PC Upgrade Time!

[Jvill40]

I'm looking to upgrade my PC with about a $500 budget (USD). In another thread regarding some stuttering issues I've started to experience I've been informed that my CPU is probably bottlenecking my PC. So I'm definitely looking to get a new CPU but don't know if it would be worth getting a new motherboard as well so I can get a better CPU. These are my current specs:

 

CPU: Intel i5-6500 @3.20GHz

RAM: 16 GB DDR4 2400MHz (4 x 4GB sticks)

GPU: Sapphire Nitro Radeon R9 Fury 4GB

Motherboard: MSI Z170A SLI Plus LGA 1151

PSU: Seasonic 550W 80+ Gold

 

I've been advised to pick up an Intel 7700k, 7700, 6700k, or 6700. I'm debating whether it makes more sense to pick up a new mother board so I can go with an 8700k instead rather than spending more money on the older 7700k. I'm not set in stone on an intel cpu either if there is an AMD processor that you think would be better. With my ~$500 budget in mind whats the best way I can spend my money to maximize my build? Thanks in advance!!

[Yellow_]

7700k would be the most economical and would give you the biggest performance boost. I think it'll do fine for you

Then you can spend the extra cash on a new gpu or maybe a better power supply (depending what unit it is)

[Kaicer]

I would keep the motherboard and ram and get either an RX580 or RX590 GPU, Corsair Cx750 power supply, and get a 6700K.

[Dedayog]

Either way, make sure you're adding some SSD love if you don't already have one. 

 

8700K + motherboard will eat up your $500, so that's more of a longer term thought process.  

[.Apex.]

9 minutes ago, Jvill40 said:

I've been advised to pick up an Intel 7700k, 7700, 6700k, or 6700. I'm debating whether it makes more sense to pick up a new mother board so I can go with an 8700k instead rather than spending more money on the older 7700k. I'm not set in stone on an intel cpu either if there is an AMD processor that you think would be better. With my ~$500 budget in mind whats the best way I can spend my money to maximize my build? Thanks in advance!! 

If you can find a 6700K or 7700K for under 200$ then go for it, as that's the best perf/dollar because you don't have to spend money on a new motherboard.

But if you can't find it for cheap then it would be better to go with a Ryzen 5 2600 and a new motherboard, which would both cost around 300$

[Dedayog]

2 minutes ago, _Syn_ said:

If you can find a 6700K or 7700K for under 200$ then go for it, as that's the best perf/dollar you can find because you don't have to spend money on a motherboard.

But if you can't find it for cheap then it would be better to go with a Ryzen 5 2600 and a new motherboard, which would both cost around 300$

This could be a great way to go.  And if he has a Microcenter near, he could rock the 1600, motherboard and still have enough for a very nice GPU upgrade.

 

Would the 1600 be that much if an upgrade?   Shows 17% on Userbenchmark but I'm thinking the extra cores are much more valuable?

[.Apex.]

2 minutes ago, jstudrawa said:

This could be a great way to go.  And if he has a Microcenter near, he could rock the 1600, motherboard and still have enough for a very nice GPU upgrade.

Ryzen 1600 is also a good idea, but the R9 Fury is on par with the RX 580, I don't think it's possible to upgrade with only 200$ left, even the RTX 2060 is not a worthy upgrade

[Dedayog]

Just now, _Syn_ said:

Ryzen 1600 is also a good idea, but the R9 Fury is on par with the RX 580, I don't think it's possible to upgrade with only 200$ left, even the RTX 2060 is not a worthy upgrade

I was thinking GPU in addition only if he has a MC near.   1600 is $79 - $30, so $49.  Then $100-$150 for motherboard.   Leaving at least $300 for a GPU.

Again, only if a MC is nearby.

[.Apex.]

Just now, jstudrawa said:

I was thinking GPU in addition only if he has a MC near.   1600 is $79 - $30, so $49.  Then $100-$150 for motherboard.   Leaving at least $300 for a GPU.

Again, only if a MC is nearby.

1600 is 50$? wtf.. that's mind blowing yeah that would make a lot of sense

[Dedayog]

7 minutes ago, _Syn_ said:

1600 is 50$? wtf.. that's mind blowing yeah that would make a lot of sense

https://www.microcenter.com/product/478826/ryzen-5-1600-32ghz-6-core-am4-boxed-processor-with-wraith-spire-cooler

 

$79.99 price less a $30 bundle discount with a motherboard.  Basically $49.99 for the 1600, insane.  In store only of course.  Technically they take if off the motherboard price but since you have to buy them both... same difference.

 

I did it last week or so with my Plex box. 

[Jurrunio]

Have you overclocked your CPU yet?