Seeking a cost-effective CPU with sufficient memory and RAM capacity.
Seeking a cost-effective CPU with sufficient memory and RAM capacity.
You're considering a budget-friendly upgrade with around $300. You're aiming for 32 GB RAM and 6 SATA ports, using your PC as both a media server and a gaming rig. You often handle video encoding and occasionally run Octane renders. AMD seems like a strong contender since many Intel boards only offer 4 SATA ports. You're thinking about adding an expansion card to boost SATA slots without spending extra money. Your Phenom II 955 has been holding up surprisingly well despite its age, but it's starting to lag. Thanks for the advice!