I'm mainly trying to focus on the upgrade of the GPU, and changes to CPU/Motherboard will likely come after that is done.
This machine is primarily for gaming but I'm not looking to play the latest titles on ultra or watch 4k content. Recording gameplay would also be something I would like to be able to do on this computer.
CPU: AMD Phenom II x4 955 Motherboard: Gigabyte GMA880-USB3 GPU: GeForce 9600GT 512MB (Part that I need to upgrade) RAM: HyperX Fury Black 8GB 2x4GB DDR3 1866Mhz HDD: 250GB Hard Drive HSF: CM 212 Evo PSU: Corsair CX500 80+ Bronze Case: Fractal Define R4
Looking to spend ~100CAD but if there is something more that is better that I should save for then I'll wait a bit more before buying
Trying to keep upgrade cost low, but it's been hard to do with the decreasing CAD...
Going to want to save up a bit and just get a 360/750ti depending on what's cheaper, though the 360 is going to give you potentially better DX12/Vulkan support
I have had great sucess with clearence refurbished and open box dGPU's and even ebay. It took a WHILE scouring ebay, amazon and MC but after one or 2 months found an open box refurb reference 770 that had been bought and refused twice cause it had no packaging, not even an anti-static bag! Just the card thrown in a box! It was 135 and yes it runs hot and yes it makes noise but I love it. This is not to brag (ok maybe a little) but to encourage you to keep looking and saving and don't get discouraged. Good hunting!
I do have to agree with scouring ebay for used parts, or even new parts that are being cleared out by retailers (I picked up an aftermarket 290x for $380AU off there, about $70 cheaper than they ever were at the usual stores/sites). For about $100CA, you could probably find a card such as a HD7850/7870 or a GTX 660 in good condition.
Same price as the part streetguru posted, much better performance. It's not a great price (I sold my own for about $120AU last year, and I've seen one up for about $110 just today), but that's why you have to keep looking.