F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Time to wrap up an old project – looking for assistance.

Time to wrap up an old project – looking for assistance.

Time to wrap up an old project – looking for assistance.

Pages (2): 1 2 Next
L
lomour
Junior Member
16
10-24-2021, 10:20 PM
#1
I could benefit from some guidance.
I began assembling a project in 2021 and got pulled in by two waves of Covid along with all the other life shifts at that time. Below are the parts I bought then that are still in their original packaging, plus a list of what I still require or desire:

Components I kept:
- Case – Corsair 200R
- Motherboard – GIGABYTE B460 HD3 LGA1200
- CPU – Intel Core I5-10400
- SSD – SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus SSD 500GB (M.2 NVMe)
- Power Supply – Seasonic FOCUS GX-650, 650W 80+ Gold

Items I still need or want:
- RAM – Recommendation needed. (16 or 32 GB, DDR4?)
(CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX DDR4 RAM 16GB (2x8GB) 3000MHz CL15-17-17-35 1.35V - Black)
(CMK16GX4M2B3000C15?)
(Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 DRAM 2400MHz (PC4-19200) C14 Memory Kit - Black)
(CMK32GX4M2A2400C14)
Cooler – Recommendation needed. (Scythe Mugen 6 CPU Air Cooler – fits??)
ODD – Recommendation needed. (LG Electronics WH14NS40 14X Blu-ray/DVD/CD?)

Operating System:
I’m currently running WIN11 on an old machine, and I’ve considered WIN10 for the office setup. I’ll likely transition to WIN11 soon.

Monitor:
Probably a Dual HP Series 5 27-inch FHD monitor at 1920x1080.

Keyboard:
I’d appreciate a suggestion for a quality tactile keyboard.
I frequently use word processing, online research, and tools like Dragon Naturally Speaking, Note Bene, and MS Office. I often switch between multiple windows and use two monitors at once. I print and scan regularly, watch videos online, and back up data to WD and Samsung SSDs. I need an OS recommendation. I plan to shop on Amazon and Newegg or similar sites. Avoid overclocking.

To be honest, my experience with computers is limited to about four years. But I’m eager to get back in and build something new since my current system is nearing its limits.

Could you check if anything here is completely outdated? Are there any upgrades or replacements that could improve the setup without starting entirely from scratch?
Additionally, do any current deals on WIN11 for around $20 still hold value? Or should I buy it new? I still have my WIN10 installation disk.

Thank you for your assistance—I’m in need of building something soon.
L
lomour
10-24-2021, 10:20 PM #1

I could benefit from some guidance.
I began assembling a project in 2021 and got pulled in by two waves of Covid along with all the other life shifts at that time. Below are the parts I bought then that are still in their original packaging, plus a list of what I still require or desire:

Components I kept:
- Case – Corsair 200R
- Motherboard – GIGABYTE B460 HD3 LGA1200
- CPU – Intel Core I5-10400
- SSD – SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus SSD 500GB (M.2 NVMe)
- Power Supply – Seasonic FOCUS GX-650, 650W 80+ Gold

Items I still need or want:
- RAM – Recommendation needed. (16 or 32 GB, DDR4?)
(CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX DDR4 RAM 16GB (2x8GB) 3000MHz CL15-17-17-35 1.35V - Black)
(CMK16GX4M2B3000C15?)
(Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 DRAM 2400MHz (PC4-19200) C14 Memory Kit - Black)
(CMK32GX4M2A2400C14)
Cooler – Recommendation needed. (Scythe Mugen 6 CPU Air Cooler – fits??)
ODD – Recommendation needed. (LG Electronics WH14NS40 14X Blu-ray/DVD/CD?)

Operating System:
I’m currently running WIN11 on an old machine, and I’ve considered WIN10 for the office setup. I’ll likely transition to WIN11 soon.

Monitor:
Probably a Dual HP Series 5 27-inch FHD monitor at 1920x1080.

