Help me upgrade, I'm so noob :(

[Piotrsama]

I think you'll need to buy a new power supply with that 660ti.
How much is a NZXT Hale82 650W in Sweden? (maybe some ppl have some other suggestion).

Go for a new GPU and PSU now, later you can change mobo/CPU if you want, and use the GPU/PSU.

 

[Cappuccino]

A typical complete PC consists of:

Case
Motherboard
CPU (Processor)
PSU (Power Supply)
RAM (Memory)
GPU (Video Card)
Hard drive
Optical drive (DVD/Blu Ray)
Operating System

(Optional: Keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers/headset, wifi adapter)

You are looking to replace half of those required items (motherboard, CPU, GPU, PSU) which is the majority of the cost of the PC. Selling your current PC would help cover some of the cost of a new PC, and you wouldn't have to deal with disposal/recycling of the old parts. Starting fresh also ensures you won't have compatibility issues.

If you still wish to upgrade instead of starting new, we'll still help, but it's just not recommended. What is your budget for all of this, where do you plan to purchase, and do you live near a Micro Center?

Your right, but where can I sell my PC? even if I do it will probably take weeks to get my parts sold ()

Right now the best option for me is to get a new motherboard, CPU, video card and power supply, I think.

I don't have a budget really. The 660ti is 200+ and I'm not sure how much a decent CPU, motherboard and power supply cost though :\

what do you mean 'compatibility issues'? I'm worried now lol :awe: what are the chances my pc wont turn on hahaha.

I probably buy my parts on Ebay, or anywhere that ships internationally. What do you mean by micro centre?

Much appreciated!

 

[vshah]

according to a quick search, www.webhallen.com and www.komplett.se are two stores for buying pc parts online in sweden

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Your right, but where can I sell my PC? even if I do it will probably take weeks to get my parts sold ()

Classified ads or if you have any friends or family that might be interested.

Right now the best option for me is to get a new motherboard, CPU, video card and power supply, I think.

I don't have a budget really. The 660ti is 200+ and I'm not sure how much a decent CPU, motherboard and power supply cost though :\

In US dollars, the 660 Ti is close to $300. A good CPU could range from ~$150 to $300. The motherboard would set you back ~$100 or more, and a quality PSU starts around $60. So, in US dollars, those parts will cost ~$600 or more, and in Euros ~460.

what do you mean 'compatibility issues'? I'm worried now lol :awe: what are the chances my pc wont turn on hahaha.

Yes, we want to make sure it turns on, and performs optimally. You current motherboard is a Micro-ATX, so we'll need to be sure the new motherboard fits the case. The RAM may or may not work with the new motherboard as well, and if it does may not be the optimal speed. Is your current hard drive or optical drive SATA or PATA? So on, and so forth.

I probably buy my parts on Ebay, or anywhere that ships internationally. What do you mean by micro centre?

Nevermind about Micro Center, I missed the part where you said you were in Sweden. :$

 

[Cappuccino]

Classified ads or if you have any friends or family that might be interested.



In US dollars, the 660 Ti is close to $300. A good CPU could range from ~$150 to $300. The motherboard would set you back ~$100 or more, and a quality PSU starts around $60. So, in US dollars, those parts will cost ~$600 or more, and in Euros ~460.



Yes, we want to make sure it turns on, and performs optimally. You current motherboard is a Micro-ATX, so we'll need to be sure the new motherboard fits the case. The RAM may or may not work with the new motherboard as well, and if it does may not be the optimal speed. Is your current hard drive or optical drive SATA or PATA? So on, and so forth.



Nevermind about Micro Center, I missed the part where you said you were in Sweden. :$

Thanks again!

I'm worried when you said
'Yes, we want to make sure it turns on, and performs optimally. You current motherboard is a Micro-ATX, so we'll need to be sure the new motherboard fits the case. The RAM may or may not work with the new motherboard as well, and if it does may not be the optimal speed. Is your current hard drive or optical drive SATA or PATA? So on, and so forth.'

How do I check if I have SATA or PATA? :hmm:

Also, I would prefer i5 which one would you reccomend? and what power supply and motherboard i should get?
like I said the PC is for playing games if you have forgotten

much appreciated

 

[AnonymouseUser]

How do I check if I have SATA or PATA?

Well, since your motherboard only supports SATA (I should have checked earlier :$), then unless you have a PATA adapter, it's SATA.

Also, I would prefer i5 which one would you reccomend? and what power supply and motherboard i should get?
like I said the PC is for playing games if you have forgotten

Depending on your budget, i5 is fine. If you can find a good combo deal on a CPU and motherboard, that will help. If you can swing it, the i5-3570k is great, but the i5-3470 will be fine (both w/free shipping to Sweden).

