I have $1000. What's the best thing to replace/upgrade?

[mrblotto]

Greetings AT!

I have been 'given' $1000 to do whatever I want computer-related.

Anyhow, I currently have:
1. i7 4790K Devils Canyon CPU LGA 1150
2. ASUS Z97-E/USB3.1 LGA 1150 Mobo
3. 32G RAM GSkill DDR3 RAM
4. Auzentech Prelude PCI sound Card
5. Asus VH238H Black 23" 1920 X 1080 Monitor
6. EVGA 980Ti 6GB PCIe x16 vid card

I'm wondering what the 'best use' of said funds would be. Personally, I'm leaning towards a 27" 2K monitor, as most of the HW listed above can't be installed in a new system (not compatible with today's architecture and whatnot) but would like to hear what y'all have to say.

That being said, I'm thinking a decent 2ms 27" G-Sync monitor is around 600, so there should be a bit left as well for something else.

Thanx in advance

 

[whm1974]

The monitor sounds fine as nothing else needs to be upgraded, but what are you using for storage, HDD or SSD? Get an SSD if you don't one have already.

 

[mrblotto]

Yes, I already have some SSD's RAID'd out. I almost forgot: I think I'll need a copy of Win10 as I dont think you can xfer licences if you change mobos *shrugs*. So that might be $100 right there

 

[whm1974]

Well then I would save the rest of money for future upgrades or a new system when it's time.

 

[UsandThem]

Yes, I already have some SSD's RAID'd out. I almost forgot: I think I'll need a copy of Win10 as I dont think you can xfer licences if you change mobos *shrugs*. So that might be $100 right there

I can use a $300 Amazon gift card or maybe a nice 1TB SSD

Seriously though, what whm1974 said about banking it towards your next system overall would be the way to go, because you really can't do much else to improve what you have (unless you sold your 980ti and went to a 1080ti), but that's really not needed right now for 2k. I'd say in about 2-3 years, you can look at going to the latest/greatest AMD/Intel setup.

 

[Chaotic42]

If you can deal with it not waking up properly from sleep, the Dell 27" 1440p @ 144Hz monitor is pretty nice for gaming and comes with G-Sync for $400 (you may be able to find one for less): https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-27-led-qhd-gsync-monitor-black/5293502.p?skuId=5293502

You'll want to calibrate its colors, but I really enjoy it for gaming.

 

[mrblotto]

If you can deal with it not waking up properly from sleep, the Dell 27" 1440p @ 144Hz monitor is pretty nice for gaming and comes with G-Sync for $400 (you may be able to find one for less): https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-27-led-qhd-gsync-monitor-black/5293502.p?skuId=5293502

You'll want to calibrate its colors, but I really enjoy it for gaming.

Daggum....that's awesome. I'm hoping it's a revision A03 (or later), and I always turn my system and monitor off anyhow, so the sleep thing shouldn't be a problem. Gonna place my order now. Thanx C42!

 

[jackstar7]

I heard a rumor (or read it) that a Pro license for Win10 won't be a problem for new builds. I emphasize RUMOR.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Yeah, your core rig is still strong. As much of a fan of Ryzen that I am, I wouldn't even advise you to upgrade, unless you were interesting in live game streaming, or video-editing. If you are, then get one of the 8-core/16-thread Ryzen CPUs, or even a ThreadRipper (currently selling for fairly-major discounts, like a 1950X 16C/32T for $699).

But for gaming, your CPU is still decent. A new monitor sounds like a good choice.

 

[mrblotto]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand of course...I should've known - Ordered the monitor above from BB. Wouldn't you know it, today it's magically out of stock.... :/

 

[Wall Street]

In addition to the monitor, also think about your keyboard / mouse / speakers / headphones / gamepad(s) / mousepad / chair / desk. I find that upgrading these can significantly improve 'quality of life' when gaming, even if they aren't strictly inside the PC case.

 

[guskline]

I would go with a new monitor.