Thinking about upgrading some bits...

sonna · 28 Jun 2016 at 15:14

Sooo... I have the following:

EVGA GeForce GTX 660 Superclocked 2048MB GDDR5
Intel Core i5-3570K 3.40GHz (Ivybridge) Socket LGA1155
Gigabyte Z77-D3H Intel Z77 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard
GeIL Black Dragon 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C11 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit

I currently switch between my PS4 and my PC for gaming, so not sure yet if I can fully warrant a full new rebuild (my PC dates from 2012).

So I would like opinions please on what I can change/upgrade to make improvements to what I currently have?

My case is an Antec P280 Super Midi Tower Case so plenty of space with a 550w PS (I think).

My monitor/mouse/keyboard are all fine.

Would appreciate any ideas. No real budget as such... but would like to keep things low.

For the record, I mostly just play WoW or stuff on Steam on the PC.

Cheers,
Sonna

Borealis · 28 Jun 2016 at 15:20

The 3570K is still a more than capable CPU. The best upgrade would be a new graphics card and possibly more RAM.

Benjamham · 28 Jun 2016 at 15:33

perhaps drop in an rx480 when it is released tomorrow, slap on a good cooler (on the cpu) and overclock it a bit

sonna · 28 Jun 2016 at 16:14

The RX480 certainly looks an interesting card. Will look out for prices tomorrow. Thanks.

Regarding the RAM - should I just match what I already have in? OC are selling for about 30 quid (Black Dragon 8GB (two sticks)).

Borealis · 28 Jun 2016 at 16:18

If they're still selling the same stuff, then yes, £30 will get you up to 16GB. You could go with something faster, but you probably won't notice the difference.

Laputacake · 28 Jun 2016 at 16:22

sonna said:
The RX480 certainly looks an interesting card. Will look out for prices tomorrow. Thanks.

Regarding the RAM - should I just match what I already have in? OC are selling for about 30 quid (Black Dragon 8GB (two sticks)).

Probably the best bet and it will keep the aesthetics nice.

sonna · 28 Jun 2016 at 16:47

Well that was quick and easy. Thanks for the input guys.

Stealthploit · 29 Jun 2016 at 17:41

well since its 29/6 i think RX 480 will be out soon for 199$ as amd says at least you that would be nice plus it has a max of 150 watts

u could always go full amd

Borealis · 29 Jun 2016 at 18:18

The RX 480 is a good choice, especially the 4GB version.

u could always go full amd

If you mean switch to an AMD CPU, then no it's a bad idea. You'd be replacing old hardware with even older technology on an effectively obsolete platform. The 3570/3570K is still a very capable CPU. Heck, the 2500K is still decent and that's older still.

jbh110tdi · 29 Jun 2016 at 18:28

Stealthploit said:
u could always go full amd

why would he drop money on a socket that's going out the door? his current CPU would compete against an FX8350 in performance in games and IMO be smoother. If anything if he doesnt have a good cooler I would get one and give it an overclock.

I would be waiting to see some benchmarks on the RX480 Ive read a few bits that rate it level with the gtx970. In fact on some games the Gtx970 has had the edge over it...

the 970 and 980 have dropped in price soi has the 980ti so these might be worth looking at if you don't want to drop the cash on a 1070 or 1080..