What components should I upgrade?

I built my PC with the help and suggestions from people here so naturally it's the place I'll come to ask this.

I am moving to Africa for a few years and am taking my PC with me. I wanted to know what components you guys think I should upgrade to help future proof a little.

Current components:

CPU: Intel core i5 2500k
Cooler: Corsair H70
GPU: EVGA GTX 460SC
SSD: M500 256GB
HDD: 1TB Samsung
Mobo: Asus P8H61-I (ITX)
PSU: Antec 520W High Current Gamer

I am fairly sure these components are good for another couple of years, most aggressive PC use will be either gaming or Graphic Design. But would like to hear other opinions.

Mostly it'll be fine for a good while yet. Weakest thing for gaming is the GPU so I'd update that to one of the efficient performance models - something like an AMD R285 would be great, or if your graphic design software works better on nVidia then one of their upcoming mid-range Maxwell architecture chips would be good. If you have to buy now and nVidia then something like the 760 is good value. You won't need to upgrade PSU.

You should also know how you're doing on hard drive space and whether you need to update before the next few years.

I think the same as you in that the 2500K is good for another 2 or 3 CPU generations, PSU is good enough for most GPU upgrades, storage requirements would really depend on your needs so it is just the GPU that could help get you to better performance levels in games. As Kalniel said the new nVidia GPUs are worth waiting for so you can see how they stack up to some of the AMD cards out at the moment, but a lot would also depend on your budget, how much are you thinking of spending?

The other thing I would definitely consider is a UPS to protect the PC if the mains fail.

I agree with the above, the GPU is the weakest link although the next round of cards is not far off so I would wait for one of those and keep an eye on the power requirements depending what you go for.

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Originally Posted by kalniel

You should also know how you're doing on hard drive space and whether you need to update before the next few years.

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I am thinking of getting a 3TB hard rice and making the 1TB a back up.

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Originally Posted by KeyboardDemon

The other thing I would definitely consider is a UPS to protect the PC if the mains fail.

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I never thought to look into a UPS! I shall see if there is a spare one where I am going, if not I shall have to get one.


As for the GPU, because of Internet speeds I doubt I shall be getting too many new games so I don't think I shall be paying that much with the new job aswell.

Go with an msi gpu and mobo build which arenot totally heavy on the price tag.. i would suggest an MSI r9 270x and z97 gaming 3 mobo.. :)

GTX 970! Would be like going from crawling to a Ferrari :p

For future proof in Africa I would think you need a trust worthy PSU at least. i5 CPU is a maybe, then a GTX9xx or one of those bargain GTX7xx for gaming future proof?

Definately a GPU upgrade - especially if your a gamer or looking to game. Even a GTX 670 plays the majority of games maxed out at 1080p

Only weak point is the GFX, grab a 970 before you ship out.

How easy it to get spare bits in the country you are moving to??

How is the power grid in the country??

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Originally Posted by Ricky187

Definately a GPU upgrade - especially if your a gamer or looking to game. Even a GTX 670 plays the majority of games maxed out at 1080p

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Have already moved, didn't have time to get components because of last minute conference in Germany. But a GPU would he my next purchase when I get back to London.

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Originally Posted by CAT-THE-FIFTH

How easy it to get spare bits in the country you are moving to??

How is the power grid in the country??

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Spare parts aren't too bad, and we always have family and friends flying between where I am here and UK.

Power grid is a bit temperamental but continously improving. Right now we have battery inverters and the pc is connected to a surge protector. I have friends here that supply office IT equipment so I am going to enquire to them about a UPS

How much RAM do you have? (That'd be the first thing I'd look at)