What Should I Do Next With My PC?

Hello all,

I currently have this PC that I am using for gaming and my other daily tasks. I have some things I'd like to do, but my budget won't cover it all at once. I'd like help deciding what to do first.

Okay, so here are my pc specs:

Intel core i5 650 CPU 3.20ghz

4gb ddr3 ram

Corsair CX600M psu (600 watts)

windows 7 as my operating system

120gb SSD + 1tb HDD

Nvidia GTX 650Ti BOOST GPU

This mobo is from around 2009-2010 so the CPU is a bit old as well as it's a dual core and not a quad core.

I have several options with a budget of 200 dollars (might get to 250 in the future, not sure):

- I can get a core i7 870 cpu that's a quad core instead of this dual core, but then I'll risk taking off my cpu fan and not putting it back on properly. I probably should take it to the store to do that..

- I can get a new or more powerful, used GPU, although I'm afraid any higher than my current will be bottle necked by the CPU. Well it already is... unless I get the core i7 cpu? not sure

- I can take it to the pc store to get a water cooling system installed in replace of the fans in my system

- I can have it get serviced and fixed up on the inside, and maybe a fresh install of windows 7 or 8 on the pc that they'll do for me.



I already am upgrading the ram to 8gb, as it is on it's way here.

So that's it. I can only do one of those with my budget and I have no idea which one to choose because they all seem very nice. Which seems like the most needed one to you all?

I'd love to hear your thoughts, thanks

ignatzatsonic said:

Hard drives OK. Operating system OK.

I'd be reluctant to put a more powerful processor on that existing motherboard. As you say--it's 2009/2010 era stuff. But your limited budget may force that.

Current generation Intel processors typically use DDR4 RAM. If you are committed to DDR3, then you are restricted to Haswell or earlier motherboards--ignoring whether or not your particular DDR3 will work on any specific motherboard.

A recent generation quad core processor and motherboard is likely to cost a minimum of 250, more likely 300.

Would you consider buying a used CPU and motherboard?


I wouldn't think a water cooling setup or a reinstall of Windows would be a top priority unless you are having significant unmentioned problems. You don't mention any heat problems or Windows issues.

The i5-650 scores 3142 on the Passmark benchmark. The i7-870 scores 5461. That difference would likely be noticeable, but not a night and day difference.

A used i7-870 costs roughly 80 to 100 on ebay.

What would I do? I'd wait until I could spend at least $300 and get off the 2009 technology entirely.

If you can't or won't wait, then just get the strongest processor that is compatible with your current motherboard.

Alright, thank you very much for the help. I'll have to think it over because I'm a little uncomfortable buying another CPU and motherboard when I've just gotten this one, but I see what you mean. I'm just trying to do what's best for my comfort and convenience.

My CPU does get hot when under full load like in the late 80's early 90's Celsius but that's because the stock fan is very bad, i believe.

I'll most likely get the 1st gen i7 and once I get enough money again, I'll probably be ready for a new PC by that time. I'm also wanting to avoid the new 6th gen CPU's because they make it very hard to install windows 7 as far as I'm aware. I'll be able to follow what you said though when the time comes, it really did help me. Thank you so much.