Gaming Need help deciding if this is good PC upgrade

[AceWarhead]

So, this is what I have now...

This is what I am considering upgrading to...
Processor:
http://www.newegg.co...#scrollFullInfo
MotherBoard:
http://www.newegg.co...k=M5A78L-M%20LX
RAM:
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820134792
EDIT: RAM Competitor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277
(Which one is better?)
I need help to determine if this is a good upgrade. Is it?

 

[Rydian]

For what, specifically?

 

[Originality]

You will lose your graphics, so you'll have to buy a graphics card.

G.skill is better than Kingston.

Why do you want AMD Bulldozer? Why not Intel core i3?

 

[AceWarhead]

You will lose your graphics, so you'll have to buy a graphics card.

G.skill is better than Kingston.

Why do you want AMD Bulldozer? Why not Intel core i3?

Because I am a cheap bastard. Plus, many reviews state that it's a pretty good processor
What graphics card do you recommend? I need this for light to very moderate gaming, like Project Blackout

For what, specifically?

Light to moderate gaming, such as ROSE online and Project Blackout

 

[Originality]

You don't really need much in the way of graphics, GeForce 5700 or higher. If you got an AMD A8 APU instead of the Bulldozer (FX) CPU, you'd get graphics built in which is more than enough for those games.

BTW, the reviews I've read say the Bulldozer series was very underwhelming. For the price you pay, you really don't get much strength out of it. AMD promise Piledriver will be much stronger, but I've learned not to expect anything from AMD's promises.

 

[AceWarhead]

You don't really need much in the way of graphics, GeForce 5700 or higher. If you got an AMD A8 APU instead of the Bulldozer (FX) CPU, you'd get graphics built in which is more than enough for those games.

BTW, the reviews I've read say the Bulldozer series was very underwhelming. For the price you pay, you really don't get much strength out of it. AMD promise Piledriver will be much stronger, but I've learned not to expect anything from AMD's promises.

So, I decided to get this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819106001
Will I still be able to keep my motherboard?

 

[Originality]

A8 uses an FM1 socket. Your selected motherboard has an AM3 socket. They are not compatible, so you will have to find an FM1 socket motherboard to use the A8.

 

[Dingoo-fan 32]

Phenom II X4 is cheap too, works on AM3 sockets...

 

[AceWarhead]

Phenom II X4 is cheap too, works on AM3 sockets...

Thing is, though, the Phenom II series doesn't have an on-board GPU, which I really like on the AM3 A8 APU.
So, new motherboard is this:
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813131813
I am rather clueless about the CPU fan, however. Can I keep my old one, or do I have to purchase a new one,
Also, how would I calculate how many watts this setup will take, so I can choose a proper power supply?
EDIT: Setup as of now:
APU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819106001
Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131813
RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277
Everything else ( except for the nVidia Graphics card ) i sthe same.
My current Power Supply supports 400w of continuous power.

 

[Rydian]

The onboard GPU is not meant for gaming. It's not a replacement for a dedicated card in that regard.

Just because it's built into the CPU doesn't mean it in a better class than other integrated graphics.

EDIT: Fixed.

 

[AceWarhead]

The onboard GPU is not meant for gaming. It's not a replacement for a dedicated card in that regard.

Just because it's built into the CPU doesn't mean it in a better class than other integrated graphics.

EDIT: Fixed.

I'm not using this thing for super-intensive gaming, only for lightweight gaming such as Project Blackout
And i KNOW that just because it's built into the CPU, it's not better than integrated graphics.
But by mentioning that, what do you recommend? I'm on a tight budget of 200-270 USD

 

[Originality]

Any CPU will come with a heatsink/fan, so don't worry about that on your budget. Sure, ANY after market heatsink will be much cooler and quieter, but you have to pay extra for that optional component. You can always just get a new one later, once you've saved up a bit.

 

[AceWarhead]

Any CPU will come with a heatsink/fan, so don't worry about that on your budget. Sure, ANY after market heatsink will be much cooler and quieter, but you have to pay extra for that optional component. You can always just get a new one later, once you've saved up a bit.

Ok, so what about how to calculate the watt usage so I can get an appropriate power supply?

 

[Rydian]

Any CPU that's not labelled as "OEM". OEM ones can come without the HSF.

Here's a simple calculator.
http://images10.newegg.com/BizIntell/tool/psucalc/index.html

Here's a more in-depth one.
http://psucalc.tk/

 

[Fudge]

The onboard GPU is not meant for gaming. It's not a replacement for a dedicated card in that regard.

Just because it's built into the CPU doesn't mean it in a better class than other integrated graphics.

EDIT: Fixed.

My AMD A8 APU runs excellent for gaming. I can run games like Crysis 2 and Sonic Generations on high settings. I recommend it, especially for only moderate gaming

 

[Rydian]

I call BS on Crysis 2 on high.

BUT, checking out the A8, it turns out they state it's around an HD 6550, so it is much better than I thought, and much better than previous models.

 

[Originality]

Which is why I said it would be enough for his needs. Not the best, but enough on a budget.

 

[AceWarhead]

Which is why I said it would be enough for his needs. Not the best, but enough on a budget.

Ok, sorry for bump, but I am kinda confused on if 400w PSU will be enough for the setup I have now., which is:
EDIT: Setup as of now:
APU
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819106001
Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813131813
RAM:
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820231277
Using the Newegg calculator i got 285w, but I can't figure out if I choose the graphics card as "Integrated on Motherboard," because there is no choice for the Radeon HD 6550D on the APU...

 

[Originality]

The APU is integrated into the CPU, not the motherboard. However, for the purposes of that calculator, you can just use that option.

I'd tell you how much you really need, but it's late and I'm already half asleep in bed. I'll let someone else answer for you.

 

[AceWarhead]

The APU is integrated into the CPU, not the motherboard. However, for the purposes of that calculator, you can just use that option.

I'd tell you how much you really need, but it's late and I'm already half asleep in bed. I'll let someone else answer for you.

Ok, well, when you're all rested up, tell me the answer.
Many thanks.