As for motherboards, stick with ASUS, or ASRock, though some Gigabyte and MSI boards are good depending on price. Make sure it has either the Z75, Z77, or H77 chipset. Something like the ASRock Z75 Pro3 (w/free shipping to Sweden) would be a good choice. Reviews can be found @ Newegg. Now we just need to figure out if your case will work with the new motherboard.

For PSU, almost any Antec, Corsair, or Seasonic 500W or better should be fine. This Corsair CX500 (also w/free shipping to Sweden) is reasonably priced.

If you can find better deals from reputable merchants, by all means get them. Now we just wait and see if anyone else has anything else to offer....

 

[Cappuccino]

Well, since your motherboard only supports SATA (I should have checked earlier :$), then unless you have a PATA adapter, it's SATA.



Depending on your budget, i5 is fine. If you can find a good combo deal on a CPU and motherboard, that will help. If you can swing it, the i5-3570k is great, but the i5-3470 will be fine (both w/free shipping to Sweden).

As for motherboards, stick with ASUS, or ASRock, though some Gigabyte and MSI boards are good depending on price. Make sure it has either the Z75, Z77, or H77 chipset. Something like the ASRock Z75 Pro3 (w/free shipping to Sweden) would be a good choice. Reviews can be found @ Newegg. Now we just need to figure out if your case will work with the new motherboard.

For PSU, almost any Antec, Corsair, or Seasonic 500W or better should be fine. This Corsair CX500 (also w/free shipping to Sweden) is reasonably priced.

If you can find better deals from reputable merchants, by all means get them. Now we just wait and see if anyone else has anything else to offer....

Wow, thank you so much linking me to the parts. Your such a A* user! :thumbsup:

So, I decided to get -
Intel 3rd Generation Core i5-3570K http://www.amazon.co.uk/Intel-Gener...1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1361994101&sr=1-1

ASRock Z75 Pro3 Motherboard http://www.amazon.co.uk/ASRock-Z75-...1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1361992660&sr=1-1

Corsair Builder Series CX 500 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-Bui...23?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1361993055&sr=1-23

all together cost £285 without the Graphic cards. I'm still deciding if I want the 660Ti or not. If you had to pick, which graphic card would you pick for smooth gamplay, high settings etc? 660Ti, Radeon HD 7950, Radeon HD 7870 or GeForce GTX 570? Thank you again!

oh and you mention 'Now we just need to figure out if your case will work with the new motherboard' waaaaaw, how do we check?

 

[Piotrsama]

Why don't you buy from some of the Swedish sites somebody already posted?
Delivery should be faster.

 

[Cappuccino]

Why don't you buy from some of the Swedish sites somebody already posted?
Delivery should be faster.

Yes it should deliver faster, but it works out little bit more expensive. Every little counts.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

I'm still deciding if I want the 660Ti or not. If you had to pick, which graphic card would you pick for smooth gamplay, high settings etc? 660Ti, Radeon HD 7950, Radeon HD 7870 or GeForce GTX 570? Thank you again!

If you are just playing at 1080P, single monitor, the HD 7850 will handle nearly every game at very high settings, and it uses less power as well. The 660 Ti may be more future-proof, but if cost is a concern it's not really worth the extra cost (in my opinion). We also need to be sure they will fit the current case, so...

how do we check?

Look for a name on the outside of the case. Unfortunately, a lot of cases don't have markings on the outside, so a few pictures may be necessary. Bonus for opening the case and taking a shot of the interior.

 

[Cappuccino]

If you are just playing at 1080P, single monitor, the HD 7850 will handle nearly every game at very high settings, and it uses less power as well. The 660 Ti may be more future-proof, but if cost is a concern it's not really worth the extra cost (in my opinion). We also need to be sure they will fit the current case, so...



Look for a name on the outside of the case. Unfortunately, a lot of cases don't have markings on the outside, so a few pictures may be necessary. Bonus for opening the case and taking a shot of the interior.

Yep 1080p and a single monitor. However I see the HD 7850 really low in the table http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.html not saying the 7850 is bad, but yeah :awe:

Anyway, front of the case it say's 'x11 Advance X-Station' http://gyazo.com/0d3aa315efc64cd881992b1ddea2d160 if that's not what you looking for, I can take some pictures inside.

Thanks again!

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Yep 1080p and a single monitor. However I see the HD 7850 really low in the table http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.html not saying the 7850 is bad, but yeah

Well, it is lower than the 660 Ti, but it's far from "really low" on the charts.

Judging from this 7870 review just last month, the 7850 is still the best "bang for the buck" card (see below). It also overclocks very well, so you can easily squeeze out more performance if you need it. Since you can afford it, you actually may be better off with a 7870 2GB, but there is nothing wrong with the 660 Ti if that's what you want.

