Considering a new build/upgrade

[Compnewbie01]

Well, it has been about 4 years since my last PC upgrade so I think it is time. I'm going to try and do this on a budget of around $500 but can go over if the gain is worthwhile.

Current Specs:

Intel Core i5-2500K CPU
8 gigs of RAM
AMD Radeon 7870 GPU
550(?) watt power supply
300gb Raptor HD at 10,000 RPM

My computer is mostly for work/internet with occasional gaming (2-3 hours per week). I plan on reusing the graphics card and hard drive as they have been fine for me. This means I need to buy a new case (current one is crappy), mobo, CPU, RAM (can I reuse?), and power supply since the current one was reused last upgrade and is approaching 7-8 years.

Basically, since I have not hardware shopped in quite some time I don't really know where to start and would like some basic pointers about what is currently out there. I imagine I can stick to my price point with the following:

Case: $50-75
RAM: $75
CPU: $150-200
Mobo: $100
Power Supply: $100

Any suggestions will be very much appreciated!

 

[cyclohexane]

For your budget, and your current rig - better to upgrade than to build. SSD plus GPU is all you need.

 

[mnewsham]

For your budget, and your current rig - better to upgrade than to build. SSD plus GPU is all you need.

agreed, you wont get any noticeable CPU improvements from that budget. You would need to get a 6700k to really notice and that's ~$450+ including RAM and motherboard.

Get a new GPU and an SSD.

 

[Compnewbie01]

Alright seems new computer is out then.

What are the real benefits to an SSD? And while the 300GB capacity is tiny for most, I've never really needed much hard drive space so that is not an issue for me.

My current graphics card plays most games at medium-high settings for 1920X1200 and 3+ year old games at higher settings so I'm not quite ready to upgrade that yet. Besides the only game I might consider buying in the near future is Dark Souls 3.

 

[PhIlLy ChEeSe]

8 year old PSU you don't know the name of, I'd replace it especially if your buying a good GPU.

 

[Compnewbie01]

It is an Antec, I just cannot remember the exact model and didn't feel like opening my computer.

 

[mnewsham]

It is an Antec, I just cannot remember the exact model and didn't feel like opening my computer.

No matter what, the capacitors are reaching their end of life after 8-10 years and it should be replaced, especially in a new build. You'd feel pretty dumb to buy a whole new rig and not replace the PSU to have a cap burst and fry your motherboard/CPU.

 

[Ketchup]

New power supply - get an 80+ Silver/Gold that you don't have to worry about for another 10 years or so and will be cooler/quieter/more energy efficient.

SSD - Noticeably faster than even a Raptor and no heat output (those Raptors are hot!)

Video card - You don't need top of the line sine you are happy now. Move your GPU budget to, say, a 950, a have a card that gives you plenty of perfornance in a cooler and quieter package.

 

[jaydee]

As far as specific SSD, I would go for Samsung 850 EVO 500GB for $150. Or if you really don't need the space, the 250GB version goes for about $90.

Power supply, I would go CORSAIR CX series CX500M for ~$40 shipped after $20 rebate

 

[RaistlinZ]

I'd also go with a new case, SSD, and power supply. They can all be moved over to a super new rig when you're really ready to upgrade.