Check if upgrading is necessary for your i7-3770 to match your current system.
Check if upgrading is necessary for your i7-3770 to match your current system.
Budget Range:
700-900 CDN$
Usage Priority from Highest to Lowest:
working at home, office work, internet, mail etc.; some photo/vid editing (adobe)
Are you purchasing a monitor?
No (already own)
Parts to upgrade:
transitioning from a full Acer desktop PC to something else (???)
Preferred websites for parts:
either big retailers or manufacturer sites (such as Acer, HP, Lenovo)
Location:
Canada
Parts preferences:
Acer desktop to one of Acer, HP, Lenovo (Intel CPU)
And most importantly, why are you upgrading:
I currently own an Acer M3970 (likely EB15) from around 2012. However, I originally bought it with an i7-3770 processor and over the years increased my RAM (8-16GB) and added an SSD for the operating system and applications. I still use a HD for files—it functions adequately, including video editing. That’s surprising to me.
Upgrading is necessary because:
- After about 11 years, it won’t last much longer due to potential hardware failure (such as the PS or motherboard).
- Windows 10 support will end next year (thanks to Microsoft and TPM updates).
I upgrade for several reasons:
- To enjoy the speed of my current system.
- To get support for Windows 11.
- To benefit from a longer MTBF cycle with new hardware.
- Possibly sell it for a profit later.
- I can look for deals without feeling rushed.
On one hand, I’m inclined to keep using it until it fails, but on the other, I’m considering being proactive.
In terms of brand, I’d prefer a big retailer—like Acer, Lenovo, or HP. I don’t feel the need to buy a custom-built system or COTS units for the best price.
I’m not aiming for an i9 or anything extreme, just looking for good value. So I’m thinking about possibly an i5-13400 (upgrading from my i7-3770). This chip looks significantly better than my current one without pushing me into the i7/i9 range. I believe a 16GB RAM and SSD would be ideal.
Questions for others:
1 - Should I upgrade now or wait until it’s too old?
2 - Would an i5-13400 make a noticeable difference, making the investment in $ more worthwhile?
3 - Should I wait a year or two? Also, are newer models like i5-14xxx bringing any major improvements beyond just speed?
I’m definitely in your shoes with the “use it till it drops or upgrade” idea, and I get both sides. I’m running on hardware that’s about 7 years old and have kept my upgrade desires in check for a few years now. A 13400 would be a big upgrade—likely more than double the 3770 on a single core benchmark—but you’d probably not notice it when it’s idle, which might be around 90% of the time in your situation?
How often do you push the throttle and how much would you care about finishing a task in half a second instead of a minute? The difference would be noticeable—3 seconds versus 6.
On the other hand, there’s the concern about how long your current parts will last. I’m not sure if switching to 14xxx or 15xxx would change your mind. Maybe you’re worried about parts failing in just six months.
It seems like a close call—probably a coin toss. You’ve figured it out: “If it ain’t broke” versus “what if I’m wrong.” I wouldn’t stress too much and would go with whichever path you choose.
hey thanks for the thoughts. if anything, i'm at 11 years, not 7, so ... win11... ie.. - win10 being unprotected soon. maybe that's an argument. i agree with you, not like the cost of an electric car, so not to agonize over. and, i found a deal.. 25% off a PC... loaded... 13400, but also 16G, SSD, mem card reader, CD ( for those of use that like to rip CDs still for high audio quality). 25% off is pretty sweet for current stuff.
and yeah.. 6 months... 10 years... i'm an electrical guy so i get it! ... once you're past the first 6....
Sod's law indicates that if something is likely to fail, it will occur at the least convenient moment. It's wiser to arrange a replacement and choose the timing yourself.