Anyway, front of the case it say's 'x11 Advance X-Station'

It's a Mid-Tower case so everything should fit. Looks pretty decent overall, with good cooling.

 

[Cappuccino]

Well, it is lower than the 660 Ti, but it's far from "really low" on the charts.

Judging from this 7870 review just last month, the 7850 is still the best "bang for the buck" card (see below). It also overclocks very well, so you can easily squeeze out more performance if you need it. Since you can afford it, you actually may be better off with a 7870 2GB, but there is nothing wrong with the 660 Ti if that's what you want.

It's a Mid-Tower case so everything should fit. Looks pretty decent overall, with good cooling.

Thanks a bunch again. Those charts you posted really helped

Also, I've just found out that the Radeon HD 7950 is better than the 660TI for performance? http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/547?vs=550 correct me if I'm wrong

 

[Piotrsama]

Also, I've just found out that the Radeon HD 7950 is better than the 660TI for performance? http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/547?vs=550 correct me if I'm wrong

That comparison is against the 560ti.

 

[Cappuccino]

That comparison is against the 560ti.

What do you mean?

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Thanks a bunch again. Those charts you posted really helped

Also, I've just found out that the Radeon HD 7950 is better than the 660TI for performance? http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/547?vs=550 correct me if I'm wrong

Yes, the 7950 is faster than the 660 Ti (correct link), but look at the Performance per Dollar chart above again. The 660 Ti is a better value than the 7950, just as the 7870 is a better value than the 660 Ti. Look at the other charts again, and tell me if you wouldn't be happy with the performance of the 7870 (or even 7850). At 1080p, you'll be getting diminishing returns with anything more expensive than the 7870.

 

[Cappuccino]

Yes, the 7950 is faster than the 660 Ti (correct link), but look at the Performance per Dollar chart above again. The 660 Ti is a better value than the 7950, just as the 7870 is a better value than the 660 Ti. Look at the other charts again, and tell me if you wouldn't be happy with the performance of the 7870 (or even 7850). At 1080p, you'll be getting diminishing returns with anything more expensive than the 7870.

I see, thank you ^_^

I made a final decision, you probably don't like this, but I decided to get the 660ti. hehehehe

Do you know which one should I get? When i type in 660 ti on ebay, amazon etc there so many different ones. Can you link me to the right one and price? :awe:

Much appreciated!

EDIT
I forgot to mention is there any cheaper and good motherboard and power supply I mentioned
ASRock Z75 Pro3 Motherboard http://www.amazon.co.uk/ASRock-Z75-...1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1361992660&sr=1-1
Corsair Builder Series CX 500 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-Bui...23?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1361993055&sr=1-23

Just wondering ;0

 

[Sleepingforest]

The 7850 will probably go over 60 frames per second in every game you play, even at 1080p (with some details turned down). Your monitor can't even display those extra frames. You don't really need to spend extra money now--if you have some idea of "future-proof" in your head, abandon them.

The best way to future proof is to buy less now and spend it on future parts.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

I see, thank you

I made a final decision, you probably don't like this, but I decided to get the 660ti. hehehehe

Do you know which one should I get? When i type in 660 ti on ebay, amazon etc there so many different ones. Can you link me to the right one and price?

Much appreciated!

It doesn't matter what I like, what matters is what you want. If you want to narrow it down to a specific model (yes, it can be confusing and time consuming), go to Newegg and browse over to:

Home > Computer Hardware > Video Cards & Video Devices > Desktop Graphics Cards > Chipset Manufacturer : NVIDIA > GPU : GeForce GTX 600 series > GPU : GeForce GTX 660 Ti

From there, on the upper right, Sort by: Best Rating. Narrow it down by rating and price, then search your preferred vendor for that specific model. Using that method, it looks like the EVGA 02G-P4-3660-KR GeForce GTX 660 Ti would be a fine choice, so go to Ebay or Amazon.co.uk and look for that specific model. If their pricing seems out of whack for that model, then choose another from the list earlier.

I forgot to mention is there any cheaper and good motherboard and power supply I mentioned
ASRock Z75 Pro3 Motherboard http://www.amazon.co.uk/ASRock-Z75-M...1992660&sr=1-1
Corsair Builder Series CX 500 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-Buil...993055&sr=1-23

Just wondering ;0

There are cheaper motherboards and power supplies, but you will give up quality and/or features. That is a highly rated and popular motherboard and PSU, both of which are very reasonably priced. If you need to save some money, don't skimp on those components, downgrade to a cheaper GPU (eg, 660/7850/7870).

