Need Assistance with Upgrading

Korasii · May 22, 2015

My current PC is a CyberpowerPC GUA380. I upgraded the GPU to a GTX 750 Ti SC, and the PSU to a Corsair 550w. It has been a while, and would like to upgrade it again. I am going to get the Intel i5 4690k, and the EVGA GTX 970 FTW GPU. Since the GUA380 has an AMD processor, I am going to need a new motherboard. I have also been told to get a new PSU, since the 550W is around bare minimum for the build. I am just looking for suggestions in motherboards, and I guess power supplies. Also, people have told me I am going to have to re-install Windows when swapping motherboards. I have also heard since I am Windows 8.1, I won't have to buy a new Windows. If you have any personal experience doing this, I would gladly appreciate it if you could let me know. I am attaching links to the items so far.

The PC I bought to begin with: http://www.amazon.com/CyberpowerPC-Gamer-Ultra-GUA380-Desktop/dp/B009O7LZYK

Intel i5 4690k: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Intel-Core-i5-4690K-Processor-Quad-Core-3.5GHz-6M-Cache-up-to-3.90-GHz-2/38106734

EVGA GTX 970 FTW: http://www.walmart.com/ip/EVGA-GeForce-GTX-970-Video-Graphics-Card-4GB-GDDR5-256-bit-PCIe-3.0-x16-DVI-I-DVI-D-HDMI-DisplayPort-SLI-Ready/40859975

Thanks

-HH- · May 22, 2015

Okay, so you have a great idea to upgrade but you also need a new motherboard to fit the CPU.

Do you want any suggestions? I can also make the build match a bit more colour wise if you want!

Cristi72 · May 22, 2015

Hello,

What exact model is your PSU? Even CS/VS models can power a (GTX970 + FX) system when new, and yours is fairly new (under 1 year old I guess).

My suggestion is to firstly upgrade the GPU, then upgrade the platform: pair the i5-4690K with a good Z97 motherboard, such MSI Z97S SLI Krait, ASRock Z97 Fatal1ty Killer, Asus Z97-PRO, GIGABYTE GA-Z97X-Gaming, etc., or wait a little more until Skylake release (august-september 2015).

Korasii · May 22, 2015

-HH- :

I don't want anything particular but a motherboard around $130 would be great. I also want to use the stock fan to cool my CPU, so I'm hoping that that will be good enough. If you can find the items on the Walmart website, it would help since I have a gift card so I might as well use it. Also, do you think the Corsair CX500 will be be enough for the build? Do I also need to buy thermal compound or does the stock fan come with it applied?
Thanks

Korasii · May 22, 2015

Cristi72 :

My PSU is a Corsair CX500 80 Plus Bronze.
I want to purchase the GPU, CPU, mb, and PSU (if needed) all together. I would prefer to buy most of it from Walmart because I have a gift card. I've heard ASRock isn't a reliable brand, but I've had no personal experience with them. The main reason I haven't ordered everything yet is I'm not sure what motherboard to get. I want one around $130. Also, if I use the stock fan that comes with the motherboard, is it enough to keep the CPU cool? Thanks for reading and helping by the way.

-HH- · May 22, 2015

The Stock cooler will run it at stock speeds and stuff but EH. I'll get a cooler and mobo in $130

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: RAIJINTEK THEMIS Evo 65.7 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($103.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $133.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-22 11:47 EDT-0400

Cristi72 · May 22, 2015

Korasii :

Oh, it's a CX500... Yeah, you should change it. Corsair has some good PSUs: RM, HX, AX. For more PSU info, check this:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html (you will need at least a 500-600W Tier3 PSU, or Tier 2 if you'll overclock the CPU).

ASRock is OK, but you must stay away from the low-end motherboards and Extreme series (Extreme 6 is good though). Of course, if you want to overclock, there are better motherboards, but they will go over your budget (check prices for Asus Sabertooth / Maximus or Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H-BK / G1.Sniper).

The motherboard is not shipping with a CPU fan; the i5-4690K is coming with a cooler in its BOX variant and consists of a fan and a heatsink (the TRAY version is not coming with the cooler). For normal use, the stock cooler is doing its job, but for overclocking you will need a good aftermarket one (take your pick: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-2467876/alternatives-hyper-212-evo-budget-cooling.html).

