Should I consider upgrading my 7-year-old system?
Should I consider upgrading my 7-year-old system?
Hello,
I own an older Intel system from the 7th generation (Gigabyte H110M-H). It has an Intel Core i3 with 8 GB RAM and is about seven years old. The performance is slow, and it struggles to run most modern games, only managing Windows 10 Pro.
I’m considering upgrading to a brand new Intel Core i7 7700K from Amazon and increasing the RAM from 8 GB to 16 GB or more.
I’m wondering if spending around US$300 is worth it for an old PC, or if it’s better to buy a brand new Intel 13th gen laptop instead? A new gaming PC with those specs would likely cost at least US$1,100.
Thank you for your help, Julio.
Usually, it's not worth upgrading that way; I'd prefer a platform upgrade instead. What GPU are you using? What kind of power supply do you have? Are you planning to reuse your case, drives, and other components? What is the highest amount you're aiming to spend? Also, 32GB of RAM would be the minimum I suggest if you're considering an upgrade.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: Intel Core i5-12400 2.5 GHz 6-Core Processor (($162.99 @ Amazon))
Motherboard: ASRock B760M-HDV/M.2 D4 Micro ATX LGA1700 (($89.99 @ Amazon))
Memory: Silicon Power GAMING 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 (($53.95 @ Amazon))
Total: $306.93
Shipping, taxes, and available discounts are included
Generated by PCPartPicker
2024-04-11 13:46 EDT-0400
A bit over 300, but the 12600KF comes with 4 extra efficiency cores, you will need a dedicated GPU with it though, as the 12600KF does not come with one integrated. Its a B660 board instead of B760, so it does not have PCIE 5.0. But realistically by the time the difference between PCIE 4 and 5 becomes an issue, this platform will be long overdue for an upgrade anyway. The most powerful gaming GPU currently available, the RTX 4090 doesn't support PCIE 5 anyway. It also still supports all of the 12th, 13th, and 14th gen intel CPUs with a BIOS update.
https://www.techpowerup.com/review/nvidi...ng/28.html
PCPartPicker Part List
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/njXtYN
Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel Core i5-12600KF 3.7 GHz 10-Core Processor](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Tk8bt6/...71512600kf) | $154.65 @ Amazon
**CPU Cooler** | [Thermalright Assassin King SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/9Gstt6/...se-argb-d6) | $19.29 @ Amazon
**Motherboard** | [ASRock B660M Pro RS Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/TZPQzy/...60m-pro-rs) | $94.99 @ Amazon
**Memory** | [G.Skill Ripjaws V 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/kXbkcf/...c16d-32gvk) | $65.98 @ Amazon
| *Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts* |
| **Total** | **$334.91**
| Generated by [PCPartPicker](https://pcpartpicker.com) 2024-04-11 14:00 EDT-0400 |
Hello,
Your response is appreciated.
I have a graphics card that is an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050, DDR 5, 2GB, from Gigabyte Technology.
Best regards,
Julio
It seems the PSU might not be very strong, so I’d prefer the locked i5. Next time consider upgrading the PSU and GPU. The GTX1050 will definitely limit performance in most games except e-sports. A current CPU will boost FPS in titles like CS2, Fortnite, Rocketleague, etc. But recent AAA games such as Cyberpunk, Starfield or the Last of Us will likely be a poor experience on a GTX 1050.
Approximately $300 is your upper budget, but would you consider spending extra for a better GPU and PSU?
In reality, I initially intended to construct a new system with a budget of around $1000, but later thought about improving the existing one instead. Yet, the discussions here make me hesitant to upgrade the old system and suggest spending the funds on a more contemporary solution.
Can you confirm the type of power supply you're employing? Are you considering repurposing your existing case and components, or is this a completely new assembly?