Explore possibilities for upgrading your AdvicePC setup.
Explore possibilities for upgrading your AdvicePC setup.
I was thinking about whether this was the best spot to seek advice on my PC configuration and its upgrade possibilities. It was assembled on a limited budget, but I’m now considering improvements to extend its use. After two years, can I still make changes?
Approximate Purchase Date:
This month
Budget Range:
(Depends on what needs adjusting; flexible around £1000 if significant upgrades are planned) After rebates; after shipping
System Usage from Most to Least Important:
(Gaming, watching movies, surfing the internet)
Are you purchasing a monitor?
Yes
(I already own one, but I’m thinking about getting a second gaming monitor. Ideally 1440p, 1ms, 144Hz+)
Parts to Upgrade:
(Not sure which components require replacement... Would appreciate some recommendations)
Do you need to buy an operating system?
Yes
Please keep in mind that if you’re using an original manufacturer’s Windows license, you’ll need a new one when installing a new motherboard.
Preferred Website(s) for Parts:
(PC Builder - Amazon)
Location:
London, England
Parts Preferences:
by brand or type (no preference)
Overclocking:
No (I’m not very familiar with this or how to do it)
SLI or Crossfire:
Maybe
Your Monitor Resolution:
Currently 1920 x 1080, 1ms, 144Hz
Additional Comments:
(I aim for a gaming experience at 144fps+. I play Valorant, Call of Duty, and Rocket League now, but want to enjoy more intense FPS and graphically demanding games too after the upgrade. I also need a second monitor so I don’t have to constantly switch tabs.)
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading?
(I want to enhance my setup for smoother gameplay, even if I opt for high graphics settings on some titles. The second monitor helps avoid constant switching.)
The closest I can get to rebuilding my current setup
I can also share a detailed list of the components in my PC if that would help.)
Benchmark Results (if needed):
UserBenchmarks: Game 86%, Desk 102%, Work 81%
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 - 98.8%
GPU: Nvidia RTX 2060 - 83%
SSD: Intel SSDPEKNU512GZ 512GB - 179.6%
USB: TOSHIBA EXTERNAL_USB 2TB - 39.9%
RAM: Corsair CM4X8GD3200C16K4 2x8GB - 89.5%
MBD: Asus ROG STRIX B550-F GAMING
I would incorporate these enhancements together with a matching 2x8GB RAM package, bringing the overall capacity to 32GB.
https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/products/mem...Z=16384002
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
*
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D 3 GHz 8-Core Processor
(£219.00 @ Computer Orbit)
CPU Cooler:
*
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
(£36.29 @ Amazon UK)
Video Card:
*
Gigabyte GAMING OC Radeon RX 7700 XT 12 GB Video Card
(£382.99 @ MoreCoCo)
Overall Cost:
£638.28
Costs encompass delivery, taxes, and any applicable discounts
*Selected components chosen based on predefined parameters
Created by
PCPartPicker
2024-05-11 11:41 BST+0100
The brand and model of the PSU aren't the same. They match only when purchased together in the same package. Corsair is certain that even the MIC differs when the same SKU is bought multiple times later.
From the provided link, it appears to be a product page for a Corsair power supply.
Yeah, two kits of 2 don't always work well together. They're only truly compatible when purchased in a set of four. And even then, it's not guaranteed to function properly with 4 sticks Corsair RAM and Ryzen. The compatibility really depends on the version number, also known as the MIC used on the sticks.
I wasn’t certain of the precise model, but after searching on Google it looked quite similar. It was assembled by a PC Specialist website and was a custom build I mentioned in a forum post.
Would altering these components influence how your PC stores data, potentially erasing existing files?
Additionally, please clarify a few points regarding my recommendations:
- Was the graphics card recommendation based on cost considerations, since the 7900 GRE reportedly offered superior performance compared to the 7700 XT? Or was it related to compatibility or power requirements?
- If you switch the CPU cooler, would you need to apply thermal paste again? (Since standard paste was used during initial assembly by PC Specialist.)
- Are all other hardware components still functional and sufficient, with only the three mentioned needing attention?
- Would swapping the RAM sticks for two 16GB units, as listed on PC Part Picker, maintain the same functionality if they are compatible?
I checked your monitor's resolution and chose the 7700 XT to stay within budget. The 7800 XT is another option to consider.
Most new CPU coolers, including those from Thermalright, come with a small tube of good thermal paste.
A pair of 2x16GB RAM sticks would be ideal, ensuring no mixing or mismatching.
As long as you don’t wipe your storage drives, your data should remain intact.
I don’t know how old your PSU is, so I can’t give a specific answer.
I understand your concerns about future upgrades and performance. You're considering whether a second monitor would affect your plans, and you're curious about the best monitor specs for long-term gaming and usage. Regarding pastes, it seems you might not need any new ones. Upgrading components usually doesn't require resetting the PC. Your current setup has been running for about two years, and you're using it for gaming and daily tasks.
Your current pc isn't performing well because there are no suitable CPU upgrades for your motherboard. You might need to replace the board itself. This would require a full reset and reinstallation of the operating system. There are many suitable graphics card improvements available. If you have a monitor with a higher resolution or prefer enhanced graphics, consider updating your graphics card. Here is Tom's gpu hierarchy chart which outlines the power levels of various cards: Make sure any changes are significant; otherwise you might not notice the improvements. Generally, a 850W power supply unit is adequate and your unit seems sufficient. Steer clear of overclocked boards that could demand more power. Do not purchase an extra RAM kit. You're likely causing unnecessary complications. RAM comes in kits for a reason. The motherboard must support all RAM units with identical voltage, case, and speed specifications. The internal design is tailored to the capacity of the kit. RAM from the same manufacturer and part number can vary in quality over time. Some boards are particularly sensitive to these changes, especially when multiple modules are added. Ensure the RAM matches your motherboard's specifications. Only buy kits that are compatible with your board, either listed on the RAM QVL page or through the vendor's support app. If you encounter any Ryzen compatibility problems in these discussions, it's usually due to RAM issues. I have some concerns about using partpicker to confirm compatibility.