-HH- · May 22, 2015

If you have availability to it, Seasonic/XFX/SuperFlower are the best PSU's around. Though the high end Corsair PSU's (mainly made by CET) are great they cannot out match the quality of those I have listed

an XFX XTR 650 would be insane if you had availability to it

Korasii · May 23, 2015

-HH- :

So for the motherboard I like the one you chose: http://www.walmart.com/ip/GIGABYTE-GA-Z97X-SLI-Z97-ATX-Motherboard-LGA1150-Socket-Intel-Z97-Express-Soc/37674034

As for the cooler, idk which one to get. I have a gift card for Walmart, that's why I am buying the items from them. If you could find one on their website, I would really appreciate it. I also chose a power supply: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Corsair-CP-9020061-NA-750w-Modular-Power-Supply/41443954

When I switch motherboards, will I need to reinstall Windows or anything because I'm not entirely sure on what will happen. I've read people with Windows 8.1 haven't had any problems but I really don't know. Lastly, do CPU fans come with heatsink applied, or do I have to get a tube of that seperately.
Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it.

Cristi72 · May 23, 2015

The motherboard is good.

For the CPU cooler (you shouldn't have any problem running your CPU at 4 GHz):
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coolermaster-RR-212E-20PK-R2-Hyper-212-Evo/23142475, it's shipped with everything necessary, including the fan and a syringe with thermal grease.

You may need to reactivate Windows.

EDIT: don't change the CX500 with the CX750, go for a better PSU, such as:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Antec-EA-650-EarthWatts-Platinum-Power-Supply/20575017

Korasii · May 23, 2015

Cristi72 :

Thanks for the help, I'm probably going to get that CPU cooler. Does it come with heatsink applied, or do I have to do it myself? Also, I've heard Corsair PSUs are not made with quality components, except for the 750w. Not sure if this is true, but that's what I heard. The reason I chose the Corsair PSU was because it is hard to fit the cables in the CyberpowerPC GUA 380 case. I wanted one where I wouldn't have extra cables, I could just plug in the ones I'd use. Also, I decided to get a case with it. I chose out this one. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Thermaltake-Versa-H35-Window-Mid-tower-Chassis-ATX-Case-2x-5.25-Drive-Bays-3x-3.5-Drive-Bays-2x-2.5-Drive-Bays/43940567 Just to make sure, will this fit everything in it? Since it is a mid tower case like the old one, it should right? I've never hooked up the power button's cord before, I've just upgraded PCs. So, if you could let me know where it goes I'd appreciate it.
Thanks for all the help

If you think I should get that PSU over the other please let me know.

-HH- · May 23, 2015

I personally wouldnt chose a CX series PSU from Corsair as previously mentioned. The case will be fine. The cooler is as good as a CM212Evo btw I just wanted to keep colour theme. If an XFX XTR/TS 750w is available then I'd take it.

https://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1750gts3x

https://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1750bbefx

The XTR is a modular PSU which is alot easier to work with and keeps cable clutter to a minimum.

Cristi72 · May 23, 2015

Korasii :

Oh, you need a modular PSU... If you could not find the second XFX PSU recommended by -HH-, the XTR 80+ Gold Modular, and if you want to stay with the aforementioned retailer, you can go with this:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Corsair-CS-Series-153-CS650M-650W-Modular-PSU-80-PLUS-174-Gold-CP-9020077/34947276 .Of course, if you change the case there is no specific reason to go for a modular PSU, as Versa H35 has lot of space for cable management.

Versa H35 is a good enclosure; the manufacturer claims however that only coolers with a height less than 155mm will fit, so a Hyper 212 will be pressed against the side panel (it has 159mm). A worthy competitor is this:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Enermax-ETS-T40-BK-Processor-cooler-Socket-775-Socket-1156-Socket-AM2-S/34956298 (139 mm height)
Or, for a little more bling: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Zalman-Cnps9900led-Ultra-Quiet-Cpu-Cooler/40191732 (152 mm)
If you want to overclock: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coolermaster-Liquid-CPU-Water-Cooling-Kit-2/26115676 (it must be mounted at the front of the case).

