Not getting what you're trying to say.

Thats not how this works

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/VK78CJ

The fx6300 has almost exact same single core performance, meaning for gaming, it's more or less identical. The 960 is only a small performance drop. Now your build is better if he's streaming or multi boxing, but for straight gaming, this just seems like way better price vs performance.

...which is irrelevant since OPs budget is $550, and not under $400.

Not really, there is always a decent mobo, ssds, a prettier case, ect

With your reasoning, may as well stick with a G3258 since performance per core is MUCH higher at a lower TDP whilst being cheaper.

...which is also irrelevant since we're looking for BEST upgrade for the budget, not half-assed upgrades.

Says the guy that's wants to recycle the whole thing. I fail to see why adding 2 cores that the user will probably rarely use and adding 6-7% boost to a gpu is worth spending so much of the budget.
Hell, I'm not dumb at life 3v1 they're probably right, but I don't see it

Yeah, because I'm the one who didn't post the new build.

Oh wait....

(L2R)

I don't get what you're saying here, you posted a whole new build and then critized me for suggesting saving in areas to replace more of the build...?
I usually really enjoy your input, with using the 8 core series for budget streaming, ect. but the 8 cores wont be utalized here (most likely), so why spend the extra cash on it?
970 vs 290... i realize the 290 does perform better, but I'm at least a little pro enviornment and i like sold price:performance ratio, so the 960 speaks to me, but i'll openly admit i'm selling out of my own pocket with that one.