I have the same GPU, but 12GB RAM and i7-4790 3.6GHz. So far every game I've played runs on max (but I don't play that many new AAA games), except GTA V which I had to slightly tune down. 8GB of RAM should be sufficient for most games, so yes, it's probably the i5.
The question is why you want to upgrade? If had the money lying around and already bought all the stuff that would come before pc i'd be looking into some badass monitor with 2 or maybe even 4k resolution, 100hz, sync-tech and a fitting gpu setup. Other than that I don't know what for I would upgrade your already decent system. Games don't need end high-end cpu as far as I know.
Alright, I was also thinking about getting an SSD, is it worth it?
The best upgrade for general purpose gaming is likely to be a better GPU such as the soon to be released GTX 1060 or AMD equivalent. Your setup is quite balanced as is so unless you intend to play at resolutions higher than 1080p, a CPU+mobo upgrade could also be worthwhile. Consider the midrange Skylake CPUs, i5-6500, i5-6600 and i5-6600K
Yes. This is pretty much a no-brainer, forget about everything else. The 250Gb samsung 850PRO goes for less than 100$ usually.
i'd be looking into some badass monitor with 2 or maybe even 4k resolution, 100hz, sync-tech and a fitting gpu setup
Do 4k monitors at 100+ hz even exist yet? I've seen 2k at 144hz, but not 4k. Would be pretty nice. 4k still damn expensive though.
GPU: GTX 960
RAM: 8GB DDR5(? I think)
CPU: i5-4590 3.3GHz (quadcore)
What's limiting my performace the most? It's the i5, isn't it?
Skylake i5 6600
Asus Z170-A would be a solid choice.
GTX 960 (MSI Gaming 4G if possible)
and go for DDR4 with Skylake, not 3. 8GB is ok but i would get 16.
I think those are the best items that you can get as a money-friendly upgrade.
So you think, it'd make a big difference in performance with the nvidia setting, that takes load off the CPU by saving to the disk, on?
EDIT: I will get the EVO since it's way cheaper, hope I don't regret it.
Er. You'll want to reinstall Windows on it. It comes with a disc that has cloning software so you can use that but I'd recommend a full reinstall for fresh smelling Windows.
You can get a tool off Microsoft's website which creates a USB build key, then just stash the USB stick somewhere.
A SATA slot is a SATA slot.
I have about the same setup but I have a gtx 660. So I gotta upgrade that soon.
I can send you some RAM from my old computer, what's your adress?
Chances are your old RAM is not compatible with his Motherboard.
Modern cases have screws for 2.5" drives on the back side of the mobo plate. SATA connectors are all the same, except you want to use SATA 3.0 at 6Gb/s, not any other. Normally most if not all of your connectors are like this. Also it's probably best to leave it dangling than to tape it due to temperature.
So incase, I need to reinstall Windows in the future, is there a way to put Registries on a flash disc, so I don't have to reinstall everything?