Need help on Upgrading my Gaming Pc

[Byrdanator]

Hey all!

I saw this board and thought that maybe you experts could offer me some advice and help. I'm moderately tech savy, but I know my own limitations. A year ago I purchased this low to mid tier gaming computer. I am kinda new to the PC gaming thing, I stuck mostly to consoles before (please don't hurt me!). But now I'm hooked! I've grown my steam library and now find myself slightly frustrated that the newer games have to be run on lower settings to avoid lag and bottle-necking (DayZ; Watch_Dogs; War Thunder; Attila Total War; Cityscape Skylines; ect).

I purchased the following PC from amazon and have enjoyed it, but am interested as to what to upgrade as to take it to the next level: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...de_a_smtd&showDetailTechData=1#technical-data

I'll post the specs for it as well:

Product Features

• System: Intel Pentium DC G3258 3.20GHz Dual-Core Unlocked, Annversary Edition | Intel Z97 Chipset | 8GB DDR3 | 1TB HDD | Genuine Windows 8.1 64-bit
• Graphics: GeForce GTX750 TI 2GB Video Card | 24X DVD±RW Dual-Layer Drive | Audio: 7.1 Channel | Gigabit LAN | Keyboard and Mouse | Fan Control Panel
• Expansion Bays/Slots Total(Free): 3(1) Ext. 5.25" | 1(1) Ext. 3.5" | 6(5) Int. 3.5/2.5" | 2(2) PCI | 2(2) PCI-E x1 | 2(1) PCI-E x16 | 4(3) DIMM 240P
• Connectivity: 6x USB 3.0 | 2x USB 2.0 | 1x RJ-45 Network Ethernet 10/100/1000 | Audio |2x DVI | 1x Mini HDMI
• Chassis: Aerocool Xpredator-X1 Mid Tower w/500 Watt Power Supply | 1 Year Parts & Labor Warranty | Free Lifetime Tech Support

Processor, Memory, and Motherboard

• Hardware Platform: PC
• Processor: 3.2 GHz Pentium
• Number of Processors: 1
• RAM: 8 GB
• RAM Type: Unknown
• Memory Slots: 4

Hard Drive

• Size: 1000 GB
• Type: Serial ATA-600
• Speed: 7200 rpm

Graphics and Display

• Graphics RAM: 2048 MB

Ports and Connectivity

• USB 2.0 Ports: 2

Cases and Expandability

• Size (LWH): 18.7 inches, 7.5 inches, 19 inches
• Weight: 27 pounds

If I need to go and get more technical details and add them in, I can do that. I was thinking that the most crucial thing to upgrade first would be my CPU. I'm still budget minded, so maybe upgrading to a i5 4690k? Should I replace my graphics card, or can I add a second one? I'm very new to all of this, and may require a little advice. From what I know, the i series is compatible with my 1150 pin, and I should still have enough wattage. Should I add in more RAM? Any advice would be certainly welcome.


Again, thanks everybody!


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[Termie]

Based on the games you listed, the issues you're having are almost certainly tied to the processor. Those games are very cpu-limited. It's a bit harder to upgrade a CPU than a video card, but that's what you should start with if you're going to upgrade.

That being said, it might be worth overclocking the G3258, seeing as how the system is equipped with a Z97 motherboard. Go into the BIOS/UEFI by pressing delete during boot up and see if you can find an option for increasing the multiplier. Moving from 32 to 40 should give you a nice boost, or at least should show you whether more CPU speed can help in your games.

 

[Ken g6]

Welcome to the forums!

I'm still budget minded, so maybe upgrading to a i5 4690k?

I agree with the CPU upgrade idea. But we're not mind readers. What budget do you have in mind?

It also looks like that computer may be capable of overclocking. Did you overclock before? Do you want to now?

Should I replace my graphics card, or can I add a second one?

You can't add a second one - the 750ti isn't SLI compatible. Whether you should upgrade depends on your budget. Some cards might require an upgrade from the 500W PSU of unknown brand as well. I don't suppose you can show us a photo of the sticker on the PSU that lists the rails and amperages?

 

[Byrdanator]

Based on the games you listed, the issues you're having are almost certainly tied to the processor. Those games are very cpu-limited. It's a bit harder to upgrade a CPU than a video card, but that's what you should start with if you're going to upgrade.

That being said, it might be worth overclocking the G3258, seeing as how the system is equipped with a Z97 motherboard. Go into the BIOS/UEFI by pressing delete during boot up and see if you can find an option for increasing the multiplier. Moving from 32 to 40 should give you a nice boost, or at least should show you whether more CPU speed can help in your games.

