Build AdviceUpgrade long in tooth frankenstein again or rebuild?
Build AdviceUpgrade long in tooth frankenstein again or rebuild?
Hello! I built a PC around ten years ago and have kept it updated with various components over time. Now, many of the latest games, even multiplayer online titles, are heavily reliant on the CPU performance, often struggling with low frame rates, while the GPU seems to be outdated. I’m seeking guidance on what to do next. I’m open to spending around $1500 but want to keep costs manageable. I’m considering a new build and possibly repurposing or selling parts, or following other suggestions from this forum.
Thanks in advance.
a major CPU upgrade might need a new motherboard, so you might want to start fresh with the latest better choices.
i consider converting the existing build into a fully custom used system, though i’m unsure if people would offer much for it.
i’m curious about the case and overall cooling configuration it comes with.
another possibility is to reduce the system size to an mITX version and use it for a media center or Windows TV setup.
Are you close to a microcenter? If yes, a 7800x3d package would be a great improvement offering future CPU support. The Ryzen 9000 is arriving in July, which could affect prices. If you need it now, Intel 12th gen offers solid deals, while you're not focused on upgrades.
Even though a newer platform will be significantly better, you could potentially include another four threads into the current build using a new or used 4770/4790/k. This would extend its usage time. Increasing the thread count by two should provide a noticeable performance improvement on a budget, and adding more threads might offer even greater benefits.
12th gen Intel offers the best value right now for Team Blue, while Team Red is taking advantage of good deals on 7xxx chips starting from September. I believe you could assemble a solid mid-to-high range system for around $1500. If you prefer staying within budget, the GTX 1080 graphics card remains a solid option for 1080p gaming. This decision depends on whether you plan to upgrade your monitor or not.
I think a good starting point would be a decent motherboard, a Ryzen 5-ish level 7xxx CPU with DDR5, a fresh power supply, and I’ll wait for the 9xxx release to decide on a Ryzen 7 or 9 processor and a new graphics card. Based on my experience, I’d also consider adding a fast NVMe drive for the operating system.
Similar item selection
PCComponent Inventory
CPU:
Intel Core i5-13600KF 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor
($234.98 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler:
Thermalright Frost Commander 140 BLACK 95.5 CFM CPU Cooler
($39.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:
MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard
($148.74 @ Amazon)
Memory:
Silicon Power Value Gaming 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory
($94.97 @ Amazon)
Storage:
Samsung 990 Pro 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
($89.99 @ Newegg)
Case:
Phanteks XT PRO ATX Mid Tower Case
($55.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply:
Thermaltake Toughpower GF1 (2024) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
($94.99 @ Amazon)
Overall cost:
$759.55
Costs cover shipping, taxes, and any available discounts
Created by
PCPartPicker
2024-06-19 20:56 EDT-0400
You might consider using some of your existing storage and graphics components at this time.
For $1500 the system includes an upgradable platform with type C configuration. It features an ATX 3.0 PSU, a CPU from AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz with 8 cores, a thermal cooler by Thermalright Phantom Spirit, a Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX ATX AM5 motherboard, 32 GB DDR5-6000 CL30 memory, a 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 NVME SSD, a Gigabyte GAMING OC Radeon RX 7900 GRE graphics card, and a Phanteks XT PRO ULTRA ATX case. The power supply is a SeaSonic FOCUS GX-850 ATX with 850 W capacity and 80+ Gold certification. All costs are inclusive of shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts.
Set it and forget it build.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
Intel Core i7-12700K 3.6 GHz 12-Core Processor
($209.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler:
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
($33.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:
ASRock Z790 PG Lightning/D4 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard
($139.99 @ Newegg)
Memory:
TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
($50.99 @ Amazon)
Storage:
SK Hynix Platinum P41 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
($139.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card:
ASRock Phantom Gaming OC Radeon RX 7900 XT 20 GB Video Card
($699.99 @ Amazon)
Case:
Montech AIR 903 MAX ATX Mid Tower Case
($75.00 @ B&H)
Power Supply:
Thermaltake Toughpower GF1 (2024) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
($94.99 @ Amazon)
Overall Cost:
$1444.84
Costs encompass shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
Created by
PCPartPicker
2024-06-20 11:21 EDT-0400
Although I do like doing things like this, I had a 4690k and upgraded it to a 4790k, I think the system is too old in 2024 to be doing that unless you can get the i7 for free and already have a good cooler. I did this upgrade about 5 years ago, but I don't think it'd be anywhere near as effective an upgrade nowadays.
OP, look to build a new system. No point sinking any money, time and effort into your current system.