When considering a tight budget, what initial step should the Build AdviceWhat system take?
When considering a tight budget, what initial step should the Build AdviceWhat system take?
If you're targeting DDR4, you'd be in the 5000 series, which remains a solid improvement over your previous 9th generation Intel setup. You have the option to build an AM5 system, though that would need DDR5 memory. Currently, 32GB of DDR5 alone costs between $300 and $500, making it a compelling reason to stick with Intel. You can also opt for Intel processors from the 12th to 14th generation paired with a DDR4 board.
Reuse your RAM, cooler, GPU, and storage.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
Intel Core i7-14700F 2.1 GHz 20-Core Processor (£305.87 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard:
MSI B760 GAMING PLUS WIFI DDR4 ATX LGA1700 (£89.99 @ Amazon UK)
Case:
Montech AIR 903 BASE ATX Mid Tower Case (£49.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Power Supply:
MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX (£99.99 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £545.84
Shipping, taxes, and available discounts applied
*Selected lowest-priced items based on criteria*
Generated by PCPartPicker
2025-12-11 08:47 GMT+0000
Here’s my analysis of the situation;
The case you possess is regarded as a collector's item. You might want to investigate what happened to all the Temjin series cases, especially the TJ07 which was prominently featured on MDPC-X's site and received a production run from MurderBox/Murdermod. The same applies to the Fortress cases, like the FT03-mini. I would attempt to keep it whenever possible, even if it means supporting your display in your home. Still, its collector status remains relevant through 2025–2026, though without the Type-C front panel connection.
The PSU should be replaced since you’re experiencing issues with that RTX 3080 in your setup, especially when paired with a 15-year-old PSU. If you have a photo of the marked sides of the PSU, I’d be happy to help verify it.
Your overall build is quite relevant by today’s standards (except for the outdated PSU), and if I were you, I’d estimate the shipping costs for all components with proper protection on one side, selling everything except the GPU, cooler, SSDs, and RAM, and compare it to purchasing an AM4 platformed motherboard, processor, and case. You decide which option gives you the best return.
You may need to reach out to Noctua with proof of purchase for your cooler to access the AM4/AM5 mounting bracket if you lack the necessary hardware for AM4.
The advice from the rest of the community is actually useful. I’ve added just two cents to this discussion.
Lastly, make sure you capture as many JDM photos and videos as possible. The car culture there differs significantly from other regions. Sorry, I have a personal interest in cars.
It might be a laptop at most, never a complete PC. Unless you're thinking about placing the full system inside a travel case. I still question whether that's actually feasible. 20 years ago, I was told I couldn't bring a toolbox (with two wheels) on the plane designated for suitcases—likely due to weight concerns. I had to send it separately from the airport.
Regarding the computer case, those metal components would probably raise red flags when traveling by air. I’m not entirely sure about the details, but if you owned a Learjet, you could handle it.
Thanks for your thoughts, nTrouble.
That’s a helpful list. Appreciate the insight into UK pricing!
In fact, I was curious about power supplies and the electrical cables/plugs for the UK—specifically PSUs and monitors. In the US and Japan, we use 120V from the wall. In the UK, it’s around 230V. Considering that, if I were to ship hardware, would there be any adjustments needed besides the plug type?
Thanks for the useful information.
👍
Thanks a lot, Lufij. A lot of practical advice. I hadn’t thought about reaching out to Noctua. Maybe the mounting bracket wouldn’t be too hard to find (though I haven’t checked). Unfortunately, it seems car culture isn’t very visible here. Still, getting back to PCs is a dream for me—trains are all I know. I’ll be able to drive again soon once I’m back in the UK. (I also enjoy cars and have been thinking about another motorcycle.) Anyway, back to PCs. Thanks to everyone for your help. If budget weren’t an issue, things would be simpler. Best times for us all, hopefully...
👍
P.S. I’ll update this post once I decide and learn more about costs and options.
Even though it might not be too tough to find the mounting bracket (I haven't checked yet), you should be able to locate the right hardware for your cooler that supports AM4. If you don’t have one, look for alternatives—though it’s worth noting Noctua is offering it free of charge. I’ll make sure to update this when I learn more about costs and options. Keep us informed!
Can't you package those separately and put in luggage?
CPU, RAM, GPU, SSD - shouldn't take up too much space. CPU and GPU are most expensive parts. RAM is also expensive at the moment.
Packaging full atx motherboard might be more difficult.
I see no reason, why that couldn't be put in a suitcase.
Yes, I agree. Free is better and convenient. As for the PSU, I need to take it out to look for a sticker. With the top and sides of the case off, there is no sticker, just an etch or 3d Silverstone signature on the black metal. The PSU fan has a Silverstone sticker, but that's the fan. Tomorrow, after work, I'll take it completely out of the case and have a look.
That's right, I could, yes. I hate being a hoarder of stuff, but PCs were always the exception! I still have the box for the motherboard, GPU, and the Blue Yeti, mice, and one monitor. So, a few of those could go in a case if necessary. Cheers.
Fancy a GSX-R1000 when you arrive?
I've carried up to 6 laptops in two suitcases (to be accurate, squashy sports bags to save weight) on international flights and they've always survived. Done this several times. No hassle with airport security or customs at the other end. They were all second hand and only worth £60 each, so no huge loss if one got damaged. I donate them to worthy students as gifts.
That's what I'd do. Keep the mobo, CPU, RAM, SSDs, GPU and ditch/sell everything else, to save weight in the suitcase(s). You could buy a brand new case, PSU, monitor, cooler, etc., when you reach Blighty. I've picked up a number of high quality second hand Aluminium Lian Li and Cooler Master cases on ebay over the years.
For new parts consider Scan, Overclockers UK and our good "friend" Amazon. There are several UK companies who build PCs to order if their standard systems don't suit, but they might stretch your budget with current RAM prices.
Currys normally match prices on laptops with Amazon, so it's often better to get an HP or Lenovo laptop from a local store instead of chancing an Amazon delivery which might go missing if left on your doorstep. I'd never buy a desktop PC from Currys or Amazon. You risk getting a dodgy PSU and it's more fun building a PC yourself using quality components.