I've never tried to over clock it. I've heard that it can do damage to the CPU as well as may only have limited effects in multiplayer gameplay. I guess there's some guides / how to's on the "CPUs and Overclocking" forum I could reference.

 

[Byrdanator]

Welcome to the forums!



I agree with the CPU upgrade idea. But we're not mind readers. What budget do you have in mind?

It also looks like that computer may be capable of overclocking. Did you overclock before? Do you want to now?

You can't add a second one - the 750ti isn't SLI compatible. Whether you should upgrade depends on your budget. Some cards might require an upgrade from the 500W PSU of unknown brand as well. I don't suppose you can show us a photo of the sticker on the PSU that lists the rails and amperages?

I'm not trying to make the leap into ultra mega pc gaming just yet. But something incremental that would offer significant and worthwhile improvement. For this phase, I'd probably be looking into the $300 range.

I've never overclocked before. With enough encouragement, I would be willing to try though.

You want me to open her up!!! Lol, well if it seems i'll need a new graphics card as opposed to processor, then I can. I think a new processor and graphics card at the same time might be too pricy though.



Let's assume I can overclock and it offers significant improvement, no lag, high quality settings; what should I be considering to upgrade instead? Or should I just take the plunge to an i5 no matter what?

 

[Termie]

I've never tried to over clock it. I've heard that it can do damage to the CPU as well as may only have limited effects in multiplayer gameplay. I guess there's some guides / how to's on the "CPUs and Overclocking" forum I could reference.

You really don't need a guide to overclocking. Just press "delete" while booting and go into the UEFI. You'll find a section on overclocking that will make it very easy. Like I said, you want to increase the multiplier from 32x (or "Auto") to 40x. If you're hesitant, just try increasing it to 34x or 35x to see how it works.

You'll need a benchmarking utility like FRAPS, or a game with a built-in benchmark, to see the benefits.

 

[Ken g6]

Let's assume I can overclock and it offers significant improvement, no lag, high quality settings

That's not the place to check a CPU overclock. Try it with low quality settings on a low resolution. If the overclock improves performance, you're CPU-limited. If performance was OK to begin with, and if the OC doesn't provide a noticeable improvement, you might want a new GPU.

For looking at GPUs we need to know more about your PSU. And I'm hesitant to recommend a high-end GPU without an i5 or better CPU. :hmm:

That reminds me, did you know you can overclock your GPU too? :sneaky: You may not notice the improvement, but it's free.

 

[Byrdanator]

That's not the place to check a CPU overclock. Try it with low quality settings on a low resolution. If the overclock improves performance, you're CPU-limited. If performance was OK to begin with, and if the OC doesn't provide a noticeable improvement, you might want a new GPU.

For looking at GPUs we need to know more about your PSU. And I'm hesitant to recommend a high-end GPU without an i5 or better CPU. :hmm:

That reminds me, did you know you can overclock your GPU too? :sneaky: You may not notice the improvement, but it's free.

Sounds like a plan! I'll over clock the CPU tonight and see how if that helps.

And no, I didn't know you could do that lol. Now, if I overclock, do I also increase the power being used? In theory, if both were being overclocked, would I run the risk of blowing the computer up from using more power than available??? lol

 

[Byrdanator]

Soooooo... I use a HDTV as my computer monitor. Due to the tv's resolution settings (i think), I am unable to see anything that my computer projects until the login screen where it is sent in the format my tv receives. The tv isn't the newest of models and doesn't allow me to change the screen resolution to anything lower. So even though I can hold down delete to access my bios screen, I cannot see anything on my monitor (tv). I don't have any other monitors here and I couldn't find any solution online as to fix this.

So, I may not actually be able to access my bios screen for the time being. Guys, I'm a handful aren't I?

 

[mfenn]

And no, I didn't know you could do that lol. Now, if I overclock, do I also increase the power being used? In theory, if both were being overclocked, would I run the risk of blowing the computer up from using more power than available??? lol

Yes, overclocking increases power draw. But if you're only increasing the multiplier like Termie suggested, then you're not increasing power draw by all that much.

There is always a risk when it comes to overclocking, but the risk of a mild multiplier-only overclock are extremely small. The most likely "bad" outcome is that the PC refuses to boot and you have to reset the CMOS to defaults.