 

[bononos]

I see, thank you ^_^
I made a final decision, you probably don't like this, but I decided to get the 660ti. hehehehe

Do you know which one should I get? When i type in 660 ti on ebay, amazon etc there so many different ones. Can you link me to the right one and price? :awe:

Much appreciated!
EDIT
I forgot to mention is there any cheaper and good motherboard and power supply I mentioned
ASRock Z75 Pro3 Motherboard http://www.amazon.co.uk/ASRock-Z75-...1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1361992660&sr=1-1
Corsair Builder Series CX 500 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-Bui...23?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1361993055&sr=1-23

Just wondering ;0

Why don't you just upgrade the graphics card and possibly the power supply (if its underpowered) first to see if its fast enough. The games you listed in the OP are quite old or aren't that slow even on older cpus/graphics cards.

 

[Dadofamunky]

Wow, thank you so much linking me to the parts. Your such a A* user! :thumbsup:

So, I decided to get -
Intel 3rd Generation Core i5-3570K http://www.amazon.co.uk/Intel-Gener...1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1361994101&sr=1-1

ASRock Z75 Pro3 Motherboard http://www.amazon.co.uk/ASRock-Z75-...1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1361992660&sr=1-1

Corsair Builder Series CX 500 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-Bui...23?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1361993055&sr=1-23

all together cost £285 without the Graphic cards. I'm still deciding if I want the 660Ti or not. If you had to pick, which graphic card would you pick for smooth gamplay, high settings etc? 660Ti, Radeon HD 7950, Radeon HD 7870 or GeForce GTX 570? Thank you again!

oh and you mention 'Now we just need to figure out if your case will work with the new motherboard' waaaaaw, how do we check?

Those are really good choices. You will not regret it. Just make sure you get the right help putting it together.

 

[Cappuccino]

It doesn't matter what I like, what matters is what you want. If you want to narrow it down to a specific model (yes, it can be confusing and time consuming), go to Newegg and browse over to:

Home > Computer Hardware > Video Cards & Video Devices > Desktop Graphics Cards > Chipset Manufacturer : NVIDIA > GPU : GeForce GTX 600 series > GPU : GeForce GTX 660 Ti

From there, on the upper right, Sort by: Best Rating. Narrow it down by rating and price, then search your preferred vendor for that specific model. Using that method, it looks like the EVGA 02G-P4-3660-KR GeForce GTX 660 Ti would be a fine choice, so go to Ebay or Amazon.co.uk and look for that specific model. If their pricing seems out of whack for that model, then choose another from the list earlier.



There are cheaper motherboards and power supplies, but you will give up quality and/or features. That is a highly rated and popular motherboard and PSU, both of which are very reasonably priced. If you need to save some money, don't skimp on those components, downgrade to a cheaper GPU (eg, 660/7850/7870).

Hey, thanks again
I guess I'll keep the motherboard and power supply you mentioned.
Also I typed in 660Ti on amazon and I get couple of results. Which one is it? http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/s/ref...s+3.0+x16+HDCP+Ready+SLI+Support+Video+Card++
eBay http://shop.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/se...sort=BestMatch&mfs=GOCLK&acimp=0&isNewKw=true
I forgot to mention will fitting all the new parts into my pc earse all mt data? just wondering ;p

 

[Cappuccino]

Hey, thanks again
I guess I'll keep the motherboard and power supply you mentioned.
Also I typed in 660Ti on amazon and I get couple of results. Which one is it? http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/s/ref...s+3.0+x16+HDCP+Ready+SLI+Support+Video+Card++
eBay http://shop.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/se...sort=BestMatch&mfs=GOCLK&acimp=0&isNewKw=true

EDIT
I found this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EVGA-2GB-...raphics_Video_TV_Cards_TW&hash=item4d09d88d2e

im curious why it says superclocked? is this the right one to get?

 

[Denithor]

Superclocked is EVGA's marketing name for a factory overclock on the card. So they are selling it with clocks set higher than the default from nVidia and they guarantee that it will perform at that level.

Worth a premium? Probably not, but if you're not into overclocking yourself it might be okay.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

EDIT
I found this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EVGA-2GB-...raphics_Video_TV_Cards_TW&hash=item4d09d88d2e

im curious why it says superclocked? is this the right one to get?

That's a good card and very good brand, so don't hesitate if that's what you want. However, purchasing from a non-authorized reseller may shorten your warranty:

From EVGA

EVGA offers various limited warranty terms from the date of purchase to the original owner with a valid invoice. For original owners without a valid invoice and users that have not purchased the product from an authorized reseller, the warranty period is 3 years from the date that the product was shipped from EVGA's warehouse.

You may very well never have an issue with your card, but if you do, it would be nice to have the full warranty.

With that said, if you can find that card from an authorized reseller it would be worth a small premium (there is one reasonably priced on Amazon, but it's offered through a non-authorized third party). Still, you won't need an overclocked 660 Ti for 1080p, so I recommend getting the standard clocked card unless you are willing to take the risk. The card I linked earlier is sold by Amazon so you would have the full warranty.