Upgrade this computer!

[ryan256]

I'm thinking about upgrading my current computer but I'm not sure what to upgrade. My budget is about $300. My first thought is video card. But would it be worth it to upgrade from what I have? My current card can run Skyrim at maximum settings in 1920x1080 with no problem. And I could probably get alot more performance out of my CPU if I actually took the time to overclock the thing like I had planned. My primary use for this machine is gaming: Skyrim, Call of Duty, Payday 2, ect.

My specs

CPU : Intel i7-2600K
Heatsink : Zalman CNPS9900ALED 120mm
Mobo : Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD3
Memory : 16GB G.Skill Ripjaws DDR3 1333
GPU : EVGA GTX 570
SSD : 128GB Plextor PX-128M2S
HHD : 500GB Seagate 7200.11 SATA drive
DVD : Lite-ON 24x DVD Burner
PSU : 600W PC Power & Cooling Silencer Mk III
Case : Cooler Master HAF-X
Screen : 24" Asus LCD
OS : Windows 7 Ultimate

So..... what to upgrade on this machine?

 

[corkyg]

If it were mine, I would leave it alone. You're already years ahead of mine. <LOL>

What is it that you can't do at present? From what you say, it is only a toy. OTOH, I would consider replacing the HDD with a SSD of the same size.

 

[Seba]

Get a laser printer.

 

[Termie]

You'd increase your performance about 60-70% going from a GTX570 to an R9 280X for $300.

Your CPU is plenty fast, as long as you overclock it. If you don't have a cooler for it, pick up a CoolerMaster Hyper 212+, and it will take you to at least 4.4-4.5GHz.

 

[Seba]

Yes, but what is the point if he can already use the maximum settings?

 

[Termie]

Yes, but what is the point if he can already use the maximum settings?

Skyrim/COD are by no means modern games. If he's looking to play any of the big game releases from 2013 (BF4, Crysis 3, Tomb Raider, Bioshock, etc.), he'll need more power to max the settings.

Then again, we could also ask why he'd want to max anything - that's the joy of PC gaming. I do some great gaming on an Intel Atom tablet. What counts as reasonable performance is all a matter of perspective.

 

[Seba]

He did not mention those games (BF4, Crysis 3, etc.). This aspect needs to be clarified by OP.

 

[ryan256]

Basically I'm wanting to beef up the computer so it can handle BF4 or some of the other modern titles. I'm looking forward to the new Thief release and might pick up Call of Duty: Ghosts. While I'm sure I can run them I don't know how well my current system will perform on those titles. To me acceptable performance is being able to hold 45-60 fps at 1920x1080 resolution with medium-high graphics settings even during fast action phases where a lot of stuff is moving around.

 

[Techhog]

Basically I'm wanting to beef up the computer so it can handle BF4 or some of the other modern titles. I'm looking forward to the new Thief release and might pick up Call of Duty: Ghosts. While I'm sure I can run them I don't know how well my current system will perform on those titles. To me acceptable performance is being able to hold 45-60 fps at 1920x1080 resolution with medium-high graphics settings even during fast action phases where a lot of stuff is moving around.

Well, that calls for a new graphics card. Look for a 7970/R9 280X with a good cooler.

 

[Charlie98]

Replace the case... there is no way that HAF can stand up to the new games.

Just kidding.

Update your GPU... :biggrin: everything else is solid.

 

[mfenn]

Really your PC is fine for medium-high settings as is. However, if you really really want to upgrade, the GPU is the logical choice. It looks like the good 7970 deals have finally dried up, so I'd grab an R9 280X for $300.