Looking to update build...could use some feedback please

[Guinness74]

I am a novice PC builder and put together my first rig in 2011. I use my rig primarily for gaming (RPGs, some occasional FPS). I always say I want to overclock but never seem to get around to it. Specs are the following:

Mobo: Gigabyte GA z68x-UD3H-B3 MOBO
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K CPU
GPU: Radeon HD 6970 2GB GPU
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 RAM
PS: XFX 650W PS
Case: NZXT Phantom Case
Monitor: Dell eIPS U2311H Monitor

I think my rig is getting a little long in the tooth so was interested in upgrading several components without gutting the whole thing. Could use some feedback on the upgrade choices. Not looking to break the bank but would love it to last a couple more years.

Mobo: ASRock Z97 Extreme6 Mobo
CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K CPU
GPU: Geoforce GTX 970 GPU

I also recently upgraded my hard drive to a 128GB SSD Boot Drive and 2TB HDD (as well as kept my original 1TB HDD for photos and such), but everything else would remain the same. Lastly, if there is any advice on what I should consider updating next, would welcome the feedback.

Thanks!

 

[nsafreak]

In all honesty the only thing that really needs to be upgraded at this point is your GPU. I had the same motherboard & CPU that you currently have as my main system. The only reason I upgraded is because I wanted to get rid of my power guzzling dual Xeon server so I used most of the parts from my desktop (minus the GPU) on the new server. I really never did hit any CPU walls while gaming I just had to upgrade my GTX 560 Ti to the Radeon 7950 that I have now. I would recommend upgrading the GPU, the GTX 970 you're looking at is decently priced and looks well built, and see if the system performs up to par. If you aren't already overclocking I'd look into doing that as well. SandyBridge CPUs are great overclockers with many easily hitting 4.5 GHz and sometimes above. You will want to invest in an aftermarket cooler if you haven't already though.

 

[Guinness74]

Thanks nsaFreak.

Yes, I already have an aftermarket cooler (CoolerMaster Hyper212 Plus Fan&Heatsink) so I should be all set from that end.

Will look into OCing my CPU. Have never done it before but what better time than the present. Appreciate the feedback.

 

[nsafreak]

I would recommend giving the stability testing thread, at least the initial post, a read so you know how to test for stability here and here is a pretty good thread with tips on overclocking a 2500K.

 

[Cerb]

I agree. With a 4GHz+ OC, and new GPU, you'll have a rig competitive with today's midrange builds, and in some cases even faster.

 

[Charlie98]

There are a lot of us still rocking the 2500K... me included. I had a Gigabyte board (actually a lesser -D2H-B3 board) and I ran my chip at 4.1GHz with a .07 undervolt reliably for the past 3 years. Nice thing about the Gigabyte board is it doesn't offer too much in the way of adjustments; I recently replaced it with an Asus Z68 board and all the available OC adjustments made my brains leak out my ears... I miss the simplicity of the Giga board.

Oh, and just a word of caution... do NOT use any of the Gigabyte overclocking utilities, they also ramp up the bus speed, which is a no-no with Sandy Bridge onward.

With a 4GHz+ OC, and new GPU, you'll have a rig competitive with today's midrange builds, and in some cases even faster.

I agree, too. I keep trying to find a reason to upgrade my 2500K... I just don't see any real benefit.