F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Starting to explore major upgrades or builds

Starting to explore major upgrades or builds

Starting to explore major upgrades or builds

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J
jaffercake59
Member
163
11-06-2021, 05:24 PM
#1
Back in 2013 I grew weary of purchasing a new Dell every few years. At the time, I was a systems engineer in the late '80s and early '90s, and although I left the industry in 1993, I believed I could achieve better results. My goal was to balance long-term reliability with solid performance—a rare combination then.

I received valuable guidance from this forum and am currently operating the system I originally constructed, which I believe demonstrates my success. Now retired, the machine has aged alongside me, consistently delivering strong performance as I gradually lowered my usage needs. However, I notice indications that an upgrade is near. That’s why I’m initiating this discussion.

For me, there appear to be three factors that can bring a system to the end of its life: significant hardware breakdowns, declining performance from ever-increasing software requirements, and incompatibility with newer hardware or software.

I tried to address the first issue by investing in the most dependable hardware available at sensible prices and opting for standard components rather than Dell parts, enabling me to repair the system myself. This approach proved effective.

To tackle the second challenge, I built the most powerful machine possible within realistic budget constraints, using the latest I/O interfaces. My reasoning was that older technologies might be affordable now, but they won’t suffice for the foreseeable future compared to modern solutions. I clarify that “reasonable cost” refers to a practical figure, not just a budget limit.

My third concern required a hardware upgrade. Specifically, Windows 11 won’t run on my current setup. While I haven’t felt pressured to change the operating system yet, I anticipate that soon I’ll need it to keep using the system without restrictions.

My current configuration includes an Intel i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz and 32Gb RAM on an ASUS Z87-Deluxe/Dual motherboard. The operating system runs on an Intel 530 series SSD (240Gb), along with additional drives connected via SATA. I’m using the built-in graphics and sound until they failed, after which I added a dedicated sound card. I once considered Thunderbolt technology for future-proofing, but I’ve never actually used it.

I plan to share this update and then follow up with another post that incorporates the advice from the forum’s pinned question.
J
jaffercake59
11-06-2021, 05:24 PM #1

Back in 2013 I grew weary of purchasing a new Dell every few years. At the time, I was a systems engineer in the late '80s and early '90s, and although I left the industry in 1993, I believed I could achieve better results. My goal was to balance long-term reliability with solid performance—a rare combination then.

I received valuable guidance from this forum and am currently operating the system I originally constructed, which I believe demonstrates my success. Now retired, the machine has aged alongside me, consistently delivering strong performance as I gradually lowered my usage needs. However, I notice indications that an upgrade is near. That’s why I’m initiating this discussion.

For me, there appear to be three factors that can bring a system to the end of its life: significant hardware breakdowns, declining performance from ever-increasing software requirements, and incompatibility with newer hardware or software.

I tried to address the first issue by investing in the most dependable hardware available at sensible prices and opting for standard components rather than Dell parts, enabling me to repair the system myself. This approach proved effective.

To tackle the second challenge, I built the most powerful machine possible within realistic budget constraints, using the latest I/O interfaces. My reasoning was that older technologies might be affordable now, but they won’t suffice for the foreseeable future compared to modern solutions. I clarify that “reasonable cost” refers to a practical figure, not just a budget limit.

My third concern required a hardware upgrade. Specifically, Windows 11 won’t run on my current setup. While I haven’t felt pressured to change the operating system yet, I anticipate that soon I’ll need it to keep using the system without restrictions.

My current configuration includes an Intel i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz and 32Gb RAM on an ASUS Z87-Deluxe/Dual motherboard. The operating system runs on an Intel 530 series SSD (240Gb), along with additional drives connected via SATA. I’m using the built-in graphics and sound until they failed, after which I added a dedicated sound card. I once considered Thunderbolt technology for future-proofing, but I’ve never actually used it.

I plan to share this update and then follow up with another post that incorporates the advice from the forum’s pinned question.

T
Tbnrplebs123
Member
61
11-06-2021, 10:50 PM
#2
Approximate Purchase Timeline:
Expecting to buy within the coming months. Time seems to speed up as you age...

Budget Considerations:
No specific budget set. Focus on smart setup.

System Priorities:
General PC functions are key. Email, web browsing, photo and web editing, sound editing, etc. Minimal gaming except for crossword puzzles and KenKen.

Monitor Acquisition:
Not required.

Upgrade Components:
Planning to replace main components—new motherboard, CPU, and RAM. Likely nothing else needed.

Operating System:
No need for an OS upgrade. Current Windows 10 on SSD is sufficient. Future upgrade to Windows 11 may be considered later.

Preferred Retailers:
Familiar with and comfortable using Newegg and Amazon. Will check ncix.com for options.

Location:
San Diego area; likely ordering online.