Keyboard:
I’d appreciate a suggestion for a quality tactile keyboard.
I frequently use word processing, online research, and tools like Dragon Naturally Speaking, Note Bene, and MS Office. I often switch between multiple windows and use two monitors at once. I print and scan regularly, watch videos online, and back up data to WD and Samsung SSDs. I need an OS recommendation. I plan to shop on Amazon and Newegg or similar sites. Avoid overclocking.

To be honest, my experience with computers is limited to about four years. But I’m eager to get back in and build something new since my current system is nearing its limits.

Could you check if anything here is completely outdated? Are there any upgrades or replacements that could improve the setup without starting entirely from scratch?
Additionally, do any current deals on WIN11 for around $20 still hold value? Or should I buy it new? I still have my WIN10 installation disk.

Thank you for your assistance—I’m in need of building something soon.

A
AthenasLight
Posting Freak
781
10-25-2021, 06:03 AM
#2
Consider DDR4-2666MHz ram kits with low latencies since your processor and chipset will only reach that speed;
https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...-1...tions.html
Regarding your cooler, the maximum supported by your chassis is 165mm, you might want to check Thermalright's options.
Scythe Mugen 6 CPU Air Cooler – will it fit?
Yes, it should fit but the standard cooler that comes with the processor may be noisier and reach slightly higher temperatures.
Are there any components here that are extremely outdated?
It seems so, as modern cases prioritize airflow over compatibility unless you opt for a case like the Fractal-Design Pop series.
Keyboard enthusiasts would appreciate a recommendation for a quality tactile keyboard.
You might explore a mechanical keyboard with swappable switches.
Where is your location and what budget have you set for this upgrade, including parts and purchase preferences?
A
AthenasLight
10-25-2021, 06:03 AM #2

Consider DDR4-2666MHz ram kits with low latencies since your processor and chipset will only reach that speed;
https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...-1...tions.html
Regarding your cooler, the maximum supported by your chassis is 165mm, you might want to check Thermalright's options.
Scythe Mugen 6 CPU Air Cooler – will it fit?
Yes, it should fit but the standard cooler that comes with the processor may be noisier and reach slightly higher temperatures.
Are there any components here that are extremely outdated?
It seems so, as modern cases prioritize airflow over compatibility unless you opt for a case like the Fractal-Design Pop series.
Keyboard enthusiasts would appreciate a recommendation for a quality tactile keyboard.
You might explore a mechanical keyboard with swappable switches.
Where is your location and what budget have you set for this upgrade, including parts and purchase preferences?

M
miituna
Junior Member
4
10-28-2021, 05:48 PM
#3
Thank you for your reply. I'll review it more closely tomorrow. We've been without power in SE Ohio for a few days, which is why my response was delayed. Appreciate your assistance again.
M
miituna
10-28-2021, 05:48 PM #3

Thank you for your reply. I'll review it more closely tomorrow. We've been without power in SE Ohio for a few days, which is why my response was delayed. Appreciate your assistance again.

R
Rxnger
Member
198
10-29-2021, 02:05 AM
#4
Your components appear suitable for your intended purpose.
Due to handling multiple tasks, consider purchasing a 2 x 16gb RAM package.
Storage capacity takes precedence over speed.
The Corsair 32gb model seems acceptable.
Your processor is fairly low-power; I recommend starting with the built-in cooler first.
The fan can reach high speeds when under load, but it operates quietly.
Refer to my stored guide on installing the standard cooler at the end.
The scythe mugen is compatible; other quality options exist within that budget.
Thermalright is a viable alternative.
Installing Windows 11 might be necessary if you want it permanently.
You can obtain it directly from Microsoft.
No license required to use it indefinitely, though display personalization will be missing.
If you wish to purchase a genuine license, expect around a 10% discount.
It’s uncertain what the $20 models include—avoid them.
Check your keyboard to see if you can test one yourself.
You should be fine with integrated graphics.
R
Rxnger
10-29-2021, 02:05 AM #4

