Need Help Choosing Upgrades for Gaming PC

LRemedy on 30/10/2014 - 00:45

Hi all - recently, I've been having issues with my current gaming computer… the computer turns on for a second then powers off without a POST beep, then turns on again for about 10 seconds, this time with a POST beep. I'm sure something is wrong with either my motherboard or CPU, and I've purchased a PCI Motherboard Analyser off eBay to conduct further testing as to determine the root cause. (Any other suggestions on how I may remedy this issue is appreciated).

However, I have come to realise that it might be time to give the 2011 gaming rig an update, and I was wondering if any tech gurus here could give me advice on whether I should upgrade certain parts or just build a completely new system from new parts? I'd like the most cost efficient option, which would enable me to play upcoming games such as GTA V with ease and on high quality etc.

My current parts are as follows:
CPU: i7 2600K
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD4
Graphics Card: PowerColour HD6970 2GB
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB
Aftermarket fan:Noctua U12P-SE2
RAM: G.Skill DDR3-1600 8GB(2x4GB) Dual Channe
PSU: Corsair HX650
ODD: Samsung SH-222AB SATA (Probably wont need to change this, don't need other things such as BluRay)

All advise is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much. I've been saving up for a long time and I would really like to have an upgrade, whether it be with just certain parts of my existing computer - or building an entirely new gaming rig.

Computing

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 30/10/2014 - 01:58
    +2

    CPU defects and failures are exceedingly rare. Unless you have overclocked the hell out of your computer and damaged some of your components in the process, it is not usually the CPU that is to blame. It will most likely be a mobo, memory or power supply issue.

    You can test your power supply by simply swapping to a different unit or using your current PSU in a different computer. Or buy a cheep PSU tester from a local shop.

    For the mobo, reset the BIOS by either triggering the CMOS reset jumper or removing the CR2032 battery for 1 full minute. If using battery removal method, the computer must be completely unpowered at the mains (obviously).

    Test RAM using the elimination method, you try removing one stick while leaving the others in, testing individually until the PC boots successfully.

    Anyway it would be a real waste of money to upgrade the CPU — the 2600K is actually not that far behind in terms of performance from Haswell-gen CPU's. You'd be spending an extra $300~400 dollars for maybe, a 10 percent gain in CPU performance. Sandy Bridge CPU's are kickass still and have plenty of life, and overclocks very well.
    You can use the 2600k for a long, long time, maybe wait for Broadwell to come out before you even consider upgrading. It's not far off.

    If you just want more gaming performance you only need a graphics card upgrade.

    Suggested upgrades

    1. SSD drive. Just search on OZbargain, there's plenty of suggestions and good prices all around.
    2. Graphics card, depending on how deep your pockets are there is the GTX 970 (rip off pricing in Australia though) and R9 280x / 290.
    3. 4k monitor. Not performance enhancing, probably not even in your budget, but if you got extra GPU power to play with, then consider a 4K res monitor.
  • daalinz on 30/10/2014 - 09:56
    +1

    I had a problem with GSkill RAM after building my last gaming rig (BSOD repeatedly, few months after the build). I will never use GSkill again. Switched to corsair like my previous rig after that. I've never had problems with Corsair.

    Agree with @scrimshaw above. Test PSU, RAM, GPU, Mobo. Easiest tests are probably try one RAM stick at a time and do some gaming or try taking your GPU out and use inbuilt GPU and leave on for a whole day. PSU and Mobo can be a bit harder to test.

    • humdingaling on 30/10/2014 - 13:36

      ive used corsair/gskill/kingston/ even generic no brand
      never had a problem what so ever with gskill or Ram in general

      maybe you just got a bad batch….
      dont blame you though…once bitten…

  • botftw on 30/10/2014 - 10:20

    Hi @scrimshaw, I've already tried testing the RAM, resetting the BIOS as well as my power supply unit (albeit through the paper clip method) - still the same thing. I even tried to do a barebones test, removing everything but the CPU, RAM and power supply but the same loop/symptoms apply.

    I didn't really mess with OCing so it may not be the CPU so I'm leaning towards it being the motherboard now. However there was a program that came with the motherboard which allowed for 3 settings, It was called easy boost and had the option to just click on the button for 5.1ghz speeds, I may have opted for that sometimes. I'm going to wait for the mobo analyser to come.

    Meanwhile I think I'll get the GTX970 but should I also go and upgrade my ram to 16GB?

    @daalinz Thanks, I'll sure stay away from G Skill then. I was going to get Corsair too but the particular model was out. Ive done the tests, I really do think its my motherboard. Or at worst… The CPU.

    • botftw on 30/10/2014 - 12:44

      By the way, I am "Remedy", I used my brothers Macbook to post and accidentally posted under his account. Cheers.

      • scrimshaw on 30/10/2014 - 13:30

        Easy Boost is Gigabyte's overclocking software. Its not a good idea to overclock using a preset setting, as it can often set the CPU voltage far beyond what is neccessary to achieve the target clock speed, causing your CPU and mobo components to run at high temps.

        This can shorten the lifespan of your components.

        • botftw on 30/10/2014 - 14:24

          Ahh… thanks for the tip. I hope it's not the CPU… I'd rather replace the motherboard lol. I've been redoing all the tests, and it seems that one of the RAM modules (1/4) on my motherboard is faulty… though that doesn't explain the reboot problems as I've tried booting with the sticks alternating on all the other modules.

          Would you just get any reference GTX970 model eg. Gainward ($450) or would you opt for the Gigabyte ($519) or ASUS brands ($535)? Those are the prices from MSY, they're about $10 cheaper than ARC.

          I think the Gigabyte one is factory overclocked too, that's awesome.

          I appreciate all your help scrimshaw - you're the best.

  • humdingaling on 30/10/2014 - 13:45

    sounds like your mobo but step by step check list if you havent done so
    http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261145-31-perform-steps-po…

    what monitor setup are you using or planning to use
    that along with your wallet size will determine your GPU bracket

    • botftw on 30/10/2014 - 14:31

      Cheers! Thanks for the check list, but unfortunately I've tried them all and the computer still doesn't work :(.

      I've got an ASUS monitor 1920x1080, 16:9. I probably will upgrade - I don't know about all this 4K stuff and I don't think I'll need a monitor with such high quality. I'm just an average person who wants to play some of the better games out there in the market lol.

      Could you recommend a monitor for me and do you think I should go 4K?

      • scrimshaw on 30/10/2014 - 15:40

        Thing is to handle 4k resolution you need to delve into dual graphics (SLi 970)… which is rather expensive.

        Referencing this chart 4k is roughly 4 times as demanding as 1080p.

        1440p however is far more manageable for a single card GPU and these monitors aren't as expensive to buy.

        • botftw on 30/10/2014 - 15:57

          Oh, then I'll probably go and get a 1440p monitor. I was planning to have two screens, one for gaming and the other for browsing at the same time. I'll probably use my current one as the secondary one.

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