Questions about Upgrades

[Chiefmishka]

Motherboard: MSI 7673

CPU: Intel Core i7 2600 3.4 GHz

GPU: Nvidia Geforce GTX 550 Ti

PSU: 500 Watt

RAM: 2x 4Gb DDR3

Monitors: 1x 1920x1080 ASUS, 1x 1440x900 Dell (sorry I cant remember specific models. Just wanted to give a rough Idea of what I was looking to power visually).

 

I use my PC for gaming. While I currently don't mind playing games at the lowest settings so I can run games as smooth as possible at 1080p, I would like to upgrade my system so that I might be able to play games by bumping up the graphics to at least the second highest settings (if not the highest settings). Specific games would be Bioshock Infinite, Crysis 3, Tomb Raider, and the upcoming Evolve.

 

Looking for any and all advice about my thoughts. Started with my current build; it is a pre-built I purchased 3.5 years ago. Initially I was looking to build a new PC from scratch and while given another 2 months I would have the money to do so, I think I would rather invest in upgrades that could be transferred to a new build first. Currently looking into upgrading the GPU. Thought about running SLI 970s however (as I will talk about in a moment) I would rather just go with a single 980 due to power consumption and heat output. It is likely I will have to upgrade my power supply to something with 750 watts and the connections that will support a 980 (I am looking to go Semi-Modular, either EVGA or Corsair). I will likely also be getting a 200+ Gb SSD to go with my current Hitachi 1Tb HDD.

 

I am specifically looking to ask three questions. Is there anything that I might have overlooked that I need to check on before purchasing any parts (understand I don't plan on purchasing anything for at least a couple of paychecks so I can not put the purchase on a Credit Card).

 

The second question goes back to the GPU in that I am unsure if my case has good enough airflow. Even before I upgrade anything I am concerned about keeping my system as cool as possible (not interested in water cooling yet as this will be my first foray into building or upgrading a PC by hand). I have gone from simply upgrading the Graphics card to upgrading the graphics card, the power supply, and adding an SSD. I would like any suggestions as to a case that I might transfer my motherboard and cpu into that would be well equipped for future upgrades but more importantly excellent airflow.

 

My final question is about my CPU. It is a core i7 which I know I have probably not used to its full potential even though it is a couple of generations behind. When I choose to upgrade the CPU I will upgrade the motherboard but at that point I might as well upgrade everything in the computer (which is why my initial questions pertain to items that might eventually be transferred into a new motherboard and CPU). Am I fine sticking with the CPU I have? Should I try to overclock it given my concerns about temperature and airflow (even running difficult games it never breaks 40 degrees celsius) or am I fine just to consider the upgrades I have discussed.

 

I apologize in advance for any lack of information. I have been watching more videos from the linustechtips youtube channel to help my decision making process however, I would like any and all advice seeing as this is my first dive into building or upgrading or anything remotely related to changing hardware in my PC.

[watts300]

I'd probably just upgrade the video card.  You have 8GB of memory, which is more than enough for your game list.  And you have a i7.  Those are solid.   Depending on your budget, I'd suggest either an R9 290 (as the lesser expensive option) or a GTX 970 (as the more expensive option).   

 

I suppose your system might also benefit from a drive upgrade, too.  Since you're already considering a solid state drive, I'd suggest go ahead and get one of those, too.  

 

I'd leave the rest alone.  Still looks like a good machine to me.