Your components appear suitable for your intended purpose.
Due to handling multiple tasks, consider purchasing a 2 x 16gb RAM package.
Storage capacity takes precedence over speed.
The Corsair 32gb model seems acceptable.
Your processor is fairly low-power; I recommend starting with the built-in cooler first.
The fan can reach high speeds when under load, but it operates quietly.
Refer to my stored guide on installing the standard cooler at the end.
The scythe mugen is compatible; other quality options exist within that budget.
Thermalright is a viable alternative.
Installing Windows 11 might be necessary if you want it permanently.
You can obtain it directly from Microsoft.
No license required to use it indefinitely, though display personalization will be missing.
If you wish to purchase a genuine license, expect around a 10% discount.
It’s uncertain what the $20 models include—avoid them.
Check your keyboard to see if you can test one yourself.
You should be fine with integrated graphics.

L
lizzard89
Senior Member
707
11-04-2021, 06:28 AM
#5
Examine the cost of Silicone Power Value Gaming 3200MHz/CL16 and also consider G Skill Ripjaws in a comparable setup. Compare the price with the Corsair Vengeance RAM, since in that market no single option stands out significantly except for price. Don’t worry about seeking slower RAM—it might actually cost more. It won’t affect performance if your 3200/3600MHz RAM operates at 2666 or whatever your motherboard defaults to.

Don’t worry about purchasing a cooler for the 10400 unless the stock cooler’s noise bothers you. That processor won’t overheat under any workload it can handle.

Regarding your question about replacing components... I use an 11400 on my work PC and it performs well in most scenarios. My typical tasks include opening four Chrome tabs, using Office, Adobe Pro, and handling a lot of printing and Dropbox activity. I have 32GB of RAM and notice that when converting JPEGs to PDFs, Adobe reaches its limit at 15 images. For compression, I haven’t encountered a cap—whether it’s the RAM or the software.

Another machine in the office ran an 8400 and showed signs of aging for its workload. It was upgraded to the 12600KF, which is faster than my 11900K and clearly outperforms the 11400.

The point I want to make is that your current CPU and motherboard combination should handle the task at hand "just fine," but it’s five generations behind. You might be thinking about upgrading to W11—about $110 extra for the Home version on Newegg. This is roughly what you’d pay for older parts. If you later find the new system isn’t meeting your expectations, swapping in a new CPU and motherboard will likely resolve the issue. As mentioned before, you can run W11 without a license, but it won’t have personalization or a watermark. I strongly recommend testing the system without a key for a week or two to see how it feels.
L
lizzard89
11-04-2021, 06:28 AM #5

Examine the cost of Silicone Power Value Gaming 3200MHz/CL16 and also consider G Skill Ripjaws in a comparable setup. Compare the price with the Corsair Vengeance RAM, since in that market no single option stands out significantly except for price. Don’t worry about seeking slower RAM—it might actually cost more. It won’t affect performance if your 3200/3600MHz RAM operates at 2666 or whatever your motherboard defaults to.

Don’t worry about purchasing a cooler for the 10400 unless the stock cooler’s noise bothers you. That processor won’t overheat under any workload it can handle.

Regarding your question about replacing components... I use an 11400 on my work PC and it performs well in most scenarios. My typical tasks include opening four Chrome tabs, using Office, Adobe Pro, and handling a lot of printing and Dropbox activity. I have 32GB of RAM and notice that when converting JPEGs to PDFs, Adobe reaches its limit at 15 images. For compression, I haven’t encountered a cap—whether it’s the RAM or the software.

Another machine in the office ran an 8400 and showed signs of aging for its workload. It was upgraded to the 12600KF, which is faster than my 11900K and clearly outperforms the 11400.