I guess a little more information is needed: a CPU cooler consists of a heatsink (the big finned chunk of metal on top of the CPU) and a fan (or two fans, depending of the model). For best heat transfer, a layer of thermal compound (or grease) must be interposed between the CPU heatspreader (the CPU cap) and the heatsink. Some manufacturers are shipping the cooler with the thermal compound already applied onto the heatsink, while others ship the compound in various ways (syringes, plastic bags or various recipients) and the user intervention is required for laying the compound onto the CPU heatspreader (the case for the above coolers).

Korasii · May 24, 2015

Cristi72 :

Korasii :

Oh, you need a modular PSU... If you could not find the second XFX PSU recommended by -HH-, the XTR 80+ Gold Modular, and if you want to stay with the aforementioned retailer, you can go with this:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Corsair-CS-Series-153-CS650M-650W-Modular-PSU-80-PLUS-174-Gold-CP-9020077/34947276 .Of course, if you change the case there is no specific reason to go for a modular PSU, as Versa H35 has lot of space for cable management.

Versa H35 is a good enclosure; the manufacturer claims however that only coolers with a height less than 155mm will fit, so a Hyper 212 will be pressed against the side panel (it has 159mm). A worthy competitor is this:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Enermax-ETS-T40-BK-Processor-cooler-Socket-775-Socket-1156-Socket-AM2-S/34956298 (139 mm height)
Or, for a little more bling: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Zalman-Cnps9900led-Ultra-Quiet-Cpu-Cooler/40191732 (152 mm)
If you want to overclock: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coolermaster-Liquid-CPU-Water-Cooling-Kit-2/26115676 (it must be mounted at the front of the case).

I guess a little more information is needed: a CPU cooler consists of a heatsink (the big finned chunk of metal on top of the CPU) and a fan (or two fans, depending of the model). For best heat transfer, a layer of thermal compound (or grease) must be interposed between the CPU heatspreader (the CPU cap) and the heatsink. Some manufacturers are shipping the cooler with the thermal compound already applied onto the heatsink, while others ship the compound in various ways (syringes, plastic bags or various recipients) and the user intervention is required for laying the compound onto the CPU heatspreader (the case for the above coolers).

My main concern is the Windows transfer. I have heard Windows 8.1 OEM will transfer over to new motherboards, but I just want to be completely sure. I bought the PC with Windows 8.1 already installed so idk what will happen. Also, is this cooler any good? http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coolermaster-RR-GMM4-16PK-R2-Gemin-II-M4-Direct-Contact/23142556

I chose this PSU: http://www.walmart.com/ip/XFX-PRO-Series-750W-Power-Supply-Modular-Single-12V-Rails-80-Gold-High-R/33857423

Thanks -HH- and Cristi72 for all the help by the way

Cristi72 · May 24, 2015

Korasii :

That cooler is better than the stock Intel cooler, but can't hold a candle against decent tower coolers; its use is recommended for HTPC enclosures, with low CPU cooler clearance. Enermax ETS-T40 is indeed more expensive, but it is a good cooler which will fit any ATX/mATX case, including your old one.

Very good PSU, good choice!

If you have all the indications for a legit Windows 8.1 copy (proof of purchase, serial number), you should have no problems when reinstalling, just enter the serial when asked and do the online activation. Going from an AMD system to an Intel one will require a clean install anyway because of the the software differences (chipset / storage drivers especially). You can try to boot the existing installment on the new system, but most likely it won't work.

Korasii · May 24, 2015

Cristi72 :

I decided to get the new case so the CPU cooler won't fit right? Also, from the ones you suggested, were they compatible with the 1150 slot? As for the Windows 8.1 copy, do you mean to use the same number I typed in previously from the CyberpowerPC? It has a sticker on the side with it on it. I just don't want to buy everything and not be able to use it. Since everything won't transfer over the hard drive, where does the memory go? Does it just get removed?
Thanks

Cristi72 · May 24, 2015

Korasii :

All the above coolers are SK1150-compatible, no worries here.

