I currently have a Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P motherboard. I am thinking about upgrading to a more powerful processor and a better graphics card. Right now, I'm running an FX X6 6300 paired with an R9 280X 3GB. I guess I was wondering which specific processors and GPUs this board might be able to handle effectively without too much trouble? Thanks!
I currently have an Intel Core i5-3570K paired with an ASUS ROG Maximus motherboard. My power supply is rated at 550W, and I'm running an R9 280X 3GB 384-bit graphics card along with 6GB of Kingston RAM at 1600MHz CL11. I've managed to save up some funds, reaching about $567. I am considering upgrading to a more powerful processor and adding a bit more RAM. I suppose I'm wondering if it makes sense to upgrade right now, or if I should wait. If it does make sense, what kind of processor would be a good choice within that budget? I was thinking maybe an 8-core AMD chip might help me stay ahead of upcoming games for a few years. Thanks!!
Chris Robinson25 said:I'm looking to sell an R9 280 for a pretty reasonable price. If anyone happens to be interested, please feel free to send me a PM.
graniteharbor85 said:So, if I’m following you right—you did a totally fresh install of Windows when you swapped out those new parts—then you should be golden. No biggie there. But, if you actually kept the old Windows setup from your previous build? Yeah... you're gonna have to wipe everything and start over from scratch.
Everything has been freshly installed. So, I guess if I just clean things up and install the drivers using the link you provided, everything should hopefully work exactly as it should?
graniteharbor85 said:So, if I’m following you right—you did a totally fresh install of Windows when you swapped out those new parts—then you should be golden. No biggie there. But, if you actually kept the old Windows setup from your previous build? Yeah... you're gonna have to wipe everything and start over from scratch.
Everything is brand new. It’s a completely fresh Windows install. So, I guess I just run that cleanup tool from the link you provided, then install the drivers using the other link you sent, and that should be everything? I suppose there isn't any need to install the drivers from the graphics card disc after that, right?
graniteharbor85 said:Man, looks like the drivers didn't quite land right on your end. I'd say just wipe everything clean with this and grab the latest drivers for your 64-bit Windows—then just do a fresh install from scratch.
Thanks. So, the plan is to clean them out first and then reinstall them!! I suppose I should ask, is a full Windows reinstallation absolutely necessary, or might it be okay to just try the drivers if everything goes smoothly? Starting from scratch all over again... oh boy..
I recently picked up some new computer components a few days ago. I have an Intel Core i5 processor, a Gigabyte 970 DS3P motherboard, and 6 GB of Kingston 1600 MHz RAM. For my graphics card, I am still using an older Sapphire X 5750 Vapor X with 1 GB of VRAM. I managed to install everything correctly with Windows 7 Professional, but when I tried to run some newer games, they just wouldn't launch. I read somewhere that I might need to download the latest drivers, so I went ahead and downloaded the AMD Catalyst Omega 14.12. Unfortunately, after installing it, everything seems to have gone wrong. My resolution is messed up, and even though I installed that specific AMD Catalyst package, the system keeps telling me to install drivers for this graphics card. I even tried using the original driver CD that came with the card, but it throws an error halfway through the installation process. I guess I am a bit stuck here. What should I do? Does anyone know which drivers I should try installing instead? If you happen to have a link, that would be very helpful.
I just received my parts order from Newegg today. I've got a Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P motherboard, an Intel Core i7-6700K, a Seagate BarraCuda 1TB drive, and some Kingston 1600MHz CL11 RAM (2GB + 4GB). Now, I have a quick question regarding a CPU cooler for this processor. I guess you might wonder if the stock cooler will be sufficient for this setup, or if I should probably order a separate one? I don't plan on overclocking anything at the moment, though I suppose I might consider it in the future for more demanding games. Additionally, I'm thinking about picking up a used NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 from a friend. Would this motherboard and processor combo support that graphics card? Thanks!......
graniteharbor85 said:There isn't a massive difference in gaming performance between the Intel Core i5 and the Intel Core i7; however, the Intel Core i7 might be the better choice since it's a stronger processor overall, which could allow you to pair it with a more powerful GPU than what you'd use with an Intel Core i5. As for the FX 6350, I would probably suggest skipping that one, as it seems to just be a slightly overclocked version of the Intel Core i5.
I believe he wasn't referring to the graphics card, but rather the Gigabyte B350. Carl Nelson5, which credit card are you using for the payments, and how many installments? Also, please let us know your maximum budget.