The point I want to make is that your current CPU and motherboard combination should handle the task at hand "just fine," but it’s five generations behind. You might be thinking about upgrading to W11—about $110 extra for the Home version on Newegg. This is roughly what you’d pay for older parts. If you later find the new system isn’t meeting your expectations, swapping in a new CPU and motherboard will likely resolve the issue. As mentioned before, you can run W11 without a license, but it won’t have personalization or a watermark. I strongly recommend testing the system without a key for a week or two to see how it feels.

G
Goljat12
Member
213
11-24-2021, 01:47 PM
#6
I regret another lapse in communication — we had planned a trip out of town over the weekend.
Your suggestions are appreciated. I’ve looked into the RAM and will probably choose G Skill 32G (2x16); I intend to stick with the stock cooler at least for now (thanks for the application guide).
The WIN11 method is unfamiliar to me, but I appreciate the suggestion to test drive the board and chip. If I decide to keep them, it’s clear how to buy the OS and set up the key along with the full package.

If you’re considering an upgrade, could you suggest a new chip and motherboard that would "match and improve" the setup I had five years ago? I’m open to starting fresh if possible. My experience has been positive with Gigabyte boards (about five units) and I use Intel hardware. I think an upgrade will likely need a new case and cooler.

Thank you for your assistance.
G
Goljat12
11-24-2021, 01:47 PM #6

I regret another lapse in communication — we had planned a trip out of town over the weekend.
Your suggestions are appreciated. I’ve looked into the RAM and will probably choose G Skill 32G (2x16); I intend to stick with the stock cooler at least for now (thanks for the application guide).
The WIN11 method is unfamiliar to me, but I appreciate the suggestion to test drive the board and chip. If I decide to keep them, it’s clear how to buy the OS and set up the key along with the full package.

If you’re considering an upgrade, could you suggest a new chip and motherboard that would "match and improve" the setup I had five years ago? I’m open to starting fresh if possible. My experience has been positive with Gigabyte boards (about five units) and I use Intel hardware. I think an upgrade will likely need a new case and cooler.

Thank you for your assistance.

M
MrLegal
Member
170
11-25-2021, 02:28 PM
#7
Here’s a concise summary of the current situation:

The DDR4 components are largely outdated, and the 10th generation motherboard chipsets can only be upgraded to the 11th generation, which isn’t a significant improvement for cost. These parts have been removed from the market for some time, leading prices to rise again for new models. The AMD AM4 platform uses DDR4, while the newer AM5 is DDR5. Intel offers an option for at least the 12th generation chipset (6xx), possibly more.

A side note: Intel has adjusted their strategy, making the 13th and 14th generation K processors prone to power-related failures over time. While lower-power options are still available, they’re not as reliable as higher-end models, which are now harder to find. This makes AMD AM5 a more stable choice.

With these considerations, the 10400 chipset should still function well as a W11 system. It won’t overheat much and uses reasonable power. If you’re not satisfied, you can explore alternatives without needing a license key.
M
MrLegal
11-25-2021, 02:28 PM #7

Here’s a concise summary of the current situation:

The DDR4 components are largely outdated, and the 10th generation motherboard chipsets can only be upgraded to the 11th generation, which isn’t a significant improvement for cost. These parts have been removed from the market for some time, leading prices to rise again for new models. The AMD AM4 platform uses DDR4, while the newer AM5 is DDR5. Intel offers an option for at least the 12th generation chipset (6xx), possibly more.

A side note: Intel has adjusted their strategy, making the 13th and 14th generation K processors prone to power-related failures over time. While lower-power options are still available, they’re not as reliable as higher-end models, which are now harder to find. This makes AMD AM5 a more stable choice.

With these considerations, the 10400 chipset should still function well as a W11 system. It won’t overheat much and uses reasonable power. If you’re not satisfied, you can explore alternatives without needing a license key.

