200 dollar computer upgrade

[Electronics Wizardy]

I have a computer that I made with a amd althon X3 455, a msi 890gxm-g65, 4gb of ram, 120 gb hard drive, 520 watt antec neo eco power supply, modded powermac G4 case, 7300 gt

I wanted to know what I should I upgrade in it with 200 dollars that I just got. I was thinking 8gb more ram, 6670, and a 120 gb ssd or a 7770, 8gb more ram, a 40 or 60 gb ssb.

I want more ram as my system uses all 4 all the time now, A new gpu cause a 7300 gt isn't great for 1080p gaming, and an ssd cause my system is slow opening stuff from the drive.

I made a video of this system at

. got any other upgrade ideas?

[Helltech]

First upgrade should definitely be a GPU, probably looking around the lines of a 7850 I would say. Which doesn't leave you any money for anything else, except maybe a small ram kit. Are you using a 2x2GB kit right now by any chance? With a 7850 your CPU will be holding you back in very CPU intensive games (like GTA IV for example).

[Electronics Wizardy]

yea I have a 2X2 ram kit now I think a ssd upgrade should come later then

[TechFan@ic]

First upgrade should definitely be a GPU, probably looking around the lines of a 7850 I would say. Which doesn't leave you any money for anything else, except maybe a small ram kit. Are you using a 2x2GB kit right now by any chance? With a 7850 your CPU will be holding you back in very CPU intensive games (like GTA IV for example).

Spot on Helltech, there is no need for me to add anything else, you perfectly stated what should be done.

[rickylamperouge]

I agree with Helltech, get a new GPU. I have the 7850 and It works fine for me, I can play almost every game in high settings with 1080p resolution. If you can later make an upgrade to your motherboard to an AM3+ and get an FX processor.

[Helltech]

yea I have a 2X2 ram kit now I think a ssd upgrade should come later then

Then yea, get a 7850 and a 2 x 4GB kit.

Enjoy mate.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150642&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=55544&vpn=996770&manufacture=Mushkin%20Enhanced

[TechBlitZ]

I'd go with a new GPU and Ram too for an upgrade. But maybe a better option would be to sell the whole rig and save up some money for a brand new rig? Doesn't have to be an expensive new rig.

http://pc.ncix.com/ncixpc_new/ncixpc.cfm?uuid=83289DE4-DF1C-4016-89A9D648E02C5921-4797967

1TB harddrive

8gig ram

Intel i3 processor and a Nvidia 650 OC

You could make that even cheaper if you choose the parts yourself =)

[NannerBeans]

I'd go with a new GPU and Ram too for an upgrade. But maybe a better option would be to sell the whole rig and save up some money for a brand new rig? Doesn't have to be an expensive new rig.

http://pc.ncix.com/ncixpc_new/ncixpc.cfm?uuid=83289DE4-DF1C-4016-89A9D648E02C5921-4797967

1TB harddrive

8gig ram

Intel i3 processor and a Nvidia 650 OC

You could make that even cheaper if you choose the parts yourself =)

I don't really like that build from ncix because a 650 isn't a very good deal. Building your own would be a better option.

[Electronics Wizardy]

I'd go with a new GPU and Ram too for an upgrade. But maybe a better option would be to sell the whole rig and save up some money for a brand new rig? Doesn't have to be an expensive new rig.

http://pc.ncix.com/ncixpc_new/ncixpc.cfm?uuid=83289DE4-DF1C-4016-89A9D648E02C5921-4797967

1TB harddrive

8gig ram

Intel i3 processor and a Nvidia 650 OC

You could make that even cheaper if you choose the parts yourself =)

Yea I could get one but I just love building pc and have spent soo much effort of my main pc

[Electronics Wizardy]

I agree with Helltech, get a new GPU. I have the 7850 and It works fine for me, I can play almost every game in high settings with 1080p resolution. If you can later make an upgrade to your motherboard to an AM3+ and get an FX processor.

My mobo can run am3+ cpus

[Electronics Wizardy]

Thanks guys for all the advice on my pc

[rickylamperouge]

My mobo can run am3+ cpus

Oh, well save money for an FX processor and you should be fine. What ram do you use?

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[Electronics Wizardy]

I bought a 7850 for my pc and it performs great. Thanks guys for all the ideas.

[191x7]

A Athlon II x3 is a bottleneck for a HD 7770 in games like Battlefield 3 Multiplayer.

I suppose your new 7850 does not go beyond 50% GPU ussage in really demanding games.

Try running gpu-z, msi afterburner or PlayClaw to check your gpu ussage while gaming.

Have you tried unlocking your CPU to a Quad Core (CPU-Z would show a Phenom II B55 with no L3 cache, thus an Athlon II x4 ~655)?

Most Athlon II x3 can be unlocked and full stable as unlocked.