Fixing my computer by changing the processor and mainboard
Fixing my computer by changing the processor and mainboard
I am using an Asus Z87-K motherboard paired with an Intel i7-4770 processor and 16 gigabytes of RAM right now. It's time to upgrade though, so I need some help picking what to get because I really don't know tech trends at all. I'm not a gamer—I just use this PC for my daily life like checking emails, writing on the web, using MS Office apps, and watching videos on smart TVs or other devices too. I also listen to music and play it, and run a Synology NAS for backing up stuff. I'd rather keep Intel and Asus, even though they said loyalty isn't important anymore. But honestly, no one has told me which upgrade bundle is best right now. Any advice would be super helpful, and I really appreciate it.
Hey folks, I'm telling you this because people keep asking for help with upgrades here and on CPU forums. Since many sites already have good suggestions, let's do better together! Just list your current stuff like: CPU, cooler, motherboard, RAM, SSD or HDD, GPU, power supply, case, operating system, and monitor. Also tell me how old the power supply is besides its brand and model name. I moved this post from the Components section to Systems so you can read it there.
Your PSU probably needs a change too. Since you have DDR3 RAM, any upgrade will need to include memory as well. Case fans and CPU cooler fan wouldn't hurt to swap out. The heatsink is re-usable theoretically with the right motherboard, but CPU coolers are cheap enough that getting an LGA1700 Intel cooler or using the stock one would be fine. And you are likely to be running a SATA hard drive or SSD. Newer computers have M.2 NVMe drives. You could clone it over to a new drive, but you might not succeed. Doing a fresh install of Windows 11 is probably the best way to go. Aside from the chassis and re-using the old storage for extra space, I would say not much should be kept. I use an i3-12100 which is basically equivalent to what you have now but greatly updated and much faster and more efficient. An i3-13100 would be a little better still. If you want more than equivalent then an i5-12400 or 13400 will get you six cores instead of four. You could go for another i7, the 12700K is pretty affordable. PCPartPicker Part List CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K 3.6 GHz 12-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Amazon) CPU Cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($35.90 @ Amazon) Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING B760-PLUS WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Amazon) Memory: Silicon Power Value Gaming 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($85.97 @ Newegg Sellers) Storage: Western Digital Black SN770 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($72.98 @ Amazon) Power Supply: ADATA XPG Core Reactor II 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.98 @ Amazon) Case Fan: Thermalright TL-C12C X3 66.17 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack ($11.99 @ Amazon) Total: $646.80 Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-05-02 16:50 EDT-0400
Got a budget? Tell me what kind of pieces you need to buy. Some might already exist for you.