R
reactscarface
Member
156
12-01-2021, 08:27 AM
#8
Everything you purchase today will eventually be upgraded to something better, faster, or more affordable in five years. It might even be a fresh window installation. Choose what fits your needs now and consider minor improvements over the next couple of years. Who knows what will come next?
R
reactscarface
12-01-2021, 08:27 AM #8

Everything you purchase today will eventually be upgraded to something better, faster, or more affordable in five years. It might even be a fresh window installation. Choose what fits your needs now and consider minor improvements over the next couple of years. Who knows what will come next?

R
RMUMAURICE777
Senior Member
375
12-01-2021, 11:01 AM
#9
I’m back on this project now. Things are getting a bit challenging lately.
Thanks once more for your assistance.
I’ve chosen to keep going and finish the current build according to your advice. Please review the points below to confirm I’m on the right track, etc.

First, I intend to install the G skill 32 GBG.SKILL Ripjaws V Series (XMP) DDR4 RAM 32GB (2x16GB). You can find it here on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0171GQR0...2WCNY9PQY&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1
Do you understand this correctly?

Second, I’ll choose the stock cooling fan. Thanks again for the installation guidance.

Third, regarding the ODD part, I’m a bit confused since I’m behind on the latest tech updates. Do you have any recommendations? I need to install many software programs from CDs. For example, this LG model:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GFK6Y9...WCNY9PQY&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Would it need standard SATA cables?

Fourth, for WIN11, I discovered the MS download site and plan to run a dry test as you suggested. That sounds like a smart approach.
If everything works out, what should I do after purchase? – Buy the $110 Home version and activate it with the key, which will unlock all features?
And if I later build a new system from scratch and already have WIN11 installed on this older setup, can I transfer it to the new one, or would I need a completely new WIN11 OS?

I truly value your support. Getting this machine up and running is important. After that, I aim to reconnect myself to the tech scene. While I’m not as experienced as you, I’ve enjoyed learning before and hope to get back into it.
R
RMUMAURICE777
12-01-2021, 11:01 AM #9

I’m back on this project now. Things are getting a bit challenging lately.
Thanks once more for your assistance.
I’ve chosen to keep going and finish the current build according to your advice. Please review the points below to confirm I’m on the right track, etc.

First, I intend to install the G skill 32 GBG.SKILL Ripjaws V Series (XMP) DDR4 RAM 32GB (2x16GB). You can find it here on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0171GQR0...2WCNY9PQY&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1
Do you understand this correctly?

Second, I’ll choose the stock cooling fan. Thanks again for the installation guidance.

Third, regarding the ODD part, I’m a bit confused since I’m behind on the latest tech updates. Do you have any recommendations? I need to install many software programs from CDs. For example, this LG model:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GFK6Y9...WCNY9PQY&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Would it need standard SATA cables?

Fourth, for WIN11, I discovered the MS download site and plan to run a dry test as you suggested. That sounds like a smart approach.
If everything works out, what should I do after purchase? – Buy the $110 Home version and activate it with the key, which will unlock all features?
And if I later build a new system from scratch and already have WIN11 installed on this older setup, can I transfer it to the new one, or would I need a completely new WIN11 OS?

I truly value your support. Getting this machine up and running is important. After that, I aim to reconnect myself to the tech scene. While I’m not as experienced as you, I’ve enjoyed learning before and hope to get back into it.

P
petmark
Junior Member
4
12-07-2021, 06:17 AM
#10
When using Windows 11 without activation, the only missing feature is the option to customize your desktop. And... you may encounter occasional reminders from Microsoft about activation. If your previous Windows 11 was sold as retail (not the cheaper OEM version), you can remove it from your old build and activate it again on the new one. Others here might provide more accurate information.
P
petmark
12-07-2021, 06:17 AM #10

When using Windows 11 without activation, the only missing feature is the option to customize your desktop. And... you may encounter occasional reminders from Microsoft about activation. If your previous Windows 11 was sold as retail (not the cheaper OEM version), you can remove it from your old build and activate it again on the new one. Others here might provide more accurate information.

Pages (2): 1 2 Next