB with a newer faster chipset like 990FX or 970. Then slap a FX 8320 in there. OC it. Need cooling. This is not the cheapest way to go but there are plenty of options that are more costly

 

[logainofhades]

Get rid of the faildozer CPU and crappy motherboard. Replace it with at least an i5 4460 with an H97 pro4. If you live near a Microcenter, an FX 8320 and a 970a-ud3p would be ok too.

 

[Dan Hind]

Okay, so at the moment it sounds like a CPU and motherboard swap? Any recommendations on a reasonable one? I don't want to spend too much.

 

[logainofhades]

What you have budget wise for the swap?

 

[Dan Hind]

What you have budget wise for the swap?

Around £250, possibly less. I'll likely buy the stuff in a month or two.

 

[logainofhades]

What you have budget wise for the swap?

Around £250, possibly less. I'll likely buy the stuff in a month or two.

I would go with this. You get i7 4770 performance for less.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1230 V3 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor (£181.81 @ Scan.co.uk)
Motherboard: MSI H97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£64.74 @ CCL Computers)
Total: £246.55
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

On a side note, if you find an E3 1231v3, for a similar cost, go with that instead. PCpartpicker has neglected to add them for some reason.

 

[Dan Hind]

What you have budget wise for the swap?

Around £250, possibly less. I'll likely buy the stuff in a month or two.

I would go with this. You get i7 4770 performance for less.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1230 V3 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor (£181.81 @ Scan.co.uk)
Motherboard: MSI H97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£64.74 @ CCL Computers)
Total: £246.55
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

On a side note, if you find an E3 1231v3, for a similar cost, go with that instead. PCpartpicker has neglected to add them for some reason.

Would something like this be better? (http://www.novatech.co.uk/products/components/processors/intel4thgeni3i5i71150/bx80646i54690k.html)

I don't know much about motherboards, as far as i'm concerned if it works it's fine. What should I look for in a motherboard?

 

[logainofhades]

It can be better, with an overclock, but that costs more. You would need aftermarket cooling and a better motherboard. Going forward, hyperthreading will be beneficial to you.