Considering the available funds, what are some good options for spending them?

F5F Stay Refreshed Software PC Gaming Considering the available funds, what are some good options for spending them?

Considering the available funds, what are some good options for spending them?

Considering the available funds, what are some good options for spending them?

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J

jrp09
Member

183

01-03-2026, 07:52 AM

#1

Considering an i5 processor and cooling options, plus the SHIELD series, is a smart move. It depends on whether you need the console alone or want it paired with a powerful GPU for performance.

J

jrp09

01-03-2026, 07:52 AM #1

Considering an i5 processor and cooling options, plus the SHIELD series, is a smart move. It depends on whether you need the console alone or want it paired with a powerful GPU for performance.

D

DimaHDGaming
Junior Member

35

01-03-2026, 08:26 AM

#2

Obtain a portable shield—it's one of the top purchases I've ever made.

D

DimaHDGaming

01-03-2026, 08:26 AM #2

Obtain a portable shield—it's one of the top purchases I've ever made.

Q

Qydo
Junior Member

35

01-03-2026, 09:04 AM

#3

I would choose an i5 since I think your FX 4130 is holding up your 280 quite well

Q

Qydo

01-03-2026, 09:04 AM #3

I would choose an i5 since I think your FX 4130 is holding up your 280 quite well

Y

yalex27
Senior Member

461

01-03-2026, 02:01 PM

#4

In fact, after reconsideration, I believe you should contribute to the dr_deconstructneedsaneGPUsetup fund.

Y

yalex27

01-03-2026, 02:01 PM #4

In fact, after reconsideration, I believe you should contribute to the dr_deconstructneedsaneGPUsetup fund.

H

huskey000
Member

121

01-06-2026, 11:07 AM

#5

Absolutely, it turns out that. I was surprised to learn the FX series was mediocre before purchasing it, but I still got the CPU for just $40 at Microcenter, new and OEM.

H

huskey000

01-06-2026, 11:07 AM #5

Absolutely, it turns out that. I was surprised to learn the FX series was mediocre before purchasing it, but I still got the CPU for just $40 at Microcenter, new and OEM.

R

RajDaDino
Junior Member

2

01-06-2026, 02:03 PM

#6

Would a shield be ineffective without a Nvidia graphics card?

R

RajDaDino

01-06-2026, 02:03 PM #6

Would a shield be ineffective without a Nvidia graphics card?

M

Mastera616
Member

163

01-06-2026, 05:20 PM

#7

I’d start with a budget-friendly i5/i3 and a cheap motherboard. Once I have the savings, I’ll upgrade to a 960ti or 970, depending on availability and earnings. After that, I’ll purchase a shield device.

M

Mastera616

01-06-2026, 05:20 PM #7

I’d start with a budget-friendly i5/i3 and a cheap motherboard. Once I have the savings, I’ll upgrade to a 960ti or 970, depending on availability and earnings. After that, I’ll purchase a shield device.

S

Scrawnypwner
Junior Member

39

01-07-2026, 12:49 AM

#8

Shield TV might not work, while the rest are more practical without it.

S

Scrawnypwner

01-07-2026, 12:49 AM #8

Shield TV might not work, while the rest are more practical without it.

D

Derpziez
Junior Member

39

01-07-2026, 02:35 AM

#9

You're checking around 250-300, and you have extra funds available to use for a 970.

D

Derpziez

01-07-2026, 02:35 AM #9

You're checking around 250-300, and you have extra funds available to use for a 970.

T

Tommy_Wiseau_
Junior Member

3

01-07-2026, 03:23 AM

#10

It wouldn't be worth it to buy a new GPU; your CPU is the main limitation. I just upgraded my motherboard and CPU from an FX6300 to an i5 4690K – the best value ever. All games run smoothly and feel great.

T

Tommy_Wiseau_

01-07-2026, 03:23 AM #10

It wouldn't be worth it to buy a new GPU; your CPU is the main limitation. I just upgraded my motherboard and CPU from an FX6300 to an i5 4690K – the best value ever. All games run smoothly and feel great.

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