Upgrade suggestions from an i3, GTX 560

Smithy

Smithy

Smithy

Associate
Joined
9 Mar 2006
Posts
1,536
Location
East London
Hi, I'm interested in upgrading my current system to keep up with recent gaming demands but I'm not sure where I should be focusing my spend.

Let's start by listing my current spec;
  • MSI Z87M-G43 Intel Z87 (Socket 1150) DDR3 Micro ATX Motherboard
  • Intel Core i3-4130 3.40GHz (Haswell) Socket LGA1150 Processor
  • Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 4GB

Does my motherboard limit me in any way? I've noticed that a lot of CPUs are socket 1155 these days - my motherboard is socket 1150 so I'm worried about being limited in that regard.

I imagine my GPU is considered rather dated these days. So I'd be interested in suggestions there also.

What could be done if I spent ~£150 on components? I don't mind buying second hand and we can include any money I might make back by selling components on MM.

Thanks.
 
You can put any i5/i7 Haswell or Devils canyon into that.

GFX card first.

What case+PSU do you have?
 
Smithy said:
Does my motherboard limit me in any way? I've noticed that a lot of CPUs are socket 1155 these days - my motherboard is socket 1150 so I'm worried about being limited in that regard.
Click to expand...

you've got it the wrong way round lol. it's the 1155 that is end-of-life. 1150 is the new socket. you're okay in that regard.

Smithy said:
I imagine my GPU is considered rather dated these days. So I'd be interested in suggestions there also.
Click to expand...

it is indeed.

Smithy said:
What could be done if I spent ~£150 on components? I don't mind buying second hand and we can include any money I might make back by selling components on MM.
Click to expand...

tbh. you don't have a large budget to begin with. i'd stick to the MM for any upgrades.

sell your i3 ~£60-70 and 560 ~£60

so that leaves you with £250-280 to play around with.
then get a i5 4690k for £130ish and a r9 290 or gtx 780 for £140ish

your ram is fine at the moment. i would leave it as it is for now. the upgrade is minor compared to the performance increases you'll see by upgrading the cpu and gpu.
 
Last edited:
As Stulid says upgrade the GPU first, take a look at the gtx 970s there's soon good prices at the moment

After that look at upgrading the CPU, an i5 would be adequate
 
Thanks guys, appreciate the quick responses and knowledge.

stulid said:
What case+PSU do you have?
Click to expand...

Good point. I have the Silverstone TemJin TJ08B-E Midi Tower Case and the Seasonic G series 550w '80 Plus Gold' Modular Power Supply.

So it seems a GPU should be my first port of call. I've had two suggestions; GTX 970 and GTX 780. It seems that the 970 is the better performing of the two but may be significantly outside my budget.
 
your case and psu is fine.

the 780 is only marginally slower than a 970, but a heck load cheaper if you get it 2nd hand.
see my post above.
 
tamzzy said:
your case and psu is fine.

the 780 is only marginally slower than a 970, but a heck load cheaper if you get it 2nd hand.
see my post above.
Click to expand...

tamzzy said:
you've got it the wrong way round lol. it's the 1155 that is end-of-life. 1150 is the new socket. you're okay in that regard.
Click to expand...

stulid said:
Plenty of room and you have an excellent PSU for a R9 290/GTX970.
Click to expand...

Good to know. I think I'll make a start by seeing what can be had on the member's market in the way of GTX 780s. Thanks again
 
+1 for gpu first then look at anything else if you need, unless ofc the games you play require more cpu. Currently i am still running some old 1600mhz rams only 4gb until the prices come down. Not willing to pay stupid prices since mine is still ok for gaming
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom