Would appreciate upgrade advise

danielbispov · October 30, 2019

Hello!

A while ago I started my first PC build consisting of used parts. The idea was to build, for the first time , something that would allow me to play my favorite games decently, work and make college projects. I ended up with the following build:

1. Cpu: I3 3240

2. Cooler: Intel Stock Cooler

3. Motheboard: Asrock H61M-DGS

4. Ram: 2x4gb 1333mhz

5. Gpu: Gigabyte GTX 750 ti 2gb

6. Psu: EVGA 430w 80 plus

7. Storage: Kingston 240gb ssd + 500gb HDD

8. Fans: 2 exhaust fans (back and top of case)

9. Case: A thermaltake case with PSU mount on the bottom (PSU on bottom was a must in my thoughs)

10. Monitor: 1440x900 75hz

That build has been totally fine for what I have experienced playing games so far, like CS:GO, Human Fall Flat, Portal, Left for Dead 2, Neverwinter, Battlefield 4 and even Apex Legends. But recently I have noticed stuttering while playing Albion Online (MMORPG) in crowded areas, like cities, also in Apex there are some dips when I have other stuff running in background and I have to close them. When I'm playing I like to have other programs opened, like Discord and Google Chrome. That got me to start thinking about a CPU upgrade, along with my intention to soon buy GTA V, which I have heard can be taxing on the CPU. Sometimes there are some deals around the local used market, can be rare, but I may be able to find an I5 3470 for around 85 USD. I am converting BRL to USD here by the time I'm writing this post to make it easier for you all. At the same time there are some interesting deals in AliExpress:

1. Xeon E3-1220 v2: 27.48 USD (wow)

2. Xeon E3-1230 v2: 60.72 USD

3. i5 3570 (non k): 41.43 USD

4. i7 3770 (non K): 80.95 USD

Considering that I have an Intel Stock Cooler, don't intend to overclock and the current budget is around 62 USD, what would you suggest for me to get the most out of my build? Feel free to share your thoughts, I'd like to know them whatever they are, like if it involves getting an aftermarket cooler, try to raise the budget, buy a brand-new system with more recent components or even all of them.

P.S: I feel like I stretched, but at the same time I wanted to give as many details as possible.

emosun · October 30, 2019

I think the 3770 would be quite good as you'll almost double the cpu performance. Your gpu is rather lacking and so is the ram but the cpu does need to be addressed first I think.

5 minutes ago, danielbispov said:

I have noticed stuttering while playing Albion Online (MMORPG) in crowded areas

not 100% sure a cpu will fix stuttering in online games as these tend to stutter even on top of the line machines so keep that in mind.

6 minutes ago, danielbispov said:

When I'm playing I like to have other programs opened, like Discord and Google Chrome.

and for this you'd definitely want some more ram soon.

GalacticRuler · October 30, 2019

11 minutes ago, Genwyn said:

If the board supports the xeons, go for the xeon 1220.

Otherwise the i5 is a decent option.

Not really worth dumping a lot of money into an ivy bridge platform.

Otherwise you’d be better off saving the 60 bucks and saving until you can get a cheap Ryzen 3 with ram/board + RX 570 or something.

Based on the age of his current parts, I'm assuming that it's harder to find newer parts in Brazil, or that they are extremely expensive. All the parts he has are 5-7 years old at this point, and even the upgrade choices he's giving aren't that much newer.