What to updgrade

[azyrm]

I want to update for better gaming.. but not sure where to start. Here are my specs:

I want to upgrade specifically for gaming but don't know where to start, here is what I have:

2.5 1TB SSD Hybrid drive
970AG45 motherboard
phenom IIx4
12 ddr ram
nvidia geforce 980ti
power 850 if I remember right

I don't want to update just to have the newest, I actually want to put my money in where it will actually give me a good improvement for playing games.. second life to be exact. I'd like to stay around 600 bucks, or less.

 

[volkgren]

You could definitly find improvement on a CPU/Mobo/RAM upgrade. I'd recommend the latest Intel platform for the best speed in gaming.

i5-8600K or i7-8700K + Z370 mobo + 16GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM would be what I would recommend. Also a 250GB or bigger SSD, Samsung 860 EVO if you have the budget.

*Also will need a CPU cooler, will need to know what case you have to know which coolers will fit inside.

 

[WildCard999]

Ryzen or Coffeelake is going to be a massive upgrade over your current system, if you can specify a budget we can help you pick out the best upgrade for price/performance.

 

[dontlistentome]

You need a new CPU...which means also a new motherboard...which means also DDR4. You can do that for less than $600. You can reuse your 980 Ti too, so that helps.

 

[volkgren]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8600K 3.6GHz 6-Core Processor ($237.89 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG - H5 Universal 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($46.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z370XP SLI (rev. 1.0) ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($117.99 @ Newegg Marketplace)
Memory: G.Skill - Trident Z 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($189.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $592.76
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-03-30 20:28 EDT-0400

or

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1600X 3.6GHz 6-Core Processor ($199.89 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG - H5 Universal 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($46.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - GA-AX370-Gaming ATX AM4 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill - Trident Z 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($189.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $536.76
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-03-30 20:32 EDT-0400

or cheaper

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1600 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($176.07 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - GA-AB350-Gaming ATX AM4 Motherboard ($81.88 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($163.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $421.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-03-30 20:34 EDT-0400

VIDEO COMPARISON i5-8600K vs Ryzen 5 1600X - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUg9lJBbRDU