[Build Help] Newb upgrading Gfx card + PSU for first time
I had mostly been a console gamer for the last 10 years but I did buy a decent PC back in 2010. Well I did "build a pc" back in 2003 which I then just never either either, plus I also had help from a family friend putting it together and unfortunately never really learned for myself from that. Thus I just went pre-built and now here I am, inexperienced.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003MVZ25M/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That is the computer in question that I'm looking to improve. Thus far the only thing Ive done was to get a new hard drive and better fans. I know I could probably start from scratch but the case is big and works for me, the processor still holds up well for any games I play, the only thing that starts popping up and giving me issues is the graphics card. Ive essentially decided what I want, I have the money for it so I figure I can do this now and maybe go and upgrade the processor and such in a year or so.
Ive read plenty, was going for the 290x and read people here and various other places say to just go with the 290 and save a bit.. So question number one is, what are going to be my issues with upgrading, I do know how to swap the cards and ditch drivers etc. but hardware wise is the part I'm inexperienced in. Currently, I've only got a 500w PSU, so I know I need to go up, most recommendations Ive seen were for 750w.
picture of current PSU picture of case interior
So the what I need help with is first, what PSU to grab, I honestly don't know what to look for. Price isn't a big deal, close to 100 or below would probably be preferred. If anyone has a guide they can link to to give a refresher towards swapping a PSU I'd appreciate it. I know its not difficult, but hey I haven't done so and that is what I'm most "nervous" about. I don't know order of operations or honestly connectors on it that Ill need to be dealing with to make sure everything will work. I have a 3tb drive and a bluray player, though Ill most likely look to add a ssd down the road. Then on the case there are the set of USBs in the front and the top middle.
Next, besides PSUs, mobos are my other weak spot. Is there anything else Ill need to worry about for it? I don't have anything to link to it directly as I bought it from that amazon link. Ive seen many people talk about how long the card is, but there is nothing in the way of the card for quite a few inches in front of it so I don't believe length should be an issue.
If there is any other information I should provide please let me know. I'm hoping to make this purchase soon, the current sale on the card goes though the 18th and Id love to get this all set next weekend. Thank you very much for your time.
Posted Jun 14, 2014, 11:53 PM UTC · edited
XFX Dual Dissipation, Gigabyte WINDFORCE, MSI Twin Frozr, and Sapphire will have your best cooling options for the 290x.
Corsair, XFX, and SeaSonic will be your best bets for PSUs, and a good rule to keep in mind is to always look for ~75-100W headroom between your PCs total power consumption and the wattage rating of the PSU.
The processor is an i7-860, which came out in 2009. At that time, PCIe v3 was not standard, and your GPUs transfer rate through the PCIe slot will be cut nearly in half compared to a PCIe v3. With a 290, this will make a hell of a difference in terms of performance.
You are much better off getting a 4th-iteration Intel processor and an 87/97 series motherboard. Your CPU won't be compatible with current-generation sockets, and there are only 4 1156 socket mobos on the market as of now.
It would be more worth it to buy a new motherboard, CPU, GPU, and PSU than salvage the CPU from the old PC and try to run it with components that aren't built for older hardware.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask :) If you have REALLY urgent things and need further explanation in a different setting, email me at [email protected].
If I cant run with my current CPU then I'm pretty much DOA on any upgrade, just don't have the budget to build a whole new rig and wont just have a lump some to do so within probably a year even given my bonus'.
The current 1156 socket mobos aren't totally out of price range; the lowest is $94, but has no ratings or reviews.
The main concern is the GPU; it will run fine on a 2.0 PCIe slot, but it will run at half the transfer rate, effectively halving its performance in some regards.
However, it will still do well on games (as it is a 290), so the 1156 may be worth it if you don't want to wait a whole year.
So theoretically, it'll work, but not efficiently. I know that may not be ideal and may even be cringe worthy, but I feel I'd be ok with such; just to have my foot in the door. Ive not upgraded almost due to lack of motivation. As I said, I can run games well, so Ive been content, but now, for example, I cant run watch_dogs because the gpu, certainly more games will follow suit. This way I can have faster motivation to move on up and then look towards a new cpu/mobo maybe towards Christmas instead of next summer as Ill know it'll be even more effective.
If you upgrade now for the GPU, it will be the best of your options. If you decide to upgrade your CPU/mobo combo later, then you will already have a high-end, compatible GPU that will improve in performance with the upgrade.