Non-gaming PC for transition to Windows 11 Pro
Non-gaming PC for transition to Windows 11 Pro
I considered the Intel Core Ultra platform for my project. It seems quite fitting based on the details below, though many comments suggest avoiding the LGA1851 CPUs. I’m confident I can choose differently. The GPU might also be too much for what I need.
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/gPGTyW
Estimated Purchase Date: As soon as a suitable CPU and GPU are identified
Budget Range: $1500-2000 USD
System Usage from Most to Least Important:
Note: These interests apply only for personal use (no work, no content creation, no intense gaming)
Main interests: programming (Python, C++), Excel/Word, data analysis and processing, photo editing, music file editing, video editing, browsing (multiple browsers and tabs), email, streaming videos
Games: three baseball simulators – Diamond Mind 12, Action! PC 2024, Out of the Park 2024. These require only basic GPU power; sometimes they run without graphics for analysis or testing, allowing data generation with less visuals.
Are you purchasing a monitor? No
Parts to Upgrade: New PC build; peripherals, monitor, UPS (1500VA/1000W)
Do you need an OS upgrade? Yes; Windows 11 Pro
Preferred Parts Sources: Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy
Location: City, State/Region, Country: USA; Central Texas (the two MicroCenters are in Dallas and Houston, about 3 hours away)
Parts Preferences: I’ve always used Intel CPUs; both NVidia and Radeon GPUs have worked well; if better options exist, I’m open to AMD CPUs.
Overclocking: No
Multiple GPUs: No
Monitor Resolution: 2560x1440; 27"
Additional Comments: Mid-tower case with space for at least two 3.5" HDDs (three would be ideal); prefer a quiet build – no illuminated cases or fans; no liquid cooling
Reason for Upgrade: Transitioning from Windows 10 Pro to Windows 11 Pro; desire for newer, faster hardware; my current PC (2019) is rebuilt i7-9700, RTX 2060, 32 GB RAM
PCPartPicker List of Components
CPU:
*
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K 3.9 GHz 20-Core Processor
($298.52 on Amazon)
CPU Cooler:
*
Thermalright Royal Pretor 130 81.88 CFM CPU Cooler
($44.39 on Amazon)
Motherboard:
*
Gigabyte Z890 EAGLE WIFI7 ATX LGA1851 Motherboard
($178.95 on Amazon)
Memory:
*
Patriot Venom 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory
($164.99 on Newegg)
Storage:
*
TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 2 TB 2.5" SSD
($91.99 on Amazon)
Storage:
*
MSI SPATIUM M480 PRO 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVMe SSD
($119.99 on MSI)
Video Card:
Gigabyte WINDFORCE OC GeForce RTX 5060 8 GB Video Card
($295.89 on Amazon)
Case:
*
Fractal Design Pop Air ATX Mid Tower Case
($89.99 on Amazon)
Power Supply:
*
ASRock Steel Legend SL-750G 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX PSU
($94.99 on Newegg)
Overall Total: $1379.70
Costs encompass shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
*Selected lowest-priced items based on specified parameters*
Created by
PCPartPicker
2025-09-08 23:14 EDT-0400
Thank you,
@Why_Me
The main difference I notice is switching from the i7-14700 to the 265K. However, you still have an air cooler for the CPU, so the 265K shouldn't face overheating issues?
Sorry, it's been a while since I looked into CPUs. What I usually read about are gaming PCs and liquid cooling.
The fundamental ultra CPUs consume less power and operate at lower temperatures compared to the 14th generation. They also avoid the degradation and power problems that affected the 13th and 14th generations. This likely explains why Why_Me made that change.
It looks like a suitable option for my needs, as I don’t need frequent upgrades. My computers usually last a long time. The other changes seem like minor savings, except for moving from HDD+SSD to two SSDs.
My second drive (HDD) currently holds the baseball simulators and databases. I also have some internal and external HDDs that I back up.
I generate and delete a lot of data on the second drive—things like games, photos, music, videos. Will this affect an SSD if used often?
No, current SSDs offer exceptional durability and it's unlikely you'd surpass their maximum endurance in just a decade. I've had my SSD for four years, used it for both operating system and gaming, and HWiNFO reported about 97% of its lifespan remaining when I replaced it. My other drives still show 98% to 100% remaining life. Even the backup drive I used for years (52 TB written) remains at 98%.
In typical consumer scenarios and your specific situation, you won't destroy an SSD due to excessive write cycles.
Of course, it might fail from another reason, but not because of this one.