Upgrading my PC - some advice?

[TheKeir]

I bought my PC from here almost 2 years ago, and I'd like to upgrade it because it's a bit terrible. I therefore would appreciate some advice on upgrading.

Here's my current PC specs:

Case - PCS Maelstrom T900
CPU - AMD A4-3400
GPU - AMD Radeon HD 6850
RAM - 4GB Samsung Dual-DDR3 1333MHz (2 X 2GB)
PSU - "450W Quiet 80 PLUS Dual Rail PSU + 120mm Case Fan"
Motherboard - Asus F1A55
(full specs - http://pastebin.com/zmTDVDEt )


This is what I'm thinking of upgrading:

- New CPU: AMD FX-8320
- New motherboard to support the cpu: Asus M5A97
- New GPU: either the new R9 270X or a 7950
- New PSU to support new parts: something like this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CX750-Builder-Series-Bronze/dp/B008RJZR40/ or http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9-Vengeance-Performance-Desktop/dp/B004CRSM4I/r
- More RAM. Probably 8GB more, to make 12GB. Something like this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9-Vengeance-Performance-Desktop/dp/B004CRSM4I/


Although it looks nice in principle, I worry about it not actually working - I'm aware that you can't just throw a load of random parts together and they'll all work with each other. So, will these work together with my computer?

Cheers!
Keir

 

[Boozad]

There aren't any external links allowed on here mate, it's for PCS rigs/parts only.

 

[vanthus]

I think you would maybe just as well consider a new computer from PCS.

 

[TheKeir]

I think you would be just as well buying a new computer from PCS.

This is way cheaper though. Plus, I may not be buying a new graphics card, I'm not sure - at any rate, I would upgrade the gpu probably at a later state.

Essentially, I wanted a new processor, but to do that I need a new motherboard and power supply. I also need a bit more RAM.
And I want the experience of putting my computer together/replacing parts.

Also, I forgot to ask - do I need to get extra cooling for the cpu?

 

[vanthus]

There aren't any external links allowed on here mate, it's for PCS rigs/parts only.

Not sure about that,I believe you can after all send PCS parts to install.

 

[Boozad]

Not sure about that,I believe you can after all send PCS parts to install.

Aah OK. My bad.

 

[TheKeir]

I don't mean to be unnecessarily bumping this, but neither of you guys actually answered the question ^^ (or my question in post #4); it would really be appreciated if someone could do so. Or is this forum purely for advice on actually buying from PCS? cos I've used this forum for technical advice before, so I assumed it was okay - sorry if it isn't.

 

[Boozad]

Or is this forum purely for advice on actually buying from PCS?

That was my understanding. If it's OK I'll be glad to help.

 

[vanthus]

I don't mean to be unnecessarily bumping this, but neither of you guys actually answered the question ^^ (or my question in post #4); it would really be appreciated if someone could do so. Or is this forum purely for advice on actually buying from PCS? cos I've used this forum for technical advice before, so I assumed it was okay - sorry if it isn't.

The upgrades you mention basically is a new computer,apart from the case and hard drive,so I still think you would be better off buying a new computer from PCS.

 

[TheKeir]

The upgrades you mention basically is a new computer,apart from the case and hard drive,so I still think you would be better off buying a new computer from PCS.

It's double the price, though, which is kind of a massive consideration since I am on a budget! I can afford to upgrade my PC, however I can't afford a new PC with those components. And, as I said, I would really like a bit of hands-on experience in PC building. I'd quite like to do the upgrades myself.

 

[keynes]

It's double the price, though, which is kind of a massive consideration since I am on a budget! I can afford to upgrade my PC, however I can't afford a new PC with those components. And, as I said, I would really like a bit of hands-on experience in PC building. I'd quite like to do the upgrades myself.

What is your budget?

 

[vanthus]

It's double the price, though, which is kind of a massive consideration since I am on a budget! I can afford to upgrade my PC, however I can't afford a new PC with those components. And, as I said, I would really like a bit of hands-on experience in PC building. I'd quite like to do the upgrades myself.

Well,it's looking for advice on building your own really which isn't allowed.
There are plenty of sites out there though that do specialise in that area.

 

[TheKeir]

Well,it's looking for advice on building your own really which isn't allowed.
There are plenty of sites out there though that do specialise in that area.

OK, it's just I've asked before so thought it was alright. Apologies.
Can you recommend any sites? I naturally looked here because you folk were very helpful when I was ordering my PCS computer.

What is your budget?

Around £500 probably, depending on how much money I spend between now and the end of the year (I'm looking to upgrade at the very start of next year). I should be able to afford the parts I listed, and I don't want to go too much above that, since I won't be able to afford masses more.

 

[keynes]

Around £500 probably, depending on how much money I spend between now and the end of the year (I'm looking to upgrade at the very start of next year). I should be able to afford the parts I listed, and I don't want to go too much above that, since I won't be able to afford masses more.

If you are upgrading at the start of the next year I would suggest you start planning by December since prices could change from now until then.

 

[TheKeir]

If you are upgrading at the start of the next year I would suggest you start planning by December since prices could change from now until then.

Yeah, I guess that makes sense, it's a few months away. I don't imagine the prices of hardware will change drastically by then though.