Upgrading from FX Series

[bunnyzz]

Hello, I am planning to upgrade my ancient computer as the processor in my computer died. Here are the specs:

 

• CPU: AMD FX-8320
• GPU: XFX R9 280x
• Motherboard: MSI 970a-G43
• PSU: EVGA 500B
• Samsung 256GB SSD
• Seagate 2TB HDD
• 8GB DDR3 RAM

Also, I got an MSI Z170a Gaming G5 from a friend who never opened the box, which made me think about upgrading but I think that board only supports Skylake and not kabylake or coffee lake. Would it be worth it to save money and get Skylake? or is it not worth it anymore? i think my absolute budget is $450

[dizmo]

Welcome to the forum!

With a budget like that, I'd look for the following parts. Reddit is a great place to start, but you have to check the Hardware Swap frequently as good deals are gone within minutes.

• GTX 970 - $175ish
• i5 6500/6600k - Shouldn't be any more than $100 really. If they're asking more use the reasoning of an i3 8100 costing less and having a longer warranty
• 16GB DDR4 - $130ish

I wouldn't say it's worth getting Kaby since it's not a huge jump, and you don't know if your board even has the BIOS to support it.

Not worth the risk IMO.

[TheGlenlivet]

4 minutes ago, bunnyzz said:

Hello, I am planning to upgrade my ancient computer as the processor in my computer died. Here are the specs:

 

• CPU: AMD FX-8320
• GPU: XFX R9 280x
• Motherboard: MSI 970a-G43
• PSU: EVGA 500B
• Samsung 256GB SSD
• Seagate 2TB HDD
• 8GB DDR3 RAM

Also, I got an MSI Z170a Gaming G5 from a friend who never opened the box, which made me think about upgrading but I think that board only supports Skylake and not kabylake or coffee lake. Would it be worth it to save money and get Skylake? or is it not worth it anymore? i think my absolute budget is $450

You would probably need to buy used as you will need both the CPU and RAM for that board.

You can get a z170 to take Kabylake with a bios update, but the difference between sky and kaby is small.

Both will be a big upgrade from your FX.  The 280X would be your next weak point.

[bunnyzz]

12 minutes ago, TheGlenlivet said:

You would probably need to buy used as you will need both the CPU and RAM for that board.

You can get a z170 to take Kabylake with a bios update, but the difference between sky and kaby is small.

Both will be a big upgrade from your FX.  The 280X would be your next weak point.

 

13 minutes ago, dizmo said:

Welcome to the forum!

With a budget like that, I'd look for the following parts. Reddit is a great place to start, but you have to check the Hardware Swap frequently as good deals are gone within minutes.

• GTX 970 - $175ish
• i5 6500/6600k - Shouldn't be any more than $100 really. If they're asking more use the reasoning of an i3 8100 costing less and having a longer warranty
• 16GB DDR4 - $130ish

I wouldn't say it's worth getting Kaby since it's not a huge jump, and you don't know if your board even has the BIOS to support it.

Not worth the risk IMO.

wouldn't it be a risk to buy on reddit? how would i know those parts are working properly

[dizmo]

2 hours ago, bunnyzz said:

 

wouldn't it be a risk to buy on reddit? how would i know those parts are working properly

• You pay with Paypal; first level of coverage
• The 6600k is still under warranty until August; if you get it and it's dead, warranty it and get a new one
• RAM generally has a lifetime warranty

[bunnyzz]

17 minutes ago, dizmo said:

• You pay with Paypal; first level of coverage
• The 6600k is still under warranty until August; if you get it and it's dead, warranty it and get a new one
• RAM generally has a lifetime warranty

thx