Upgrade woes!

[bossdre]

Hi! I'm new but not new to Linus' youtube channel.

 

Just registered to ask about my current build on what to upgrade next. Main use would be Gaming>Interwebs.

 

My specs are:

 

CPU: Intel Core I5-4670k

Mobo: Asus Z87 Sabertooth

GPU: HIS R9 280x IceQ X2 Turbo boost

RAM: Corsair Vengeance 2x2gb 1600mhz

PSU: Seasonic M12II 750w Bronze

Storage: Western Digital Blue Caviar 500gb

Display: Asus VX239h

CPU Cooler: CM Seidon 120v

Case: CM 690 III

 

So finally I got some cash to burn for upgrades so what would be the most optimal upgrade to get first?

 

A. 2nd HIS R9 280x IceQ x2 Turbo boost (used) for CF

B. Corsair Dominator 2x4gb 1600mhz (BNEW)

C. Samsung 840 EVO 120gb (BNEW)

D. Western Digital Blue Caviar 1TB (BNEW)

 

So, from where I came from I can get the ram and the harddrive or the ssd and the harddrive or get a 2nd gpu. Which of this should I get first? I'm planning on getting all of this for my PC but one at a time depending on my budget.

 

BTW, my display is 1080p.

 

Thanks!

[Tro]

Welcome to the forum!

Answer to your question: RAM if you need it, else an SSD is very good.

[SeanAngelo]

if you feel like you need more ram, then get that. or get an ssd

[techjunkie867]

RAM and an SSD

[bossdre]

Hmm.. so, RAM>SSD>GPU>HDD?

 

Would I feel or notice the upgrade on gaming if I get the RAM and SSD first? I thought that getting a 2nd GPU would yield results hence noticeable difference in games.

 

Well, that's what I thought that's why I posted here to confirm or debunk my assumptions by experts and users that has first hand experience on my current predicament.

 

Thanks again!

[cluelessgenius]

Hmm.. so, RAM>SSD>GPU>HDD?

 

Would I feel or notice the upgrade on gaming if I get the RAM and SSD first? I thought that getting a 2nd GPU would yield results hence noticeable difference in games.

 

Well, that's what I thought that's why I posted here to confirm or debunk my assumptions by experts and users that has first hand experience on my current predicament.

 

Thanks again!

ssd also noticable when not gaming and for me it was like switching from 5: to 16:9 or switching from being really kinda fat to fit.YOU WILL NOTICE. its awesome 

[BaSkA]

Having more RAM and using SSD makes my life so much happier... that's where I'd spend the buck at.

[bossdre]

So the consensus here so far would be RAM+SSD would be the optimal choice or get either of the two first.

 

Anyway, about the GPU, since no one even bothered to mention it does getting a second is a waste of money or won't benefit me at all in gaming? Should I avoid CF altogether?

 

I would really want to try multi-gpu setup and I might even do so regardless of what you would advice me but before I do that I would like to know the pros and cons on going in this route but I would like to make an educated choice even if it was a ridiculous at that, at least I know what route I'm taking.

 

I've read a lot about multi-gpu setup but I haven't read an updated article or discussion about cf/sli setup. So, does it still apply in today's hardwares, drivers and games? Any first hand experience?

 

Thanks for the replies!

[brob]

So the consensus here so far would be RAM+SSD would be the optimal choice or get either of the two first.

 

Anyway, about the GPU, since no one even bothered to mention it does getting a second is a waste of money or won't benefit me at all in gaming?

 

I'm with everyone else - memory + ssd. I would suggest a 2x4GB memory kit with the same speed and timings of the existing memory. You may have to do a little bit of fiddling in the BIOS but it should let your run with 12GB in dual channel.

 

Adding a second gpu would not be a waste, it would increase fps and/or allow the use of higher settings. While I think the manufacturer is OTL suggesting 1000W+ psu for two gpu in CF, that is its recommendation. You may want to consider upgrading the gpu after adding more memory and an ssd. By that time the new GTX will be out and there may even be an AMD release pending.

[BaSkA]

I would really want to try multi-gpu setup and I might even do so regardless of what you would advice me but before I do that I would like to know the pros and cons on going in this route but I would like to make an educated choice even if it was a ridiculous at that, at least I know what route I'm taking.

 

I've read a lot about multi-gpu setup but I haven't read an updated article or discussion about cf/sli setup. So, does it still apply in today's hardwares, drivers and games? Any first hand experience?

 

If you go CF 280x you'll get great graphics in pretty much any game and probably be able to run it at 60FPS+ @ 1080p. The problem, however, is that only 4GB of RAM might sometimes make your CPU struggle to find information and have to search the SSD/HDD for them. When that happens, you'll notice a slight delay. Maybe not while gaming but if you do multiple stuff at the same time, 8GB of RAM is much recommended.

 

SSD makes your life happier but more RAM is your true need. If getting a 2x4GB 1600MHz CAS9/10 kit is too expensive for you, at least get another 2x2GB kit exactly like yours for $50, even though it wouldn't be the optimal...

 

If you do not have any problems with your graphics card as of right now, don't bother going CF yet. Wait until the 280x is having a hard time keeping the 60FPS at your preferred settings.

[bossdre]

Then RAM+SSD it is! I'll just sell my current memory to get those two.

 

About CF issues such as runt frames and microstuttering , are they still present on current drivers and game profiles?

[BurgerBum]

first:

buy RAM.

 

second:

buy SSD.

 

third:

become rich so you can afford 4 titans.

 

fourth:

buy me 4 titans as well.

 

 

those are the only logical steps really.....

[BaSkA]

Then RAM+SSD it is! I'll just sell my current memory to get those two.

 

About CF issues such as runt frames and microstuttering , are they still present on current drivers and game profiles?

 

Great! 2x4GB is going to be awesome, you just wait! I don't think that those kind of problems still occur that often. Maybe it happens with CF more than with SLI but, either way, I doubt it...

 

first:

buy RAM.

 

second:

buy SSD.

 

third:

become rich so you can afford 4 titans.

 

fourth:

buy me 4 titans as well.

 

 

those are the only logical steps really.....

 

Wrong.

 

Correction~> Fourth: help the poor children in Africa.

Fifth: Buy us some titans so I can sell'em and buy a car.

[bossdre]

first:

buy RAM.

 

second:

buy SSD.

 

third:

become rich so you can afford 4 titans.

 

fourth:

buy me 4 titans as well.

 

 

those are the only logical steps really.....

 

LOL.

 

I guess a 2nd R9 280x will have to wait.

 

Thanks for helping me do the right thing.

[BurgerBum]

LOL.

 

I guess a 2nd R9 280x will have to wait.

 

Thanks for helping me do the right thing.

you know what..?

 

im pretty sure you could just sell your soul to the devil and buy a fifth titan, just for the bling.