Upgrade CPU?

[Okedokey]

In summary.

CPU is fine.

If you don't game much, then the GPU isn't needed. You play at 1600 x 1200 max. That is nearly 10% less than 1080p, therefore if you play the games now you want to, and use integrated then keep it that way.

I would spend my money on an SSD which by far removes the biggest bottleneck in any computer and will give you a near constant and certainly noticable performance boost.

List of cheap ssd that will absolutely tear apart any RAID system. Install the OS and apps on there. Store data on other spinning storage.

Massive boost.

 

[jonnyp11]

650 ti boost comes out in a few weeks for $150, based on gk106 (the normal 650ti) but has 782 cuda cores at 980mhz with gddr5 memory plus a 192 bit bus. Which is pretty sweet when you compare it to its bigger brother, the gtx 660.
http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/26/nvidia-gtx-650-ti-boost/
I'd say best bang for your buck budget card atm. (when it comes out)

I will say it is very close to the 7850, but at launch the prices will most likely be so close the 7850 2gb may be the better buy. Really there isn't much of a sweet spot for value, but the best thing is the best you can afford. (although it does seem like a good buy right now)

 

[lemon07r]

Yeah but I think cuda will be better for op because of what he uses his computer for? And the gtx 660 will be $30-40 less then the 7850 once the pricing settles in a bit, which is a big difference in the world of sub $200 video cards, though imo IF it was for me, I would grab the 7850 because I game, but that isnt the case here.

 

[jjonsalt]

I would spend my money on an SSD which by far removes the biggest bottleneck in any computer...will absolutely tear apart any RAID system. Install the OS and apps on there. Store data on other spinning storage.

Massive boost.

Sounds real good. I could (or have a professional) move the OS and programs to a SSD installed in my computer (if room allows), correct? What about an external SSD?

 

[Okedokey]

They're require an empty disk drive bay, but do be honest, at worst ive used velcro to attach them to a case. They're small, light and don't get very hot usually.