The first suggested cooler, Hyper 212EVO, is a little bit taller than the maximum allowed height: it has 159mm, while Versa H35 limits the cooler height to 155mm (it should work in your CyberPower case though). The second cooler, Enermax ETS-T40, is smaller (139mm), will fit perfectly and will have slightly better cooling capacity and lower noise; I have recommend it after you said you'll change the case to a Versa H35. You were thinking of the Gemini M4, which is a low-profile cooler (59 mm height), but its cooling characteristics are worse than 212EVO and ETS-T40; you can use it with your old case, but you must add a side fan; in Versa H35, it has no good use, as the side panel has no air vents.

May I suggest some other case? Any of the following will accomodate any CPU air cooler:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Zalman-USA-ZM-Z9-U3-Z9U3-ATX-Mid-Tower-Case/23146558
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Antec-Nine-Hundred-Case-Black-Finish/10104854
There are some other good options, but these two has transparent side panels.

Yes, that is the required serial number. Of course, you will need to keep the old case and take out the motherboard, as the sticker cannot be removed from the side panel (I guess nobody will have any objections, as you were the purchaser and have all the documents to prove it).

When doing a fresh install, you will need to move your important data (documents, pictures, etc.) on the second partition (or other back-up media), as the first partition will be formatted. However, you'll lose all program settings and all installed software; in such cases, I always copy the entire content from the "Program Files", "ProgramData" and "Users" folders, to be sure nothing important is missing.

Korasii · May 24, 2015

Cristi72 :

Korasii :

All the above coolers are SK1150-compatible, no worries here.

The first suggested cooler, Hyper 212EVO, is a little bit taller than the maximum allowed height: it has 159mm, while Versa H35 limits the cooler height to 155mm (it should work in your CyberPower case though). The second cooler, Enermax ETS-T40, is smaller (139mm), will fit perfectly and will have slightly better cooling capacity and lower noise; I have recommend it after you said you'll change the case to a Versa H35. You were thinking of the Gemini M4, which is a low-profile cooler (59 mm height), but its cooling characteristics are worse than 212EVO and ETS-T40; you can use it with your old case, but you must add a side fan; in Versa H35, it has no good use, as the side panel has no air vents.

May I suggest some other case? Any of the following will accomodate any CPU air cooler:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Zalman-USA-ZM-Z9-U3-Z9U3-ATX-Mid-Tower-Case/23146558
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Antec-Nine-Hundred-Case-Black-Finish/10104854
There are some other good options, but these two has transparent side panels.

Yes, that is the required serial number. Of course, you will need to keep the old case and take out the motherboard, as the sticker cannot be removed from the side panel (I guess nobody will have any objections, as you were the purchaser and have all the documents to prove it).

When doing a fresh install, you will need to move your important data (documents, pictures, etc.) on the second partition (or other back-up media), as the first partition will be formatted. However, you'll lose all program settings and all installed software; in such cases, I always copy the entire content from the "Program Files", "ProgramData" and "Users" folders, to be sure nothing important is missing.

The sticker with the serial number is on the outside of the case. There is no other documentation for Windows except that. Is that all I will be needing? Also I might switch to one of the cases you chose to fit the Hyper 212EVO. As for transferring my data, what do you use to transfer it? Just a USB drive? How much memory does it store on the flash drive?
Thanks for the help

Cristi72 · May 24, 2015

Korasii :

Regarding the Win 8.1 installation, you'll need only the original Windows install media (DVD) and the serial.
Still, you should have an invoice, received at the time of purchase, which states the exact content of the system (a list of components and their individual price) and what Win 8.1 variant you purchased. If you don't have an original Win disk, maybe the retailer employed some sort of recovery system, to allow restoring the system to its original state; if so, you will need to buy another HDD/SSD and a new Win license, as the recovery will fail to work with the new motherboard.

A USB Flash drive is recommended, just be sure it has enough capacity to fit all your data.

