What are the long-term upgrade suggestions?
What are the long-term upgrade suggestions?
Hello everyone,
I’m not entirely sure if this was already discussed, as there are so many updates mentioned.
Let me get straight to it.
My PC is quite outdated—it still functions, but it’s no longer suitable for upgrading from Windows 10 to 11.
I’m uncertain whether a complete new desktop would be necessary or if upgrading just the motherboard, CPU, and RAM would suffice.
My current setup includes a Z97-P board with an Intel i5-4690K processor and 16 GB DDR3 memory.
There’s one SSD with 250 GB for the operating system and another SATA HDD with 2 TB for programs and files. I also have a Blu-ray drive.
Most of my storage is over ten years old, and the PC has only been partially updated or upgraded. I’m not sure if it’s the right time to replace everything.
I don’t play games much; I use it more traditionally—working with Office, Adobe, browsing, listening to music, chatting, emailing, etc.
I have many applications open at once and need a system that can handle that efficiently.
I’m not sure if the latest CPU is necessary, but an i5 would be sufficient.
I also want it to be future-proof, similar to my current machine, which has served me well for about a decade.
Would you recommend upgrading the entire system? If yes, what would be your suggestion? If not, what package do you prefer? I’m aiming for around 32 GB of RAM—would that be too much?
Also, I’d love to add up to four monitors. Right now I have a card for two, but I’d like more. The DP connection works well, and I enjoy using multiple displays.
My soundcard isn’t critical since I mainly listen to MP3s or Spotify. I don’t do podcasts or much streaming. Occasionally I watch DVDs or TV shows on my PC, but my speakers are fine.
I don’t require an all-in-one system.
I’m looking for a budget of about £1000 to £1500.
Please share any advice, what you need, or let me know if you’d like more details about my current setup or usage.
Thanks in advance.
My current PC has the Z97-P motherboard with an Intel i5-4690K CPU and16 GB DDR3 RAM. Please list the specs to your build like so: CPU: CPU cooler: Motherboard: Ram: SSD/HDD: GPU: PSU: Chassis: OS: Monitor: include the age of the PSU apart from it's make and model. I am not sure it would be now the time to replace everything. If the system can't do what you need it to do, then yes that's the time for your to move platforms. In fact you won't be able to migrate to Windows 11 or beyond with that processor/platform. I had an EVGA Z97 Stinger platform but the fact that Windows 10 kept downloading the wrong drivers after an OS update, was what crippled my work on the Z97 platform, to learn that Microsoft had no intentions of adding support to a platform from yesteryears. Would you recommend replacing the whole PC? And if yes, do you have a recommendation? If not, what bundle would you recommend? I would love to have 32GB RAM, or is that overdoing it? What is that you do with your system? You might want to also consider stylizing your thread with info asked of in this thread; *How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice* How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice First off, respect where respect is due - this is an adaptation of the Animal's *How To Ask For New Build Advice* Sticky. I created this because there's a lot of posts nowadays asking for upgrade advice both on here and on the CPU forums, and I feel... forums. and the community will chime in with worthwhile suggestions.
On a Z97 platform, yes. Understanding the proper context is essential—this adaptation comes from the original *How To Ask For New Build Advice* post. I developed it after noticing many users seeking upgrade guidance both on this forum and in CPU discussion boards, and I believe... forums.
If you're thinking about upgrading to a newer PC for installing Windows 11 and receiving updates, you probably don’t need a completely new machine. Although your current system may not officially support Windows 11, it can still run the software and function properly. The most recent model I’ve used regularly is an i7 2600 based Optiplex 790, which remains stable and performs well. I had to fully download the latest version and adjust the registry for the newest feature updates—this was a simple process and didn’t cause any problems. That said, if you prioritize data safety, always back up your information before making changes to your Windows installation.
CPU: Intel i5-4690K with built-in cooler
CPU cooler included
Motherboard: ASUS Y97-P
Memory: 16GB DDR3
Storage: 250SSD Samsung/2TB SATA HDD WD
GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 630
Power supply: ATX 500W switching unit JSP-500P12N
Case dimensions: 3 x 3.5", 2 x 2.5" (one used for floppy drive, currently non-functional)
Operating system: Windows 10 Pro
Display: 2 x DELL U2415 24" monitors
Consider upgrading to Windows 11 Pro? Do you need a full PC replacement or just the OS upgrade? Which option suits you best? Thank you.
