Consider tips for selecting components when upgrading an old PC?
Consider tips for selecting components when upgrading an old PC?
Seems like not enough time has passed since my last new PC build. Alas, I guess the machine is getting to be a dinosaur like me.
I would like to plan for some upgrades later this year.
Here is my current setup:
Case - Phanteks Enthoo Pro
Power Supply – Corsair RM850x
Motherboard – Asus ROG Strix Z390E
Processor – Intel i7-8700K Coffee Lake
Cooler - Arctic Freezer eSports One
RAM – Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB DDR4
Hard Drive – Samsung 970 EVO M.2 2TB
Graphics Card – EVGA GeForce RTX 2070 Super XC Ultra
LG Black Blu-ray Burner WH16NS40
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Razer DeathAdder Mouse
Logitech G19 keyboard
3ea Asus VG278HE monitors
If possible, I would like to keep my current case and power supply. Also, if compatible, I would not mind keeping my current processor cooler. I plan to keep my current monitors, keyboard, and mouse.
I need something that is powerful enough to run Windows 11, as my current setup is not. I opted to extend coverage of Windows 10 until October 2026. This was not an issue for me as it bought me some time. However, I discovered today that TurboTax 2025 software is not compatible with Windows 10. I have to resort to using the online version of TurboTax, which I do not prefer.
So, my new build will need to be able to mainly accommodate Windows 11, TurboTax 2025, Microsoft Excel 2010 Professional Plus, Quicken 2010 Home & Business, Google Chrome (with 20+ tabs open at any given time), Google Earth, and the occasional game of FreeCell.
Here are a few components I threw together solely based on a very brief look on NewEgg:
Case - Phanteks Enthoo Pro
Power Supply – Corsair RM850x
Motherboard – Asus TUF Z890-Plus
Processor – Intel Ultra 7 265 Arrow Lake
Cooler - Arctic Freezer eSports One
RAM – Corsair Vengeance RGB 32GB DDR5
Hard Drive – Samsung 9100 PRO M.2 4TB
Graphics Card – Asus Prime GeForce RTX 5070 OC
LG Black Blu-ray Burner WH16NS40
Windows 11 Pro 64-bit
Razer DeathAdder Mouse
Logitech G19 keyboard
3ea Asus VG278HE monitors
If the price is any indication, these components ought to send me to the moon and back (assuming they are all compatible with one another – ha.)
I accept any and all recommendations!
Thanks!
I believe your present setup doesn't meet the requirements for compatibility with Windows 11.
Processor – Intel i7-8700K works well with Windows 11. No issues detected that would require an upgrade for full access.
Your current configuration isn't meeting expectations. You should be able to upgrade to W11. A dedicated graphics card is necessary to support three monitors. This isn't needed for performance-focused tasks like fast action gaming. Your cooler isn't powerful enough. A stronger one would enable overclocking your 8700K and boost CPU power by about 25%. Your new build plan seems solid, but your existing cooler would require an adapter for the new socket size. Luckily, the ultra 265 includes a suitable cooler.
That's true, when it comes to stock coolers, it's all about personal preference. LOL.
You should consider a superior cooler for that CPU.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU Cooler:
*
ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE 58 CFM CPU Cooler
($29.99 @ Amazon)
Memory:
*
Crucial Pro Overclocking 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory
($273.99 @ Best Buy)
Total:
$303.98
Shipping, taxes, and available discounts are included
*Selected lowest-priced items based on criteria
Created by
PCPartPicker
2026-01-04 17:33 EST-0500
Mmmm.
This option is a bit pricier, but I’d choose this method first before opting for that one. Just my two dollars.