I need help upgrading my pc...

[Ivan]

So i have a completely stock computer with a motherboard that doesn't have a graphics card slot. I have a Intel Core I3-3220T and i would like to know if i can take the CPU out and put it in another motherboard and if so which motherboard and graphics card should i use for the best gaming use. My budget is $300. I have attached some photo's of the inside, also i have just noticed that there is no power supply. Please help me.

 

[Aquinus]

To me, it looks like the only reusable parts would be the drives, the CPU, and the memory. I guess you could re-use the CPU cooler as well since we're only talking an i3 here. It looks like it has a PSU, but it's probably a really small one like a PicoPSU which isn't okay for anything you would want going forward. It also doesn't look like you can reuse the case since it doesn't have slots for expansion cards or room for a larger PSU.

So it looks like (for 300 dollars,) you would need:

• A motherboard (skt1155)
• A case
• A power supply
• A GPU

At the very least. While I'm about to start getting ready for work, I can't look up all the parts right now. However, I wanted to make a list to at least get you moving in the right direction.

 

[Ivan]

To me, it looks like the only reusable parts would be the drives, the CPU, and the memory. I guess you could re-use the CPU cooler as well since we're only talking an i3 here. It looks like it has a PSU, but it's probably a really small one like a PicoPSU which isn't okay for anything you would want going forward. It also doesn't look like you can reuse the case since it doesn't have slots for expansion cards or room for a larger PSU.

So it looks like (for 300 dollars,) you would need:

• A motherboard (skt1150)
• A case
• A power supply
• A GPU

At the very least. While I'm about to start getting ready for work, I can't look up all the parts right now. However, I wanted to make a list to at least get you moving in the right direction.

Ok, i will see what i can find. I just don't want to order something online that will not be compatible with another part. If you can, get back to me with the specific parts. I will do some research on the prices in the mean time.

 

[CAPSLOCKSTUCK]

is that US $ ?

 

[Ivan]

is that US $ ?

Yes.

 

[BarbaricSoul]

the Core I3-3220T requires a socket 1155 motherboard, not 1150. It will not work in an 1150 socket board.

 

[Ivan]

What wattage power supply is recommended?

 

[BarbaricSoul]

This will get you where you want to be, but I highly suggest upgrading your current RAM as well. Considering you only have one stick, you probably only have 2Gb of RAM, which is not enough for gaming.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/cFsM7P

 

[Ivan]

This will get you where you want to be, but I highly suggest upgrading your current RAM as well. Considering you only have one stick, you probably only have 2Gb of RAM, which is not enough for gaming.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/cFsM7P

I have 8Gb of RAM, would you still recommend getting another stick?

 

[Aquinus]

the Core I3-3220T requires a socket 1155 motherboard, not 1150. It will not work in an 1150 socket board.

I mistyped, I did mean 1155.

I have 8Gb of RAM, would you still recommend getting another stick?

It wouldn't hurt as the i3 probably could benefit from dual-channel.

 

[Ivan]

I mistyped, I did mean 1155.

It wouldn't hurt as the i3 probably could benefit from dual-channel.

Ok which RAM do you recommend? Or does it even matter?

 

[CAPSLOCKSTUCK]

It will hurt your budget if you add more RAM

8gb is enough.
You will benefit more by spending that money on a better GPU

 

[Aquinus]

Ok which RAM do you recommend? Or does it even matter?

The same kind as what you already have. Try to pair up the same DIMMs, otherwise stability and performance might not be what it should.

It will hurt your budget if you add more RAM

8gb is enough.

You are right, however performance might suffer without dual-channel mode running. It's a consideration. I also use over 8GB regularly, even without running VMs.

 

[Ivan]

I cant seem to find the same stick of RAM adata 8gb DDR3L 1600cl11. I might not be looking hard enough...

 

[CAPSLOCKSTUCK]

If i could pay US prices this is what i would do in your posittion

Case $ 10 2nd user, anything will do, if it looks horrible, hide it.
Mobo $ 40 gets you a new one
PSU $ 50 ish gets you a new one
GPU $ 200 will get you something good 2nd user........try TPU sale forum

Dont bother with more ram, you dont need it.

PSU power rating is largely dependent on GPU TDP look at the 450-500 watts bronze rated. You have a low wattage CPU with no o/c possibiliies.

 

[BarbaricSoul]

with your low budget, I'd suggest you stay with your current stick for now, and look at upgrading that in the future if you feel the need. Here, saved you some money picking a lower costing, but good quality PSU- http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ph7M7P

 

[Ivan]

with your low budget, I'd suggest you stay with your current stick for now, and look at upgrading that in the future if you feel the need. Here, saved you some money picking a lower costing, but good quality PSU- http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ph7M7P

Ok i will try to upgrade that in a later time, thank you all for the help. I will go off this link http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ph7M7P because it fits my budget needs. I really appreciate your time!

 

[BarbaricSoul]

no problem

 

[BarbaricSoul]

Oh crap, just noticed a potential problem with my build suggestion. The motherboard may not work with your 3220t without a BIOs update, which you would need a earlier CPU than you have to perform. Give me a couple minutes and I'll try to find a board with no chance of issues.

 

[Ivan]

Oh crap, just noticed a potential problem with my build suggestion. The motherboard may not work with you 3220t without a BIOs update, which you would need a earlier CPU than you have to perform. Give me a couple minutes and I'll try to find a board with no chance of issues.

Ok, thanks

 

[BarbaricSoul]

had to make a change in the video card I suggested to account for the more expensive motherboard to insure no compatibility problems, but the video card I changed to is very very similar to the original one I suggested in performance. The difference between the two cards is only 2-3% in performance (the GTX 960 just barely outperforms the R9 280)

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/kLy823

 

[Ivan]

had to make a change in the video card I suggested to account for the more expensive motherboard to insure no compatibility problems, but the video card I changed to is very very similar to the original one I suggested in performance. The difference between the two cards is only 2-3% in performance (the GTX 960 just barely outperforms the R9 280)

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/kLy823

Ok thank you, if there is anything else you want to fix or inform me about just put it here. I will read it when I wake up. It is 6am here...

 

[Ivan]

had to make a change in the video card I suggested to account for the more expensive motherboard to insure no compatibility problems, but the video card I changed to is very very similar to the original one I suggested in performance. The difference between the two cards is only 2-3% in performance (the GTX 960 just barely outperforms the R9 280)

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/kLy823

Should i be worried about this? http://gyazo.com/4a5c0b7576d853b879c871c3c66cb959

 

[HWTactics]

Should i be worried about this? http://gyazo.com/4a5c0b7576d853b879c871c3c66cb959

No problem here, the case is long enough to fit any video card you choose and the motherboard has the USB 2.0 header the case needs too.

 

[Cvrk]

I have no advice for you. But i can show you this :

Apparently you can water cool the living daylights out of a computer with no more than 300$ . And if that thing can play Witcher 3 on high settings 1080p i'm very much game!