Best upgrade for my build $200-300

My current specs:

CPU: AMD phenom 2 940 quad core

GPU: ati 4890

RAM: 6b ddr2

So I'm thinking it's time to upgrade my GPU, will I need to do the same with the CPU? I've gotten a bigger monitor and with the new resolution my rigs starting to show its age. If I should just upgrade the GPU can anyone suggest the best video card between $200-$300.

On a side note I've noticed most GPUs now say they use pcie 3.0 does it matter if my mobo only has 2.0?

Thanks

On a side note I've noticed most GPUs now say they use pcie 3.0 does it matter if my mobo only has 2.0?

Thanks

shert

I recommend a new GPU, like a Radeon 7870 or a GTX 660. I also recommend overclocking your CPU, as that will give you a performance boost in some games and alleviate some of the very mild bottlenecking that your Phenom II will do to such a new GPU. If you don't have an aftermarket CPU cooler, get a Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus or 212 Evo. They are the best air coolers for the money. You should be able to get get at least 3.4 to 3.6ghz out of your CPU.

Down the road you will want to get a new CPU, motherboard, and RAM. That can wait if you only have $200-300 to play with right now. Your 4890 is probably still worth $50-70 on craiglist or ebay if you want to sell it.

As far as PCI-E 3.0 vs 2.0- No, it won't matter. PCI-E 3.0 capable video cards work in 2.0 slots. GPUs aren't even fully utilizing the capabilities of 2.0, so don't worry about it.

Didn't realize my CPU was so dated, I mean I can do a full overhaul of my rig if its necessary to max out games. Alright let's assume my budgets just gone up to $600-$700 to include, cpu, mobo, ram and gpu, what is the best CPU/GPU combo for this budget?

[QUOTE="shert"]

On a side note I've noticed most GPUs now say they use pcie 3.0 does it matter if my mobo only has 2.0?

Thanks

horgen123

get a new gpu the hd 4890 got dumped after the cayman series the hd 5830 preforms exactly the same but has 5 times the support dx10 cards got royally DUMPED by driver support shortly after their dx11 1st lineup launched. the 11 cards have been doing much better as the 8000 series is 11.1 compliant and will do much better. in terms of support for 11 cards

then oc the cpu a little once you have the gpu amd vision center has a cpu overclocking utility it works rather well only a .1ghz difference from my manual multiplier playing (for the worse)

Didn't realize my CPU was so dated, I mean I can do a full overhaul of my rig if its necessary to max out games. Alright let's assume my budgets just gone up to $600-$700 to include, cpu, mobo, ram and gpu, what is the best CPU/GPU combo for this budget?

shert

[QUOTE="shert"]

Didn't realize my CPU was so dated, I mean I can do a full overhaul of my rig if its necessary to max out games. Alright let's assume my budgets just gone up to $600-$700 to include, cpu, mobo, ram and gpu, what is the best CPU/GPU combo for this budget?

5SI-GonePostal

I concur.

[QUOTE="5SI-GonePostal"][QUOTE="shert"]

Didn't realize my CPU was so dated, I mean I can do a full overhaul of my rig if its necessary to max out games. Alright let's assume my budgets just gone up to $600-$700 to include, cpu, mobo, ram and gpu, what is the best CPU/GPU combo for this budget?

hartsickdiscipl

I concur.

What about an amd fx-8350? It's cheaper than the 3570 and I've seen it higher on some benchmarks?

[QUOTE="hartsickdiscipl"]

[QUOTE="5SI-GonePostal"] If this were the case most people will tell you to get an i5 3570, a z77 mobo, 8gb of 1600 ram and a 7870 there or there abouts. If you have enough left over a 120gb ssd wouldnt hurt but would be the last thing on the listshert

I concur.

What about an amd fx-8350? It's cheaper than the 3570 and I've seen it higher on some benchmarks?

[QUOTE="hartsickdiscipl"]

[QUOTE="5SI-GonePostal"] If this were the case most people will tell you to get an i5 3570, a z77 mobo, 8gb of 1600 ram and a 7870 there or there abouts. If you have enough left over a 120gb ssd wouldnt hurt but would be the last thing on the listshert

I concur.

What about an amd fx-8350? It's cheaper than the 3570 and I've seen it higher on some benchmarks?

LOL how clueless are you. You bought into AMD once and now you want to do it again.

The FX-8350 is a 4 core 4 module joke of a processor.

Core-Core performance the i5 3570k decimates it.

The 8350 can't touch the 3570k in gaming.

For rendering the 8350 BARELY beats the 3570k. For an '8 core' processor that is a joke. Any Intel processor above the 3570k will blow the 8350 into smithereens.

The 8350 runs hotter, sucks more power, and the for the price it's laughable.

Alright heres a build I've worked out.

CPU

MOBO

RAM

GPU

How does this look?

Will I still be able to use this PSU? Or will that need to be upgraded as well?

If it were me... I would do the GPU first. Then wait and save up a bit of money to get either Ivy i5 or Haswell i5 with mobo and 8gb ram. Of course if you can get a better cooler for your CPU and OC it for time being, then use that cooler on your new CPU when you get one. horgen123

Depends, spending more becomes a bit of an investment so in that case get an intel cpu. If you want skimp on spending than forget the fx and keep the the current cpu.

Best thing to do is ofc. get ~hd 7870 level card.

Alright heres a build I've worked out.

CPU

MOBO

RAM

GPU

How does this look?

Will I still be able to use this PSU? Or will that need to be upgraded as well?

shert

This is good and your PSU should be fine - really like the windforce cards and the 7950 is a nice card

[QUOTE="shert"]

[QUOTE="hartsickdiscipl"]

I concur.

jakes456

What about an amd fx-8350? It's cheaper than the 3570 and I've seen it higher on some benchmarks?

LOL how clueless are you. You bought into AMD once and now you want to do it again.

The FX-8350 is a 4 core 4 module joke of a processor.

Core-Core performance the i5 3570k decimates it.

The 8350 can't touch the 3570k in gaming.

For rendering the 8350 BARELY beats the 3570k. For an '8 core' processor that is a joke. Any Intel processor above the 3570k will blow the 8350 into smithereens.

The 8350 runs hotter, sucks more power, and the for the price it's laughable.

[QUOTE="jakes456"]

[QUOTE="shert"]

What about an amd fx-8350? It's cheaper than the 3570 and I've seen it higher on some benchmarks?

ionusX

LOL how clueless are you. You bought into AMD once and now you want to do it again.

The FX-8350 is a 4 core 4 module joke of a processor.

Core-Core performance the i5 3570k decimates it.

The 8350 can't touch the 3570k in gaming.

For rendering the 8350 BARELY beats the 3570k. For an '8 core' processor that is a joke. Any Intel processor above the 3570k will blow the 8350 into smithereens.

The 8350 runs hotter, sucks more power, and the for the price it's laughable.