Is it worth upgrading?

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dazzy1982

Commendable
Jan 10, 2017
4
0
1,510
Hi, currently I am looking at building a new PC in a few weeks when I have the funds. Trouble is the more I look and choose components I feel like it is a big waste of money for me. I do not game on the PC so that eliminates the need for an expensive Graphics card, mostly it is just browsing, watching high def films from HDMI to TV, downloading and converting films so not much really.

My question is, is it worth upgrading the CPU and ram on my current machine to make it faster? Obviously this will save me a lot of money but in reality is it even worth it?

Operating System
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
CPU
Intel Core i3 2100 @ 3.10GHz 29 °C
Sandy Bridge 32nm Technology
RAM
4.00GB Single-Channel DDR3 @ 665MHz (9-9-9-24)
Motherboard
Acer Aspire X3960 (CPU 1) 27 °C
Graphics
G257HL (1920x1080@60Hz)
Intel HD Graphics (Acer Incorporated [ALI])
Storage
931GB Western Digital WDC WD10EACS-00ZJB0 (SATA) 31 °C
Optical Drives
Lenovo Slim_USB_Burner USB Device
Audio
High Definition Audio Device

I would need a new case too as this one is a bit butchered from when I fitted a card that was too big, I had to saw parts of the case off for it to fit which was a waste as it was never used so took it out.

Thank you.
 
Solution
n0ns3ns3
i5 have 4 cores. It helps with video conversion.
You can start with RAM upgrade - i'd get 2x4GB modules so you will have 12GB in total. that's enough for multi tabbed browsing and other tasks. Also will allow OS to preload some frequently used files/programs into RAM. overall the system will be more responsive.
Another thing that greatly improves user experience is SSD. They are very affordable now. Something like Crucial MX300 or SanDisk X400 (I'd recomend 240GB at least) will do the job.
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dazzy1982

Commendable
Jan 10, 2017
4
0
1,510
Thanks for the reply, I have seen an Intel i5 3.1GHz Quad Core CPU i5-2400 LGA1155 for £52.99 is this worth it? Or in reality will I not be getting much more power?

Also if you look at this link what would be the best ram?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR11.TRC1.A0.H0.XDDR3+RAM.TRS0&_nkw=DDR3+RAM&_sacat=0

I have two empty ram slots which I presume are Dimm slots (blue) would their be an advantage of keeping my old ram and putting another 2x 4gb in to them?

Thank you.
 
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n0ns3ns3

n0ns3ns3

Illustrious
May 25, 2016
8,065
4
42,715
i5 have 4 cores. It helps with video conversion.
You can start with RAM upgrade - i'd get 2x4GB modules so you will have 12GB in total. that's enough for multi tabbed browsing and other tasks. Also will allow OS to preload some frequently used files/programs into RAM. overall the system will be more responsive.
Another thing that greatly improves user experience is SSD. They are very affordable now. Something like Crucial MX300 or SanDisk X400 (I'd recomend 240GB at least) will do the job.
 
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Solution
D

dazzy1982

Commendable
Jan 10, 2017
4
0
1,510
Nice one mate, thanks for the help. One last question what case and new psu would you recommend? The case I am using at the moment is not original my old PSU died and the OEM Acer one to replace it was a ridiculous price so I bought a cheapish case with a PSU included, works fine trouble is the PSU is a bit loud.
 
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n0ns3ns3

n0ns3ns3

Illustrious
May 25, 2016
8,065
4
42,715
It really depends on the budget.
I love Fractal Design Define series cases. but they start at around 60$ (US prices).
My favorite PSUs are Corsair RMx series, but they are at 80$ on sale.
Link your favorite online store (or country) and budget for the case + psu.
 
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dazzy1982

Commendable
Jan 10, 2017
4
0
1,510
The one I currently have is.
https://www.scan.co.uk/products/cit-s012b-black-slim-matx-itx-chassis-with-300w-psu-1x-525-external-bay-2x-35-plus-1x-25-internal-ba

As said for the price you can not go wrong, even included is a PSU. Only trouble is it is a bit loud, I also cut the back to fit a Graphics card which was a waste as I used it for around a week before giving it away.

From looking on the same site I have found this.
https://www.scan.co.uk/products/aerocool-slim-black-desktop-computer-chassis-2x-usb-30-black-interior-mini-itx-micro-atx

Looks decent for the price, the PSU that I have seen is this.
https://www.scan.co.uk/products/300w-be-quiet!-sfx-power-2-80plus-bronze-black-sleeved-cables-pci-e-erp2014

As long as it is quiet as it says then I will be happy. Do you think their a good deal?
 
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