Parts Selection Preferences:
Prefer by brand or model (e.g., upgrade to Intel CPU). Past experiences with Intel and ASUS are positive, but open to alternatives if justified. Reliability and longevity matter more.

Overclocking Interest:
Not applicable. Prioritize stability over performance enhancements.

Monitor Specifications:
No preference.

Additional Notes:
Desire a quiet system with low power consumption. Preference for reliability and durability over aesthetics or speed.
T
Tbnrplebs123
11-06-2021, 10:50 PM #2

Approximate Purchase Timeline:
Expecting to buy within the coming months. Time seems to speed up as you age...

Budget Considerations:
No specific budget set. Focus on smart setup.

System Priorities:
General PC functions are key. Email, web browsing, photo and web editing, sound editing, etc. Minimal gaming except for crossword puzzles and KenKen.

Monitor Acquisition:
Not required.

Upgrade Components:
Planning to replace main components—new motherboard, CPU, and RAM. Likely nothing else needed.

Operating System:
No need for an OS upgrade. Current Windows 10 on SSD is sufficient. Future upgrade to Windows 11 may be considered later.

Preferred Retailers:
Familiar with and comfortable using Newegg and Amazon. Will check ncix.com for options.

Location:
San Diego area; likely ordering online.

Parts Selection Preferences:
Prefer by brand or model (e.g., upgrade to Intel CPU). Past experiences with Intel and ASUS are positive, but open to alternatives if justified. Reliability and longevity matter more.

Overclocking Interest:
Not applicable. Prioritize stability over performance enhancements.

Monitor Specifications:
No preference.

Additional Notes:
Desire a quiet system with low power consumption. Preference for reliability and durability over aesthetics or speed.

N
Neko1106
Member
184
11-07-2021, 12:02 AM
#3
We should actually eliminate SLI and Crossfire from the template, as it is outdated.
The build is fairly straightforward. I don’t recommend retaining your previous storage or power supply.
If you prefer your existing case, it can likely be reused. Type-C USB ports are now common and your case probably doesn’t have one.
I should admit, I haven’t connected a type-C device directly to my system yet. Thunderbolt works similarly, but I don’t have any devices or use cases for it on a desktop. It seems more suitable for laptops, or for frequent large file transfers or external backups.
How flashy? RGB fans, memory, and CPU cooler?
N
Neko1106
11-07-2021, 12:02 AM #3

We should actually eliminate SLI and Crossfire from the template, as it is outdated.
The build is fairly straightforward. I don’t recommend retaining your previous storage or power supply.
If you prefer your existing case, it can likely be reused. Type-C USB ports are now common and your case probably doesn’t have one.
I should admit, I haven’t connected a type-C device directly to my system yet. Thunderbolt works similarly, but I don’t have any devices or use cases for it on a desktop. It seems more suitable for laptops, or for frequent large file transfers or external backups.
How flashy? RGB fans, memory, and CPU cooler?

D
Der_HauiHD
Member
144
11-08-2021, 08:59 AM
#4
My personal take on the essentials:
A minimum of an 8-core CPU with a 65W power rating works well. Brand isn't crucial, but I've encountered unusual USB problems with AMD systems on older peripherals that don't happen with Intel. The AMD socket could potentially be supported for a longer time.
A mid-range motherboard is ideal, chosen mainly for its size and future PCIE expansion needs. Ensure it offers sufficient SATA ports to meet your requirements.
For the CPU cooler, air cooling is recommended. Noctua provides strong long-term support. The NHU-12S model is a solid option for handling 65W.
Operating system selection depends heavily on your software preferences. If you're an Adobe user, Windows is a must. Otherwise, Linux could be a good alternative for general use. Keep in mind the potential challenges with AI integration and cloud-based OS updates later on.
RAM is less of a concern unless you prioritize reliability. Sticking with JEDEC speeds is safer than chasing XMP, though you can opt for cheaper options that still run at JEDEC. Aim for at least 32GB, preferably doubling to 64GB in two 32GB modules.
For the GPU, it really depends on your needs. Photoshop requires minimal GPU power, but for AI tasks or high-end rendering, a mid-range card is beneficial. Aim for 12GB VRAM for everyday use, 20GB if you plan to edit 8K videos.
The power supply is largely dictated by your GPU choice, and possibly if you're managing several hard drives.
D
Der_HauiHD
11-08-2021, 08:59 AM #4

