So, I've been stuck with this rig for years, except the GPU which has been upgraded recently because the old one broke. It's a HD6950 2GB, which I think it's still pretty good.
What I think I should change is the CPU and MoBo, of course, and the RAM too. I use my PC for gaming, casual music production and movies.
I have a 22'' monitor, with a 1680x1050 resolution, and I plan to stick with it for some more time, since it still works very well.
My budget isn't very clear yet, I guess around 350 euros (I'm Italian). About the CPU, if I choose a 8350, would I also need a CPU cooler?
8320 (not 8350) + very good motherboard + DDR3 RAM
http://it.pcpartpicker.com/p/WQNq
You can use the stock cooler shipped with the 8320. It would be advisable to get a CPU heatsink when you can afford it. Then overclock to the speeds of an 8350.
Thank you for your reply, but I forgot to tell you that I don't want to overclock. I'm willing to spend some more money, if necessary, but I'm not even the one that is going to assemble everything. I have a trusted friend for that.
That's why I thought about the 8350.
Also, the reduced cost of the AMD CPU wouldn't then be increased by the CPU cooler? Then why not just getting a 4670, for example?
Shipping from another country mostly isn't worth it as it takes long and shipping costs are quite high and it's also probably some more hassle, but if it saves you money, why not? Just do some research.
Getting a 8320 with a silent but good cpu cooler would be your best bet, along with a decent 990FX motherboard and 8gb ram.
If you are not overclocking, you should go with the best CPU you can obtain. The 8320 is the same as the 8350. You just have to change one value in the bios and it will be just as fast as the 8350. It is quite easy to do.
If you are not overclocking, you can use the stock cooler that ships with the CPU. However, these can be unreliable. I would advise spending 20 euros on a cheap unit. It will have better acoustic performance and longevity, in comparison to any stock cooler.
The 4670 is a good CPU. Generally you get more bang for buck with AMD. Intels 4th generation platform is very attractive. It has some really nice adaptive power capabilities.
This is all largely place holder:
http://it.pcpartpicker.com/p/21OFG
You could get parts cheaper from inside the EU. There's some headroom. You have about another 30 euros which could be placed on a better Haswell i5.
I used a H87 motherboard chipset. This retains all features, with the exception of CPU overclocking - which is found on the Z87 premium motherboards.
Thank you guys for your help. You've been very helpful. I will probably stick with AMD and get a decent enough CPU cooler, with the ram and mobo you suggested.