I believe the value I received matches what I would expect under the existing system.
I would update everything because the oldest part in a new setup might fail and harm nearby components.
Check out the deals on Newegg or Amazon for affordable options.
The Logical Increments site is useful for viewing budget builds and provides links to current prices and products.
Motherboard, CPU, RAM, and PSU would suffice, but consider adding a fresh NVME SSD as well, since a new 1TB model costs around 50 to 60 dollars. I assembled a few configurations—one using AMD and the other Intel. For those who enjoy socket upgrades, the AMD build offers better future CPU compatibility, as AM5 support continues through 2027 with newer chips. The LGA 1700 model will receive another refresh at the end of the year, but it’s essentially out of support. I also included a graphics card—a Intel A380 with four DisplayPort outputs—but if you can locate a budget used option or an alternative, that would be fine too.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz 6-Core Processor
(£145.19 @ Amazon UK)
CPU Cooler:
Thermalright Assassin King 120 MINI V2 64.87 CFM CPU Cooler
(£17.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Motherboard:
Gigabyte B850 GAMING X WIFI6E ATX AM5 Motherboard
(£164.49 @ Amazon UK)
Memory:
Patriot Viper Venom 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 Memory
(£147.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage:
Crucial P3 Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
(£61.00 @ MoreCoCo)
Video Card:
Sparkle ELF Arc A380 6 GB Video Card
(£110.22 @ NeoComputers)
Power Supply:
be quiet! Pure Power 12 750 W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply
(£93.94 @ CCL Computers)
Total: £740.82
Costs cover shipping, taxes, and any available discounts
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2025-06-05 21:18 BST+0100
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
Intel Core i5-14600K 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor
(£188.26 @ Amazon UK)
CPU Cooler:
Thermalright Assassin King 120 MINI V2 64.87 CFM CPU Cooler
(£17.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Motherboard:
Gigabyte Z790 D AX ATX LGA1700 Motherboard
(£163.00 @ MoreCoCo)
Memory:
Patriot Viper Venom 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 Memory
(£147.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage:
Crucial P3 Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
(£61.00 @ MoreCoCo)
Video Card:
Sparkle ELF Arc A380 6 GB Video Card
(£110.22 @ NeoComputers)
Power Supply:
be quiet! Pure Power 12 750 W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply
(£93.94 @ CCL Computers)
Total: £782.40
Expenses include shipping, taxes, and any applicable discounts
PCPartPicker List of Components
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz 6-Core Processor
(£145.19 @ Amazon UK)
CPU Cooler:
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
(£32.00 @ Computer Orbit)
Motherboard:
Asus TUF GAMING B650-E WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard
(£149.99 @ Amazon UK)
Memory:
Patriot Viper Venom 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-5600 CL36 Memory
(£125.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage:
Crucial T500 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
(£120.88 @ Amazon UK)
Video Card:
Sparkle ELF Arc A380 6 GB Video Card
(£110.22 @ NeoComputers)
Case:
Phanteks XT PRO ATX Mid Tower Case
(£54.95 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Power Supply:
Corsair RM850x (2024) 850 W Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
(£124.00 @ Computer Orbit)
Overall Cost:
£863.22
Includes shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
Created by
PCPartPicker
2025-06-06 00:35 BST+0100
The bottom drawer is designated for your BR / DVD drives.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
- AMD Ryzen 7 9700X 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor (£259.86 @ Amazon UK)
- CPU Cooler: ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE 58 CFM (£29.99 @ Amazon UK)
- Motherboard: Gigabyte B850 GAMING X WIFI6E ATX AM5 (£164.49 @ Amazon UK)
- Memory: ADATA XPG Lancer Blade 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 (£95.00 @ Computer Orbit)
- Storage: Silicon Power UD90 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD (£90.99 @ Amazon UK)
- Video Card: MSI GeForce RTX 3060 Ventus 2X 12G (£236.97 @ Amazon UK)
- Case: Fractal Design Pop Air ATX Mid Tower (£79.98 @ Amazon UK)
- Power Supply: MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 750 W 80+ Gold Certified (£88.65 @ Ebuyer)
Total: £1045.93
Prices encompass shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
*Selected lowest-priced items based on criteria*
Generated by PCPartPicker
2025-06-06 05:19 BST+0100
https://www.fractal-design.com/products/...ack-solid/
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W79wfESM4SU