My personal take on the essentials:
A minimum of an 8-core CPU with a 65W power rating works well. Brand isn't crucial, but I've encountered unusual USB problems with AMD systems on older peripherals that don't happen with Intel. The AMD socket could potentially be supported for a longer time.
A mid-range motherboard is ideal, chosen mainly for its size and future PCIE expansion needs. Ensure it offers sufficient SATA ports to meet your requirements.
For the CPU cooler, air cooling is recommended. Noctua provides strong long-term support. The NHU-12S model is a solid option for handling 65W.
Operating system selection depends heavily on your software preferences. If you're an Adobe user, Windows is a must. Otherwise, Linux could be a good alternative for general use. Keep in mind the potential challenges with AI integration and cloud-based OS updates later on.
RAM is less of a concern unless you prioritize reliability. Sticking with JEDEC speeds is safer than chasing XMP, though you can opt for cheaper options that still run at JEDEC. Aim for at least 32GB, preferably doubling to 64GB in two 32GB modules.
For the GPU, it really depends on your needs. Photoshop requires minimal GPU power, but for AI tasks or high-end rendering, a mid-range card is beneficial. Aim for 12GB VRAM for everyday use, 20GB if you plan to edit 8K videos.
The power supply is largely dictated by your GPU choice, and possibly if you're managing several hard drives.

T
TonioELPigonio
Junior Member
3
11-08-2021, 10:47 AM
#5
I tend to agree with your preamble in the first post. Good reasoning.
Very little chance you need to bother with SLI or Crossfire. Highly unusual that anyone does nowadays.
Asus boards don't seem to have the buzz they did 10 years ago, but no doubt many are happy with the brand. Prominent brands now seem to be MSI and Gigabyte.
You'll probably see complaints about a 240 gb SSD for the OS...."too small"..... You're the best judge of your capacity requirements. 240 may be more than plenty. Speed advantage of newer SSDs is not overwhelming.
If you buy a new OS SSD, quite likely you'd go with an M.2 2280 NVMe to avoid cabling. Some boards can accept 3 or more of them.
Quite possible you don't need a video card.
What case do you have now? If you buy a new cooler, it will have to be short enough to fit in your case.
Some Intel CPUs include a cooler; some don't.
Don't know much storage you need other than on OS drive. You can get 4 TB HDDs for under 100; an SSD of that size is probably triple that. If you would access your HDDs a lot, maybe consider SSDs instead unless budget prevents.
T
TonioELPigonio
11-08-2021, 10:47 AM #5

I tend to agree with your preamble in the first post. Good reasoning.
Very little chance you need to bother with SLI or Crossfire. Highly unusual that anyone does nowadays.
Asus boards don't seem to have the buzz they did 10 years ago, but no doubt many are happy with the brand. Prominent brands now seem to be MSI and Gigabyte.
You'll probably see complaints about a 240 gb SSD for the OS...."too small"..... You're the best judge of your capacity requirements. 240 may be more than plenty. Speed advantage of newer SSDs is not overwhelming.
If you buy a new OS SSD, quite likely you'd go with an M.2 2280 NVMe to avoid cabling. Some boards can accept 3 or more of them.
Quite possible you don't need a video card.
What case do you have now? If you buy a new cooler, it will have to be short enough to fit in your case.
Some Intel CPUs include a cooler; some don't.
Don't know much storage you need other than on OS drive. You can get 4 TB HDDs for under 100; an SSD of that size is probably triple that. If you would access your HDDs a lot, maybe consider SSDs instead unless budget prevents.

N
Noahcrafted56
Junior Member
14
11-09-2021, 03:53 AM
#6
My budget still feels a bit tight despite the choices. Because you prefer forward-thinking options, I opted for 2x24GB of memory – a newer model than the 32GB you previously used. A 2x32GB version could have been considered instead.
The 8700G features an 8-core CPU paired with the most advanced GPU available this year. It should cover all your requirements. For future upgrades, you might upgrade to a newer APU; all AMD chips in this generation include built-in graphics, though not as powerful as this model. You can also add a GPU later if desired.
The RGB CPU fan is still roomy, though it could be improved. The power supplies are a bit of an issue right now. High-end quality usually means high capacity, which isn’t necessary. Even the good SFX supplies are drawing at least 500W. I’d normally recommend an EVGA 450W, but haven’t seen one in a while. It’s unclear if EVGA has exited the power supply market, as they did with the graphics. You could invest more for a titanium-rated fanless PSU, but the 750W one probably won’t be needed. But it’s worth checking if you require it.
The X670E board is a bit excessive, but it’s significantly cheaper than the B650E and X670 models. It supports two chipsets, doubling your I/O options.
A 2TB NVMe SSD is recommended for ample storage. More space is available if needed.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8700G 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor
($329.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO 68.9 CFM
($22.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock X670E PG Lightning ATX AM5
($239.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 48 GB (2 x 24 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32
($184.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial P5 Plus 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
($152.39 @ MemoryC)
Case: Fractal Design Pop Air RGB ATX Mid Tower
($89.99 @ B&H)
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower GF A3 - TT Premium Edition 750 W
($86.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1106.25
Includes shipping, taxes, and available discounts
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2024-02-21 16:50 EST-0500
N
Noahcrafted56
11-09-2021, 03:53 AM #6