I am using a JPMorgan Chase card. 12 MONTHS.$867.I need a motherboard, processor, hard drive, and 4 GB of RAM. Ideally, the processor should be the Intel Core i7. They don't carry Gigabyte motherboards here; they only have ASUS and ASRock. I am looking for the most affordable option that supports that specific processor. I suppose I don't really care about overclocking anything.
Larry Ortiz5 said:If you are using THIS case, that motherboard should fit without any issues since the case supports both Micro ATX and ATX, so there shouldn't be any worries there. Regarding the Gigabyte B350 motherboard, did you actually mean the graphics card? I suppose an i5 might act as a bit of a bottleneck for an NVIDIA GTX 970, so maybe it would be better to go with the i7.
It isn't exactly that, but it's quite similar. The specs list it as a Mid Tower Case. For the motherboard, I was thinking about the ASRock 970 Pro3 R2. It features the AMD SB950, ATX form factor, FSB2400, and 4xDDR3. Now, I guess the main question is whether it will actually fit in the case. Also, which processor should I choose from the ones mentioned above? The price difference between the Intel Core i5-3570K and the Intel Core i7 is rather significant. I wonder, what about the Intel Core i5?
Should I go with the Intel Core i5 or the Intel Core i7? I am wondering if there is a significant difference when it comes to gaming performance, especially since the price gap seems quite large. My budget is a bit tight right now because I'll be putting this on my credit card. For the motherboard, I was thinking about getting the ASRock 970 Pro3 R2. I currently have a Mid Tower Case from Thermaltake, and I am curious if that specific board will actually fit inside it. I originally wanted the Gigabyte B350, but they don't seem to have it in stock. It doesn't really make sense for me to buy everything separately through Links in Chicago, as I'm not located near them. It would cost me about $150 more to $67 just to get it locally. Honestly, I'd probably spend more just on gas driving all the way to Chicago. So, my main questions are: which processor should I choose for this board—the Intel Core i5 or the Intel Core i7? And will that motherboard fit in my current case? Thanks...
swiftfalcon89 said:What are the rest of your specs? For that kind of budget, I suppose you might want to look for a used Radeon RX 270 or maybe a Radeon RX 280. That is, provided you already have a decent processor and a reliable power supply of at least 500W, of course.
My processor is a Ryzen 7 3700X, and the motherboard is a Samsung 970 Pro. As for the power supply, I am using a 550W Chieftec.
Could someone please explain the differences between various graphics cards? Specifically, I am curious about the significance of the MHz speeds and the bit rate. A friend of mine keeps insisting that for gaming, the bit width is the most critical factor—for instance, suggesting that 256-bit is superior to 128-bit, or 384-bit beats 256-bit. I suppose I am also wondering if there is a similar logic regarding VRAM, such as whether 2 GB of RAM is significantly better than 1 GB DDR. My plan is to purchase a card with a budget of up to $367. I am currently undecided on which would be the best choice for gaming, or if it might be wiser to look for a used card on eBay that offers more power for the same price. Thank you very much.
crimsonstag84 said:You can probably keep the case, but you'll definitely need a new cooler.
So, if the case fits the motherboard and everything else, we should be good? Okay. I guess they won't match up those new parts with my old ones? For instance, could I just bring my tower down to their shop and have them assemble everything for me? Or am I expected to put it all together myself at home?
Timothy Kim60 said:It might be a little more than that, I guess.
1 x Intel Core i7-Series 3.5GHz,16MB,125W,AM3+, FD8320FRHK 1 x Gigabyte 970A-DS3P, AM3+, AMD 970 SB950, 4x DDR3 2000(O.C.)/1866 1 x DDR3 8GB (1x8GB) Crucial, 1600MHz CL11 1 x MS PHOENIX case without power supply, Midi tower MB: ATX, mATX 1 x Spire Kepler Rev.2 ,cooler, 1156/775/FM1, 96.5×51×125 mm ,92mm
$825 You should ask the manager about cash prices; if you want to pay in installments, it’ll probably be about 8 to 10% higher. Maybe check specifically with different retailers. Also, it might be better to find a case with better airflow, because this one doesn't really have much. Choosing cheaper motherboards and skipping the cooler isn't really practical; I don't think anyone would normally suggest that.
