Computer Upgrade!

[Nichoice]

I am currently at work so I am going by the top of my head, now I am by no means a computer buff so I know very little in terms of hardware. 

 

I am currently using:

 

BitFenix Phenom mATX Case

i5 CPU -4440 @ 3.10 Ghz 

Nvidia 580 GTX 1.5GB VRAM

8 GB Ram (7.88 GB Usable)

 

I can't remember my PSU but from recollection it should be sufficient. 

 

I am thinking of upgrading to the GTX 970 4GB Mini or otherwise + NZXT GPU Cooling Bracket + Corsair Hydro Series H 55

 

Now the cooling really is optional, I already have one of those for the CPU and I am not exactly sure whether I still have room in my case. 

 

Also considering upgrading that Ram of mine, its quite old and has gone from build to build, but from my memory its a DDR3. I don't plan on adding any more Ram though, seeing as I will hit the threshold of 10240 Video Memory 

 

VideoMemorySizeMB = 4096 + 8192 - 2048 = 10240

 

Any comments or advice would be appreciated. 

 

*Updated System Info

[sila]

I am currently at work so I am going by the top of my head, now I am by no means a computer buff so I know very little in terms of hardware. 

 

I am currently using:

 

BitFenix Phenom mATX Case

i5 Cpu

Nvidia 580 GTX 1.5GB VRAM

8 GB Ram

 

I can't remember my PSU but from recollection it should be sufficient. 

 

I am thinking of upgrading to the GTX 970 4GB Mini or otherwise + NZXT GPU Cooling Bracket + Corsair Hydro Series H 55

 

Now the cooling really is optional, I already have one of those for the CPU and I am not exactly sure whether I still have room in my case. 

 

Also considering upgrading that Ram of mine, its quite old and has gone from build to build, but from my memory its a DDR3. I don't plan on adding any more Ram though, seeing as I will hit the threshold of 10240 Video Memory 

 

VideoMemorySizeMB = 4096 + 8192 - 2048 = 10240

 

Any comments or advice would be appreciated. 

As long as your ram is ddr3 it should be compatible, and probably not worth upgrading anyway tbh. If it works just keep using it.

 

Depending on which i5 cpu you have it should be a decent match for a gtx 970, as for the slim version... Which version of the Phenom case do you have? You might be able to get a full sized gtx 970, which would perform quite a bit better than a slim version (the slim versions only have 1 fan and have smaller heatsinks so they will run hotter and potentially at slower clocks)

 

Edit: a video explaining why faster ram probably isnt worth it:

 

[Nichoice]

@Sila

 

Thank you for your input.

 

Now I think I have the mini-ITX, the bigger of the two Phenoms. 

 

I know I can fit a full size 970 in there because I think the 580 GTX is relatively more or less the same in length. The one I have comes with 3 fans I believe. I was also aware of the slower clocking speeds because of the heating hence the bracket and the additional cooling.

 

I initially chose the mini > full size cause I don't think I can fit that extra water cooling in there if I got the full size, but I could be wrong. 

 

[sila]

@Sila

 

Thank you for your input.

 

Now I think I have the mini-ITX, the bigger of the two Phenoms. 

 

I know I can fit a full size 970 in there because I think the 580 GTX is relatively more or less the same in length. The one I have comes with 3 fans I believe. I was also aware of the slower clocking speeds because of the heating hence the bracket and the additional cooling.

 

I initially chose the mini > full size cause I don't think I can fit that extra water cooling in there if I got the full size, but I could be wrong. 

Hmm, well as for that I cant really say unfortunately.

 

If you go to this site: https://pcpartpicker.com/and plug in the parts you want to add it will tell you if there are any compatibility issues (not enough room to fit the cooler, for example)

[Nichoice]

That site doesn't have Component slot for GPU Cooler, so I still don't know if it fits. Guess I am gonna have to ask around, or perhaps just upgrade the GPU alone and get the 970 GTX full size.