F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Choose the most affordable options for a PC upgrade while keeping costs minimal.

Choose the most affordable options for a PC upgrade while keeping costs minimal.

Choose the most affordable options for a PC upgrade while keeping costs minimal.

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PassTheBass
Junior Member
41
05-08-2025, 03:46 AM
#1
Hi guys, Im starting this topic so that maybe you guys could help me to upgrade my PC by not spending too much money. I have been playing games for days but never satisfied as I always have 45 FPS average with the lowest graphic and res.II tried many things such as increasing my ram from 4GB to 12Gb and changing my gpu to GTX 750ti. the followings are my PC's system information for references :- Processor : Intel core i3-2120 3.30GHz RAM : 12GB System type : 64-bit GPU : GTX 750ti Game played : Fortnite Your co-operation is highly appreciated...
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PassTheBass
05-08-2025, 03:46 AM #1

Hi guys, Im starting this topic so that maybe you guys could help me to upgrade my PC by not spending too much money. I have been playing games for days but never satisfied as I always have 45 FPS average with the lowest graphic and res.II tried many things such as increasing my ram from 4GB to 12Gb and changing my gpu to GTX 750ti. the followings are my PC's system information for references :- Processor : Intel core i3-2120 3.30GHz RAM : 12GB System type : 64-bit GPU : GTX 750ti Game played : Fortnite Your co-operation is highly appreciated...

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inakiguy
Junior Member
20
05-08-2025, 05:00 AM
#2
Z97 board paired with an i7 4770K, around $200 total—though you might want a fresh cooler. A used RX 570 480 for $80–100 works too. For a smoother experience, consider a new R5 2600 and a modern motherboard plus 16GB DDR4 RAM, along with an updated RX 570 580 for about $370. This setup avoids used parts and offers better upgrade options.
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inakiguy
05-08-2025, 05:00 AM #2

Z97 board paired with an i7 4770K, around $200 total—though you might want a fresh cooler. A used RX 570 480 for $80–100 works too. For a smoother experience, consider a new R5 2600 and a modern motherboard plus 16GB DDR4 RAM, along with an updated RX 570 580 for about $370. This setup avoids used parts and offers better upgrade options.

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julian_PVP
Senior Member
465
05-08-2025, 10:00 AM
#3
Keep your motherboard and RAM, but install a compatible Intel Core i5 CPU such as the i5-3570. Update your BIOS as needed. Also, acquire a new graphics card—consider used models like RX 470, 480, or 570. You can find an i5-3470 on eBay for under $50. You might also need to upgrade your power supply.
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julian_PVP
05-08-2025, 10:00 AM #3

Keep your motherboard and RAM, but install a compatible Intel Core i5 CPU such as the i5-3570. Update your BIOS as needed. Also, acquire a new graphics card—consider used models like RX 470, 480, or 570. You can find an i5-3470 on eBay for under $50. You might also need to upgrade your power supply.

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bear7001
Senior Member
448
05-09-2025, 04:06 AM
#4
Hello, Intel is reaching out. You cannot utilize Haswell processors on 6th and 7th generation chipsets, as this indicates a different socket configuration.
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bear7001
05-09-2025, 04:06 AM #4

Hello, Intel is reaching out. You cannot utilize Haswell processors on 6th and 7th generation chipsets, as this indicates a different socket configuration.

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LagMeter
Member
236
05-09-2025, 06:40 PM
#5
if he's running on a sandy bridge motherboard, good chance it could support an ivy bridge like a 3570 OP, what is your motherboard
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LagMeter
05-09-2025, 06:40 PM #5

if he's running on a sandy bridge motherboard, good chance it could support an ivy bridge like a 3570 OP, what is your motherboard

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xxvasile99xx
Member
69
05-10-2025, 01:02 AM
#6
PLUTOSAURUS is progressing! Sorry for the mix-up, I assumed it was Haswell, but I suggest it runs smoothly on unlocked CPUs with Z-series boards.
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xxvasile99xx
05-10-2025, 01:02 AM #6

PLUTOSAURUS is progressing! Sorry for the mix-up, I assumed it was Haswell, but I suggest it runs smoothly on unlocked CPUs with Z-series boards.

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alsubaiy
Junior Member
13
05-10-2025, 07:12 AM
#7
It seems likely it's built around an H61 or something not ideal for boosting performance. Still, the extra chips could be beneficial since they run at higher base speeds. You might still find a good deal on an i7-2600K for around $60—possibly worth considering if it works. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Core-i7-2...j&LH_BIN=1 $70 for an i7-2600k... if it's compatible. It could be a good investment if you're ready to go all-in.
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alsubaiy
05-10-2025, 07:12 AM #7

It seems likely it's built around an H61 or something not ideal for boosting performance. Still, the extra chips could be beneficial since they run at higher base speeds. You might still find a good deal on an i7-2600K for around $60—possibly worth considering if it works. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Core-i7-2...j&LH_BIN=1 $70 for an i7-2600k... if it's compatible. It could be a good investment if you're ready to go all-in.

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Finest_Jordan
Member
63
05-10-2025, 02:51 PM
#8
This option allows swapping GPU for an older 1070 model to cut costs by $100-150 (typically around $200). It’s not as powerful as pairing with a newer $300-350 5700 or a $400 5700XT, but it should still work well for current games and remain suitable for the near future on a tighter budget. If PSU, RAM, and case are included from your existing setup, the overall cost will likely be about $350. Please watch the video first to judge before deciding. I’d definitely share this as my top pick for budget gaming this year—definitely worth watching 1 million times if anyone builds it. It’s a solid choice, like the $4000 600hp Mid-engine Chevy Corvair with upgraded suspension, matching the performance of high-end supercars while staying affordable. Good luck beating it! Links for the motherboard aren’t in the video, but you can still locate the same model on AliExpress by checking different sellers or listings.
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Finest_Jordan
05-10-2025, 02:51 PM #8

This option allows swapping GPU for an older 1070 model to cut costs by $100-150 (typically around $200). It’s not as powerful as pairing with a newer $300-350 5700 or a $400 5700XT, but it should still work well for current games and remain suitable for the near future on a tighter budget. If PSU, RAM, and case are included from your existing setup, the overall cost will likely be about $350. Please watch the video first to judge before deciding. I’d definitely share this as my top pick for budget gaming this year—definitely worth watching 1 million times if anyone builds it. It’s a solid choice, like the $4000 600hp Mid-engine Chevy Corvair with upgraded suspension, matching the performance of high-end supercars while staying affordable. Good luck beating it! Links for the motherboard aren’t in the video, but you can still locate the same model on AliExpress by checking different sellers or listings.