$100 budget

[Durdy]

So I have a $100 budget to upgrade my desktop and need help what to buy.


Herr are my specs..AMD Quad-Core A6-3600 (2.1GHz), 8GB DDR3, 1TB HDD, AMD Radeon HD 6530D

 

[strollin]

With only $100 to spend, by far the biggest bang for your buck would be to get an ssd for your OS and programs and to keep the hdd for data storage. Your $100 should allow you to get a 128-240GB ssd.

Here's some examples: Computer Parts, Laptops, Electronics, and More - Newegg.com

 

[shadow2201]

I would say go with a nice SSD to speed things up. You're not going to get far on $100 in any other category, so I'd say go find a good deal on an SSD.

 

[Solarstarshines]

I would actually say no to the SSD if you are looking to play games you are running a APU

I would find the top card you could pair with it for that $100 bucks and call it a day SSD later

 

[whs]

A SSD is the way to go. In terms of GPUs there is not much for $100. For serious gaming you need to spend a lot more.

Examples: Best Graphics Cards February - 2015

 

[Solarstarshines]

A SSD is the way to go. In terms of GPUs there is not much for $100. For serious gaming you need to spend a lot more.

Examples: Best Graphics Cards February - 2015

Wolfgang that is not the case he is running a APU
XFX HD-657X-ZDF2 Radeon HD 6570 1GB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Newegg.com
his CPU matches up with this card APU+GPU hybrid crossfire

$64.99

Or this even better XFX HD-667X-CLF3 Radeon HD 6670 2GB 128-Bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 Low Profile Ready Video Card - Newegg.com

 

[Solarstarshines]

If you can cough up 50 more then here is a ssd PNY SSD7SC120GOPT-RB 2.5" 120GB ATA 6Gb/s (SATA III) NAND Internal / External Solid State Drive (SSD) - Newegg.com

145.00 total upgrade graphics and ssd

 

[whs]

A SSD is the way to go. In terms of GPUs there is not much for $100. For serious gaming you need to spend a lot more.

Examples: Best Graphics Cards February - 2015

Wolfgang that is not the case he is running a APU
XFX HD-657X-ZDF2 Radeon HD 6570 1GB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Newegg.com
his CPU matches up with this card APU+GPU hybrid crossfire

$64.99

Or this even better XFX HD-667X-CLF3 Radeon HD 6670 2GB 128-Bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 Low Profile Ready Video Card - Newegg.com

OKL, I see. I hope he has the recommended 400Watt PSU.

 

[whs]

If you can cough up 50 more then here is a ssd PNY SSD7SC120GOPT-RB 2.5" 120GB ATA 6Gb/s (SATA III) NAND Internal / External Solid State Drive (SSD) - Newegg.com

145.00 total upgrade graphics and ssd

LOL, I just had the same thought. But there is still that PSU question.

 

[Solarstarshines]

If you can cough up 50 more then here is a ssd PNY SSD7SC120GOPT-RB 2.5" 120GB ATA 6Gb/s (SATA III) NAND Internal / External Solid State Drive (SSD) - Newegg.com

145.00 total upgrade graphics and ssd

LOL, I just had the same thought. But there is still that PSU question.

Great minds great minds

 

[strollin]

The OP didn't mention gaming so I still stand by the ssd as the best way to spend $100 to upgrade his PC. If he has the extra money then the ssd + graphics is a good idea but if not then I recommend ssd first, graphics later.

 

[Durdy]

If I bought a R9 270 what upgrades would I need to install it? A better motherboard?

 

[strollin]

What PSU does your current system have? The R9 270 suggests a 500W PSU.

 

[whs]

If I bought a R9 270 what upgrades would I need to install it? A better motherboard?

Motherboard is not the problem but the PSU may be a problem as Strollin says.

 

[Durdy]

So I would just need to upgrade my PSU? Would I be able to just replace the APU? I might get a AMD FX CPU along with the R9.

 

[whs]

The FX CPUs need an AM3+ socket. Does your mobo have that. And they also need a LOT of power - e.g. 125 Watt. Does your mobo supply that - in other words, what does your current CPU need.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Durdy,
It's always a good idea to list your builds spec's in your profile so we don't have to guess or play 20 questions.

 

[Solarstarshines]

If I bought a R9 270 what upgrades would I need to install it? A better motherboard?

Your motherboard should be fine if you dont want hybrid crossfire then run the 270 which should be a decent price plus mantle

anyway SSD and video card should have you rolling for a while

 

[Solarstarshines]

So I would just need to upgrade my PSU? Would I be able to just replace the APU? I might get a AMD FX CPU along with the R9.

Not unless you have more than $100 to spend decent upgrade at best $350

 

[logicearth]

I have a better suggestion. Take that $100 dollars, put it into some savings, and save it. Add some more $100 dollars to it as you can and build it up. That way you can get something decent.