Upgrading a gaming computer

T

TordTorden

New Member
Hello there!

I'm currently looking into upgrading my computer with a new graphics card, as my old one can't even handle Skyrim on medium graphics (which is terrible as Skyrim isn't a very graphics intensive game). Since I bought my computer, I've swithed out the motherboard and the processor, as well as adding 3x more RAM and putting in an SSD to boost the performance.
However, I'm not very experienced at building computers, so I have no idea if my setup is balanced, and what graphics card I should buy to even it out. I have been looking at the GTX 670 and 660 (and I would prefer to have a GTX graphics card), but I might even have to go up to the 680 or down to the 650 for all that I know. I'm also aware that my motherboard might be a bit overpowered, and that my RAM should be 1600MHz and not 1333MHz, and someone told me that my power supply wasn't good enough. So, what should buy? Focusing graphics card and power supply for now.

Anyways, here are my specifications:

Power supply: SP-SS500
Fan: 1x Cooler Master Blade Master
Graphics Card: Sapphire HD 5670 512MB GDDR5 PCIE
Motherboard: Gigabyte G1.Sniper M3
RAM: 2x Corsair 4GB DDR3 1333MHz+ 2x Kingston 2GB DDR3 1333MHz
Processor: Intel i5 2500K
Case: Cooler Master Elite 310
HDD: WD Caviar 500GB
SSD: Corsair 120GB
Internet speed: 70/12 (connected with CAT5e ethernet cable)

I haven't really bothered to pick out each and every piece from the computer to get the exact information about them (especially not the disks) and the optical drive isn't mentioned because it doesn't affect the general performance. If additional information is needed, please tell me, and I'll provide it.
 
You need a GPU and new PSU to play skyrim on higher settings. It doesn't matter the Ram is 1600and the board says 1333, the board will just downclock the ram. What is your budget, and why do you prefer a Nvidia GTX card?
 
Well... Actually I guess it doesn't matter... And anything that is balanced to the other specs should stay withing my budget no matter what, so don't worry about that :D
 
Your CPU will be a match for pretty much any GPU. The PSU Benny boy reccomended is great. A 7950 is good for a more expensive card, will max most games and play any. A 7870, 7850, and 650 Ti Boost are good cards from better to worse. A 670 is a good card to.
 
Get the PSU which Benny Boy suggested and grab yourself a 7950, or a 7870 if you want to spend a bit less.

I'd take a 7950 or a 7870 over the 660 Ti and 670 for gaming.
 
I'm living in Norway, and I can't get the PSU suggested here from where I will order. Any suggestions from corsair or coolermaster?

EDIT: So a 7870 is better for gaming than a 670? I can get the first one for 2000NOK and the GTX for 3000, but I guess a higher price doesn't mean it's better... Also the 7970 is almost equal to the 670 in price
 
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The 670 is probably better than the 7870 for gaming - but the 7950 is better than the 670, but if you can get a 7970 for the price of a 670, get the 7970.

Power supply wise, the Corsair CX 600M will be fine, but I'd probably advise a TX 650 V2 from Corsair for the higher-end cards.
 
I can get the CX 600 M for half the price as the TX 650, as it's on sale. Will the PSU change the performance much? Also, as the 7950 is 700NOK cheaper than the 7970 (Which is 3000) is the difference worth it?
 
Get the CX 600M and the 7950 if you can save money. Awesome parts, you'll be satisfied with them. :)
 
Actually, I'm going to keep my old GPU, even though it's bad, just to have that little extra. Might even use an old screen with it to have skype/facebook/steam up while doing stuff on the mainscreen. Thus I might go up to the CX 750 M, as it can deliver more power. Good if I might want to add more stuff later too ^^
 
I'd honestly just use the 7950 and forget about your 5670. The 5670 won't add a whole lot of performance to your system (assuming you want to run it with your 7950) other than make your PC consume more power and produce more heat.
 
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