Memory upgrade advice

[zipzeolocke]

Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

System Manufacturer: Alienware

       System Model: Aurora-R3

Processor: Intel® Core i7-2600K CPU @ 3.40GHz (8 CPUs), ~3.4GHz

Memory: 16 GB RAM

Graphics card: Nvidia GeForce GTX 680

 

I'm using an alienware Aurora R3 desktop. it currently has 16 GB of Samsung DDR 3-SDRAM (1333 mghz)
 

My plan is to upgrade my computer piece by piece over time, so I have several questions. Should I concentrate on the CPU 1st, the graphics card, or the memory? And about the memory, I noticed that the amount of pins is different. Will DDR 4 RAM be compatible with my motherboard?

[007agentHP]

the ram is fine. 8 gb is the usual for gaming so your good. you should focus on upgrading the gpu first, because if you overclock your i7 2600k, you will be able to remove any bottlenecks. no ddr4 ram will not be compatible because it is a different standard. getting a good gpu like the 970 or 980 is a good upgrade, then your motherboard and cpu for a newer platform.

[zipzeolocke]

I'm a bit hesitant about replacing the motherboard considering it's connected to everything. I've only ever replaced RAM and graphics cards. I'm thinking temporarily upgrading the GPU and then down the road the CPU, and then years later just buy a fresh new PC.

[arnavvr]

Get two GTX 680's in SLI

[zipzeolocke]

At this point in time why would I get 2 GTX 680's? All the prices I've seen are roughly the same as the current flagship 980. would having 2 GTX 680's really be that much better than a single 980 and all the new fancy features that comes with it?

[LabRat]

 a single 290x would give 50% more performance for  most games. or you could wait for the soon to be released cards from AMD. a 380x might be a better option.

 

don't touch the ram. going faster won't help much at all and will be a big waste of money.

 

the over clock on the cpu is a good idea if you feel compfortable doing it.

 

if you plan on a cpu upgrade............ time for a new platform. buy a new cpu and board together. putting another cpu on the board is, again, a waste.

 

then you have to ask why you want to upgrade. what is 'failing" to perform for you?

[zipzeolocke]

well I will attempt to find tutorial videos and instructions on how to overclock the CPU in the meantime. And for now just upgrade my GPU to I'm considering the GTX 980 classified. My main reason for the upgrade is really a VRAM issue I believe. Skyrim modding. There is a RAM limit on Skyrim, but there is no VRAM limit. I'm hoping by getting a 4 GB card it will allow me more wiggle room with Skyrim mods... If I was made of money the new Titan with its vast amount of VRAM would be wonderful but I don't think I even have the power wattage to support a card like that. I was surprised to find out the 980 actually uses less power than the 680 I'm currently using.