[Fusionbomb]

Hey guys,

 

I would like to upgrade my RAM, GPU, and/or CPU to make the most out of gaming/streaming.  My machine runs pretty well, as is.  I would just like you guys' input on what would be the most feasible changes to make to improve gaming/streaming performance (without upgrading mobo).  I've checked around some and found some deals I thought to be decent, but would like more opinions!

 

Here is my Speccy report:

 

Operating System
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

CPU
    AMD Athlon II X2 265    32 °C
    Regor 45nm Technology

RAM
    4.00GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 570MHz (8-8-8-20)

Motherboard
    MSI 760GM-P23(FX) (MS-7641) (CPU1)    33 °C

 

Graphics
    1023MB NVIDIA GeForce GT 610 (ZOTAC International)

 

 

 

 

Thanks for any help/input on the matter! 

 

Edit:  Currently, I can run 2 instances of my game without streaming, or just a single instance while streaming.  I would like a slight boost so I can stream while running 2 instances of the game.  I have no target budget, but would like the cheapest thing(s) for the most improvement.

Edited by Fusionbomb, 14 May 2015 - 04:57 PM.

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Best Answer

Gday Fusionbomb.

You can do a good CPU upgrade and a high end GPU, but the memory on your MB is a limiting factor as it only support 1333MHz, which is the highest tested on the RAM compatibility results. > http://www.msi.com/f...t/TR10_2443.pdf

Your MB, > http://www.msi.com/p...o-specification

Some suggested parts, > http://pcpartpicker.com/p/pPnVXL

alternative GPU > http://www.superbiiz...AT-290VPTX&c=CJ

 

look also at the benchmarks, > http://www.wsgf.org/...ing-conclusions

 

Please give the brand/model of your PSU. 

[iammykyl]

Best Answer

Gday Fusionbomb.

You can do a good CPU upgrade and a high end GPU, but the memory on your MB is a limiting factor as it only support 1333MHz, which is the highest tested on the RAM compatibility results. > http://www.msi.com/f...t/TR10_2443.pdf

Your MB, > http://www.msi.com/p...o-specification

Some suggested parts, > http://pcpartpicker.com/p/pPnVXL

alternative GPU > http://www.superbiiz...AT-290VPTX&c=CJ

 

look also at the benchmarks, > http://www.wsgf.org/...ing-conclusions

 

Please give the brand/model of your PSU. 

[Fusionbomb]

iammykyl,

 

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to advise me!  Those are some very appealing suggestions... I'm thinking the processor would obviously be a better investment than the additional RAM, for the cost.

 

Those are very nice GPUs, but I probably won't be able to shell out $300+ anytime in the near future.  I realize I said no target budget range, but it is good for future reference. 

 

Do you have any suggestions on a better GPU that would be in same price range as the 8-core CPU?  I'm thinking, for a similar price range, that the CPU would be my best bet to upgrade for my gaming/streaming... am I wrong?

 

 

PSU = Antec Basiq Plus (550W)... and I noticed the high-end GPU asks for a ~750W PSU lol

 

 

Thanks again for the assistance. 

Edited by Fusionbomb, 15 May 2015 - 08:21 AM.

[iammykyl]

The CPU upgrade will increase the performance when streaming/browsing/gaming, (together) but fps in the game may only go up a few frames as the GT 610 GPU is the bottleneck.

If you upgrade the GPU, the CPU could become the bottleneck in demanding games or high resolutions.   Pretty hard to depict this.

 

I would run some repeatable game benchmarks and take notes.

Upgrade the the CPU, run the benchmarks again and see if the improvement is enough for you, if not,

use this site to sort a card, depending on your budget, then look for some reviews, > http://www.surlix.co...ces-ranking.php

 

Re. Your PSU would be OK,   power requirements GTX 970 > http://www.gigabyte.com.au/products/product-page.aspx?pid=5209#sp 

This page, a test system, > http://www.anandtech.com/show/8568/the-geforce-gtx-970-review-feat-evga/3 

Total system power draw, same site, > http://www.anandtech...ew-feat-evga/15

[Fusionbomb]

The CPU upgrade will increase the performance when streaming/browsing/gaming, (together) but fps in the game may only go up a few frames as the GT 610 GPU is the bottleneck.

Sorry for my delayed response, been rather busy. 


Yea, I didn't mention it, but the game I play is ~13 years old.  The graphics are nowhere near as intense as modern games.  When I have 2 instances of my game running (no streaming), my CPU % usage averages in the mid 90s.     That's why I'm fairly sure that just a CPU upgrade may help, considerably.  I will upgrade the GPU one day, too!


Thanks again for your help, sir.  I will update this thread on my PC's performance once any upgrades are made. 

[iammykyl]

   Good luck.   Will watch for your performance results.

[Fusionbomb]

   Good luck.   Will watch for your performance results.

 

 

Hello iammykyl!

Not sure if you're still around, but it took ~2 years for me to upgrade everything I wanted. 

 

I just wanted to thank you again for your advice and let everyone know the upgrades are fantastic. 

G.Skill - Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory

AMD - FX-8320E 3.2GHz 8-Core Processor

GeForce® GTX 1050 Ti Windforce OC 4G

 

 

The video card was slightly different from what was recommended, but I love it.  I couldn't quite rationalize spending $450, but $250 was doable!  I also bought 2 new monitors so I could utilize the HDMI ports and they work great as well.  (ASUS VS248H-P 24" Full HD 1920x1080 2ms HDMI DVI VGA Back-lit LED Monitor)

 

Oh, and I also added a 2nd SSD (500GB).  Very happy with my "new" rig.  I can't thank you enough! 

[iammykyl]

Yep, still here.

Thanks for updating.   The build sounds great and pleased you are happy with it.

 

You are very welcome,     Been a pleasure helping you. 

 

Good luck.