With an Intel build, you could go with a budget motherboard and no cooler, but the total cost ends up being similar:
1 x DDR3 8GB (1x8GB) Crucial, 1600MHz CL11 1 x AMD Ryzen 5 2600 (3.20GHz,1MB,6MB,84 W,1150) Box 1 x ASUS H81M-E, 1150, AMD A520, DDR3, 2 slots, 1333,1600 MHz 1 x MS PHOENIX case without power supply, Midi tower MB: ATX, mATX
$823 (you might need a BIOS update)
So, if all that seems like too much, my advice would be: either just get 4GB of RAM, or if you definitely want 8GB right away, maybe look into the AMD FX-Series X4 6300 with a better case and cooler:
1 x DDR3 8GB (1x8GB) Crucial, 1600MHz CL11 1 x Gigabyte 970A-DS3P, AM3+, AMD 970 SB950, 4x DDR3 2000(O.C.)/1866 1 x AMD FX-Series X4 6300 3.5GHz,14MB,95W,AM3+, FD6300WMHK 1 x Zalman Z1 mid tower case. 199(W)x432(H)x457(D)mm. MB standard
$714 Ask the manager for the cash price.
+ links LC-CC-120 (they have the same price for cash or installments there) = $0.77
EDIT - you didn't need to start five different threads; 🤣 you could have just asked everything in one place.
I suppose I would start with the option above. Now, I wonder if buying a separate cooler is mandatory, or if the factory one is sufficient? I don't plan on overclocking anything. I also have a case that comes with a power supply. Perhaps I won't even need to change that? The case is a THERMALTAKE VD2000BNS, MID TOWER MATRIX, NO PSU, BLACK, USB, FIRE WIRE, 1-120MM FAN. If the motherboard and processor fit in that, then I could skip the extra case and cooler. That way, I could probably squeeze in a new 500 GB hard drive...
You all mentioned setting up an installment plan for my $1000 build earlier. The issue is, I realized I have a credit limit of $867 for monthly payments. I wasn't aware of that, so I'm having a bit of trouble figuring out how to fit those specific components into my budget. I am looking for a processor, a motherboard, some RAM, and a case. I already have a graphics card, a hard drive, an optical drive, and a power supply. Ideally, I would like the processor to be an Intel Core i7-4770K, and if possible, I’d love to squeeze 8 GB of RAM in there too. I suppose I can upgrade the rest of the parts later on as I save up more money. My current power supply is a 550W Corsair, the GPU is a Radeon 5750 with 1 GB of DDR5, and the storage is just a standard SATA drive and an optical burner. So, essentially, I need those four items for $867 via financing.......
Would this motherboard be a good match for an Intel Core i7? To be specific, I am looking at the ASUS model. It features the AMD 970 chipset, Intel Chipset, ATX form factor, FSB2400, and 4xDDR3 slots. [48200] I suppose I am asking because it seems to be the most budget-friendly option, and it looks decent enough to me. Also, I was wondering what kind of power supply I should get to run this setup without breaking the bank? Or maybe it would be better to just pick up a case that comes with a built-in power supply if those are available?
DDR3 8GB (1x8GB) Crucial, 1600MHz CL11 Gigabyte 970A-DS3P, AM3+, AMD 970 SB950, 4x DDR3 2000(O.C.)/1866 AMD FX-Series X8 8320 Processor 3.5GHz, 16MB, 125W, AM3+, FD8320FRHK Spire Kepler Rev.2, heatsink, 1156/775/FM1, 96.5×51×125 mm, 92mm I don't really need a graphics card, a hard drive, a CD burner, or a power supply. I think I've pretty much picked out this specific configuration above. I would likely look into a financing plan through something like Best Buy or Amazon, though I suppose I'm not entirely sure what the monthly payments would end up being. I also realize I'll need to find a case to put it all in. If possible, I’d prefer if the total cost didn't go over $933... what do you all think about this setup?
Timothy Kim60 said:Since you probably know better than anyone whether a new graphics card is actually necessary—what kind of games would you be looking to play? I suppose I'm curious if you're currently satisfied with its gaming performance?
Which credit cards offer a 12-month installment plan?
I have generally played most of my games on high settings. For instance, I ended up playing Call of Duty: Black Ops II on medium because I was experiencing some stuttering. I suspect that might have been due to a somewhat weak processor. On the other hand, I ran Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag at maximum settings, and Far Cry 3 ran quite smoothly for me at 1650x1050 resolution. I think it might be wise for me to wait a little longer before purchasing a graphics card until I can save up a bit more money. Once I have enough, I can just install it and call it a day. To give you an idea of my current setup, let’s say I have an Intel Core i7-3770K processor. I suppose the motherboard supporting that CPU doesn't necessarily need to be expensive, provided it isn't total junk. Beyond that, I would look for the rest of the components. So, I am looking for that specific processor and everything else, excluding the GPU, the power supply, and the optical drive. I could probably use a different case as well.