Should I upgrade?

funguf · 12 Dec 2014 at 12:24

So, I've had my PC for a few good years now. I'm thinking of an upgrade but not sure if the time is right. This is what I have at the moment.

i5 2500k 3.3 GHz @ 4.5 GHz stable
Corsair H100 water cooler
Gigabyte Z68X-UD3P-B3
8GB Corsair RAM (forgot the model as its been that long)
MSI AMD HD 7950 OC Boost 3GB GDDR5
Corsair HX750w PSU
Fractal R3 case

This drives an Qnix LCD 1440p @ 110 Hz

HDD is pretty new, Samsung 840 EVO 500GB and I have a 8TB NAS attached on the network.

So here is what I'm thinking

Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor
ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard
G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card
Corsair 750D ATX Full Tower Case

But is it worth the cost in upgrading, but not sure I would see a big difference. Main reason for this? GTA V at decent frame rates.

Danny75 · 12 Dec 2014 at 12:56

I think the GPU is what's holding you back a little on that monitor (1440p + 110Hz). The 7950 would probably be border-line with 1440p @ 60Hz or 1080p @ 110Hz. A 970 (especially overclocked) would be a good choice. Wait another year before upgrading CPU/mobo, make sure it's SLI capable so you can add another 970 if needed.

Download and install the Samsung SSD 840 EVO Performance Restoration Software if you haven't already - http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/minisite/SSD/uk/html/support/downloads.html

The CPU and mobo on your parts list are old socket 1155. You'd want to go 1150 and Z97 if you were to buy that now, along with faster RAM.

RJC · 12 Dec 2014 at 13:03

funguf can you remove the link please and recheck the FAQ regards competitors

funguf · 12 Dec 2014 at 13:52

RJC said:
funguf can you remove the link please and recheck the FAQ regards competitors

Removed

Adam123 · 12 Dec 2014 at 14:00

Id say upgrade the GPU and leave the rest. I'd see what 2015 Q1-Q2 brings, I don't think there would be enough gains to justify the upgrade

funguf · 12 Dec 2014 at 14:05

Thanks guys, if I leave the CPU/mobo this year and get a 780 instead...would the CPU then be a bottleneck?

McGraw · 12 Dec 2014 at 14:52

No.

Why a 780 and not a 970?

RJC · 12 Dec 2014 at 15:02

Thanks

I would personally look at the 970 or did you have a budget?

funguf · 12 Dec 2014 at 15:19

Meant to say 980, no budget as such but don't want to go crazy that's all

Xyger · 12 Dec 2014 at 15:25

funguf said:
Meant to say 980, no budget as such but don't want to go crazy that's all

I think a 970 would be fine rather than the minimal performance gain on a 980, that's just my opinion though.

If you're not limited on budget then treat yourself to a nice 980 then

McGraw · 12 Dec 2014 at 15:29

Yeah normally I would sAy 970 but 980 is justified at 1440

funguf · 12 Dec 2014 at 15:35

My i5 2500K won't bottleneck a 980 you think?

Fallen god · 12 Dec 2014 at 15:41

Not at all, your CPU is more then enough for a few more years. Could easily power a few 980s.

funguf · 12 Dec 2014 at 18:07

Fallen god said:
Not at all, your CPU is more then enough for a few more years. Could easily power a few 980s.

Thanks!