Korasii · May 24, 2015

Cristi72 :

Korasii :

Regarding the Win 8.1 installation, you'll need only the original Windows install media (DVD) and the serial.
Still, you should have an invoice, received at the time of purchase, which states the exact content of the system (a list of components and their individual price) and what Win 8.1 variant you purchased. If you don't have an original Win disk, maybe the retailer employed some sort of recovery system, to allow restoring the system to its original state; if so, you will need to buy another HDD/SSD and a new Win license, as the recovery will fail to work with the new motherboard.

A USB Flash drive is recommended, just be sure it has enough capacity to fit all your data.

Why would I have to buy another HDD? Wouldn't I just need to purchase the Windows install disk? If I cleared the memory off the HDD, could I use that one?

Cristi72 · May 24, 2015

Korasii :

Cristi72 :

Why would I have to buy another HDD? Wouldn't I just need to purchase the Windows install disk? If I cleared the memory off the HDD, could I use that one?

I was referring of the situation in which the retailer didn't provide the Windows install media and they installed onto the HDD some sort of a recovery system (a hidden partition containing the Win install kit), which can be used only with the original motherboard. Of course, you can erase the HDD, in which case your HDD is good to go.

I guess you can buy a Windows install disk, it should work.

Korasii · Jun 4, 2015

Cristi72 :

I've chose these items
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Intel-Core-i5-4690K-Processor-Quad-Core-3.5GHz-6M-Cache-up-to-3.90-GHz-2/38106734
http://www.walmart.com/ip/GIGABYTE-GA-Z97X-SLI-Z97-ATX-Motherboard-LGA1150-Socket-Intel-Z97-Express-Soc/37674034?u1=skim1402X558040Xe17fa370e19a450aa57db32469237b7e&oid=183959.1&wmlspartner=TnL5HPStwNw&sourceid=30868611092638609983&affillinktype=10&veh=aff
http://www.walmart.com/ip/XFX-PRO-Series-750W-Power-Supply-Modular-Single-12V-Rails-80-Gold-High-R/33857423
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487077
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coolermaster-RR-212E-20PK-R2-Hyper-212-Evo/23142475
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Zalman-USA-ZM-Z9-U3-Z9U3-ATX-Mid-Tower-Case/23146558

Just to make sure, I wanted to ask you if this setup will work. For Windows, I am going to hope it works. If not, I assume I will just have to buy an install disc. Also, I want to say thanks for all the past help. I really appreciate it.

Cristi72 · Jun 4, 2015

Korasii :

I've chose these items
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Intel-Core-i5-4690K-Processor-Quad-Core-3.5GHz-6M-Cache-up-to-3.90-GHz-2/38106734
http://www.walmart.com/ip/GIGABYTE-GA-Z97X-SLI-Z97-ATX-Motherboard-LGA1150-Socket-Intel-Z97-Express-Soc/37674034?u1=skim1402X558040Xe17fa370e19a450aa57db32469237b7e&oid=183959.1&wmlspartner=TnL5HPStwNw&sourceid=30868611092638609983&affillinktype=10&veh=aff
http://www.walmart.com/ip/XFX-PRO-Series-750W-Power-Supply-Modular-Single-12V-Rails-80-Gold-High-R/33857423
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487077
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coolermaster-RR-212E-20PK-R2-Hyper-212-Evo/23142475
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Zalman-USA-ZM-Z9-U3-Z9U3-ATX-Mid-Tower-Case/23146558

Just to make sure, I wanted to ask you if this setup will work. For Windows, I am going to hope it works. If not, I assume I will just have to buy an install disc. Also, I want to say thanks for all the past help. I really appreciate it.

You're good to go, solid choices. Enjoy your system and happy gaming!

Korasii · Jun 4, 2015

Cristi72 :

Korasii :

You're good to go, solid choices. Enjoy your system and happy gaming!

Thanks! Sorry for all the questions, but just to make sure, the case fans in my old system will go in the same spots as the new build? And do they just screw in? Thanks for all the help.

Cristi72 · Jun 4, 2015

Korasii :

That specific Zalman case came with three fans already mounted: one in the front (as intake), one at the rear and one on top (both exhausts). If you want to add more fans, you surely can use the fans from the old case, as long they are 120- or 140-mm fans.

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