 

[mfenn]

Soooooo... I use a HDTV as my computer monitor. Due to the tv's resolution settings (i think), I am unable to see anything that my computer projects until the login screen where it is sent in the format my tv receives. The tv isn't the newest of models and doesn't allow me to change the screen resolution to anything lower. So even though I can hold down delete to access my bios screen, I cannot see anything on my monitor (tv). I don't have any other monitors here and I couldn't find any solution online as to fix this.

So, I may not actually be able to access my bios screen for the time being. Guys, I'm a handful aren't I?

Most motherboard manufacturers provide utilities that allow you to overclock from within Windows. What model board do you have? It should be silkscreened onto the motherboard somewhere.

 

[SPARTAN VI]

Based on the games you listed, the issues you're having are almost certainly tied to the processor. Those games are very cpu-limited. It's a bit harder to upgrade a CPU than a video card, but that's what you should start with if you're going to upgrade.

That being said, it might be worth overclocking the G3258, seeing as how the system is equipped with a Z97 motherboard. Go into the BIOS/UEFI by pressing delete during boot up and see if you can find an option for increasing the multiplier. Moving from 32 to 40 should give you a nice boost, or at least should show you whether more CPU speed can help in your games.

Ditto, the G3258 is begging for an overclock. Ensure the cooling is up to the task (i.e. not stock Intel HSF) and get to it. Even Attila TW performance doesn't scale much beyond two cores, and hyperthreading too has very little impact. If I were you, I'd start with an overclock then look to upgrade the GPU.

A $300 budget is generally in the R9 290X territory and knocking on GTX 970 territory. Since I'm a total war gamer too, I'd recommend the GTX 970, but that would stretch your budget. Furthermore, I'm not sure what your powersupply is capable of. Any chance you can share the make/model of your powersupply?

 

[VirtualLarry]

Ditto, the G3258 is begging for an overclock. Ensure the cooling is up to the task (i.e. not stock Intel HSF) and get to it.

If it started life as a retail-boxed G3258, they include a copper-cored cooler as stock equipment, that's good for at least a 40X multi overclock (4.0Ghz).

Furthermore, I'm not sure what your powersupply is capable of. Any chance you can share the make/model of your powersupply?

This, too.

 

[Byrdanator]

If it started life as a retail-boxed G3258, they include a copper-cored cooler as stock equipment, that's good for at least a 40X multi overclock (4.0Ghz).


This, too.

I'll open her up and let you guys know tonight what my power supply is. I upped my clock to 3.5 and it's doing fine. That said, are you all certain that I can go to 4.0 without upping the power or changing other settings?

Also, there seems to be some disagreement from earlier in the thread to now. If my cpu is now clocking at 4.0, then I aught to consider going with a new GPU instead of a new CPU?

Thanks everyone!

 

[sm625]

I set mine to 4.4GHz and set the voltage to 1.3V on the stock cooler. Runs hot but still within the limits with no throttling. Been running it like that for almost a year now.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I set mine to 38x in a GA-H81M-DS2V board, because 39x would crash in Windows, and 40x wouldn't post.

Highest vcore possible on this board is 1.2v, VRIN is something like 1.72v instead of 1.8v.

Anyways, I got a STOP 0x101 error, and a hard freeze this past week.

 

[Termie]

I'll open her up and let you guys know tonight what my power supply is. I upped my clock to 3.5 and it's doing fine. That said, are you all certain that I can go to 4.0 without upping the power or changing other settings?

Also, there seems to be some disagreement from earlier in the thread to now. If my cpu is now clocking at 4.0, then I aught to consider going with a new GPU instead of a new CPU?

Thanks everyone!

Good job getting it up to 3.5GHz. Now you know how to do it. You can experiment with pushing it to 4GHz. You'll know fairly quickly if it doesn't work, as the system either won't boot up or will crash quickly in Windows. The fail safe, if the motherboard doesn't reset, is to pull the CMOS battery out of the motherboard, which will put you back to default settings. You won't damage anything.

That being said, I don't see any disagreement in this thread about the problem with your system. It's your CPU. Everyone is suggesting overclocking it because that will help alleviate the problem. It will not remove the problem. A G3258@4.4 will just about equal a $120 Core i3-4150 in most gaming scenarios, at which point you could be looking for a new GPU. But you aren't going to hit 4.4GHz all that easily.

Anyway, one of the benefits of doing all of this is that you can test for yourself whether the increased CPU speed is helping. A few of your games should have built-in benchmarks. Try running them at stock and at 3.5GHz. If they need more CPU power, the 3.5GHz setting should produce higher frames per second. And then you can experiment further with your overclock. The good news in this scenario is that you might be able to get the gaming experience you're looking for without spending a penny.