Upgrading my desktop! A few questions for the experts!

[DeidaraLP]

Hello Forum!

I'm currently planning an upgrade for my desktop PC. I dont have much clue about PC hardware, so i need your help guys.

My current specs are:
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GeForce 8800 GT - 512MB
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Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E8400 @ 3.00GHz
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6GB RAM
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Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
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My PC can handle games up to 2012-2013 on medium. But i would like to play the newest games like Fallout 4, Battlefield 4 and GTA V.

I'm thinking about buying AMD Radeon HD 7950, would that be good enough for the newest games, and for how long would it last before it becomes to outdated?

I have no clue about which proccesor i should buy, people tells me i need i5 but i have no clue what that means?

And is there anything else in my computer i should upgrade beside this? Or would that do it?

Last question, can i go from a Nvidia Video Card to a Radeon Video Card without any trouble, im thinking about drivers and such or is that no worry?

 

[Flapdrol1337]

For modern games you're going to need a newer gpu and cpu, which means you also need a new motherboard and ram.

 

[DeidaraLP]

Whats a GPU and a CPU?

 

[Flapdrol1337]

cpu is processor, gpu is the graphics card

what's your budget?

 

[DeidaraLP]

My budget is around 285 $

 

[Flapdrol1337]

Not enough for a full upgrade, might be able to find a cheap ($30-$50) used Q6600 or Q9550 processor, maybe read up on overclocking if your motherboard allows it.

Combine that with a decent gpu like the 7950 you mentioned (also used? they don't make those anymore) and you'll be able to run modern games, though performance would be better with a more modern cpu.

 

[DeidaraLP]

Alright, i'm planning on buying the GPU 7950 tomorrow, and yes it's used. He also told me had a processor connected to a motherboard i could buy. Should i be interrested in that, because that would mean a fully upgrade right?

And is it hard to upgrade the computer by myself, or should i get someone profesional to do it for me?

 

[RussianSensation]

My budget is around 285 $

This board supports up to i7 4790K and costs $30.

Add this Core i3 4170 CPU for $105.

Add 1x8GB DDR3 for $30 (so that you can add a 2nd 8GB later).

MSI GeForce GTX 950 DirectX 12 GTX 950 = $140.

Sub-total: $305
Use $25 off $200 via AMEX credit OR $25 off $200 via VISA Checkout

Total = $280

If you can stretch your budget a little bit, it would be possible to move up to an R9 380 4GB, GTX960 4GB or even an R9 290.

Alright, i'm planning on buying the GPU 7950 tomorrow, and yes it's used. He also told me had a processor connected to a motherboard i could buy. Should i be interrested in that, because that would mean a fully upgrade right?

And is it hard to upgrade the computer by myself, or should i get someone profesional to do it for me?

That could be a good deal depending on what CPU+Motherboard he has for you as well. Since we don't know the CPU and the price he'd offer you, it's impossible to guess. Also, what's the power supply in your existing system?

Upgrading your computer should be pretty easy as long as you have an OS to install.

 

[DeidaraLP]

Hey RussianSensation!

Tomorrow i will write what motherboard and CPU he's offering me.

Here is some extra info!
http://i.imgur.com/5aUCohn.png
And my Battery:
http://i.imgur.com/56fZbnr.jpg

So i need a new OS because of the new Video Card right? And do i install the OS before i change everything out or after?

 

[Eric1987]

Hey RussianSensation!

Tomorrow i will write what motherboard and CPU he's offering me.

Here is some extra info!
http://i.imgur.com/5aUCohn.png
And my Battery:
http://i.imgur.com/56fZbnr.jpg

So i need a new OS because of the new Video Card right? And do i install the OS before i change everything out or after?

Hah battery never heard it called that before. Thats actually called a PSU Power Supply Unit

 

[skipsneeky2]

Not enough for a full upgrade, might be able to find a cheap ($30-$50) used Q6600 or Q9550 processor, maybe read up on overclocking if your motherboard allows it.

Combine that with a decent gpu like the 7950 you mentioned (also used? they don't make those anymore) and you'll be able to run modern games, though performance would be better with a more modern cpu.

GTA V ran like garbage on a Q6600 for me.Anything less then 8gb of ram and GTA V is stutter city.Even on low,Q6600 still often dipped into the 30's in both GTA V and BF4.

Unless upgrades are free or dirt cheap,i wouldn't invest into a 775 rig.

 

[aaksheytalwar]

My Q9550 used to struggle with GTA IV. Not GTA V.

For GTA V anything less than a 2600k won't cut it. Or at least i7 920 or 860 for medium settings.

 

[Headfoot]

I would do the build RussianSensation suggested. RS is the man when it comes to decent builds in very tight budgets. All I'd change is get the used 7950 for $100 (its not worth more than that) instead of the GTX 950. I'd use the $40 you save from going GTX 950 -> used 7950 and instead get a second stick of RAM, especially if you want to play Fallout 4.