Upgrading -- Please Advise

[Schmies]

I built the system below in June of 2012:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Cc9v6h

I've been gaming on some ancient HP 1280x1024 monitor since then. I'm finally ready to move on to 1080p and could really use some upgrade advice. I'd like to upgrade just the gpu and monitor, if possible. I'd like to get a few more years out of this system before moving on completely.

I was thinking of getting a sub $150 monitor if you think that will suffice, and upgrading my gpu to a EVGA 960 2 gb SSC. Right now, I've been playing primarily CS GO. I'm going to be firing up Fallout 4 once I get the new hardware in. What do you guys think? I'm trying to get the best bang for buck. I was also concerned about the i3 2120 bottlenecking the 960, but it seems like I should be okay there?

What would you guys do? Thanks in advance!!!!

 

[CorsairDemon]

This is where desktop computers will always have an edge. Get the card, install, compare to current benchmarks out there, and decide if you need to upgrade your CPU.

I'd really recommend a bit higher wattage power supply if you decide to go with the 960. Give yourself a bit of headroom.

If your board supports it, fleabay has a bunch of i5-3570 CPUs for about 130ish. Not a bad price for those and it will definitely be a good player with the 960. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Schmies]

Thank you for the feedback.

Do you think I need to upgrade the PSU? The reason I was considering the GTX 960 was because of the low PSU requirement. If I upgrade the PSU, I'd probably be better off considering a different card and CPU upgrade, no?

 

[CorsairDemon]

Upgrading a PSU is a good idea when going to new hardware. It would be nice to be able to get the machine ready for future upgrades too. But that would be up to you.

 

[Denithor]

Drop in the 960 and give it a whirl. You should be fine on PSU.

http://www.techspot.com/review/1089-fallout-4-benchmarks/page6.html

Your RAM, however, may gimp you...

 

[Schmies]

Thank you guys for the help! I went with a Gigabyte GTX 960 4GB which I picked up for $165 after $20 rebate... score!

Also picked up a BenQ RL2455HM 24-Inch LED Console Gaming Monitor, which seems to be well reviewed and recommended. Can't wait.