My budget still feels a bit tight despite the choices. Because you prefer forward-thinking options, I opted for 2x24GB of memory – a newer model than the 32GB you previously used. A 2x32GB version could have been considered instead.
The 8700G features an 8-core CPU paired with the most advanced GPU available this year. It should cover all your requirements. For future upgrades, you might upgrade to a newer APU; all AMD chips in this generation include built-in graphics, though not as powerful as this model. You can also add a GPU later if desired.
The RGB CPU fan is still roomy, though it could be improved. The power supplies are a bit of an issue right now. High-end quality usually means high capacity, which isn’t necessary. Even the good SFX supplies are drawing at least 500W. I’d normally recommend an EVGA 450W, but haven’t seen one in a while. It’s unclear if EVGA has exited the power supply market, as they did with the graphics. You could invest more for a titanium-rated fanless PSU, but the 750W one probably won’t be needed. But it’s worth checking if you require it.
The X670E board is a bit excessive, but it’s significantly cheaper than the B650E and X670 models. It supports two chipsets, doubling your I/O options.
A 2TB NVMe SSD is recommended for ample storage. More space is available if needed.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8700G 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor
($329.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO 68.9 CFM
($22.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock X670E PG Lightning ATX AM5
($239.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 48 GB (2 x 24 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32
($184.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial P5 Plus 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
($152.39 @ MemoryC)
Case: Fractal Design Pop Air RGB ATX Mid Tower
($89.99 @ B&H)
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower GF A3 - TT Premium Edition 750 W
($86.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1106.25
Includes shipping, taxes, and available discounts
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2024-02-21 16:50 EST-0500

K
KizuPvP
Member
137
11-09-2021, 04:42 AM
#7
I concur that the Ryzen 8700G is a strong option. An aspect often overlooked is its capability to handle up to 256GB RAM. We're still relying on official motherboard support and the availability of compatible RAM modules.
K
KizuPvP
11-09-2021, 04:42 AM #7

I concur that the Ryzen 8700G is a strong option. An aspect often overlooked is its capability to handle up to 256GB RAM. We're still relying on official motherboard support and the availability of compatible RAM modules.

J
Joofok
Junior Member
17
11-11-2021, 10:37 PM
#8
I believe you're searching for a motherboard, CPU, and RAM setup that offers strong performance, durability, compatibility with older drives while supporting newer tech, ample USB ports for your Goldtouch keyboard, mouse, and number pad, plus fast USB or Thunderbolt options. You're also wondering if USB Type-C devices can connect to Thunderbolt and whether any other standard connections are gaining traction that would fit well with your current Corsair case and power supply.
J
Joofok
11-11-2021, 10:37 PM #8

I believe you're searching for a motherboard, CPU, and RAM setup that offers strong performance, durability, compatibility with older drives while supporting newer tech, ample USB ports for your Goldtouch keyboard, mouse, and number pad, plus fast USB or Thunderbolt options. You're also wondering if USB Type-C devices can connect to Thunderbolt and whether any other standard connections are gaining traction that would fit well with your current Corsair case and power supply.

P
Pigster007
Member
172
11-17-2021, 09:01 AM
#9
It's important to recognize that Thunderbolt is an Intel-supported technology, while USB4 is a widely adopted standard. This could imply that an AMD board featuring Thunderbolt might be expensive or only offered as a PCIe add-on card. It's advisable to carefully examine the specifications to confirm if you truly require Thunderbolt 4 over USB4. Additionally, a motherboard with a USB-C port does not automatically guarantee USB4 compatibility.
P
Pigster007
11-17-2021, 09:01 AM #9

It's important to recognize that Thunderbolt is an Intel-supported technology, while USB4 is a widely adopted standard. This could imply that an AMD board featuring Thunderbolt might be expensive or only offered as a PCIe add-on card. It's advisable to carefully examine the specifications to confirm if you truly require Thunderbolt 4 over USB4. Additionally, a motherboard with a USB-C port does not automatically guarantee USB4 compatibility.

X
xdHammodixd
Junior Member
39
11-17-2021, 06:36 PM
#10
Thank you for all the responses! I now have a lot of assignments to complete because some of these abbreviations and technologies are unfamiliar to me. I might come back with more questions or, if things go well, with a setup to verify everything.
Thanks again.
--Brian
X
xdHammodixd
11-17-2021, 06:36 PM #10

Thank you for all the responses! I now have a lot of assignments to complete because some of these abbreviations and technologies are unfamiliar to me. I might come back with more questions or, if things go well, with a setup to verify everything.
Thanks again.
--Brian

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