Need help deciding what to upgrade on Desktop PC

tomasvandenbrand · Jul 25, 2018

Hey! I've got a fairly old-ish PC that I use for gaming, I'm thinking about upgrading both the CPU and Motherboard to give a bit more power.
Here are my current specs:

CPU: AMD A8-7600 R7, 10 Compute Cores 4C+6G
Motherboard: Lenovo 0x369f17AA (stock Lenovo motherboard that came with the pre-built PC)
Memory: 16GB DDR3
GPU: EVGA GTX 970
Power supply: EVGA 500W

So my questions are:
Should I upgrade the motherboard and cpu?
Is there anything else that would need emergency updating?

Scottray · Jul 25, 2018

If you update the CPU and mobo to something currect , you'll need new RAM, too. Current mobo's use DDR4 RAM and it's not compatible with your old DDR3 RAM. Also, you may want to get an SSD for the OS and programs. With the new hardware upgrade, you'll need to do a clean install of Windows and mobo drivers.

tomasvandenbrand · Jul 25, 2018

Scottray :

Got any recommendations for mobo? I'm thinking an I5-7600k for the CPU. SSD and new RAM are already planned

Scottray · Jul 25, 2018

Here's a good review: https://www.pcgamer.com/the-best-z270-motherboard/. I've personally used Gigabyte mobos. Take a look at the various GA-Z270 mobos. It depends on the features you want/need.

bmockeg · Jul 26, 2018

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8400 2.8GHz 6-Core Processor ($179.00 @ B&H)
Motherboard: ASRock - B360M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($68.69 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $397.68
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-07-26 00:28 EDT-0400

I would get this over 7600k. Get the 6 cores.

tomasvandenbrand · Jul 26, 2018

bmockeg :

Even though it has a lower clock speed?

Scottray · Jul 26, 2018

If you want to go all out - use this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8600K 3.6GHz 6-Core Processor ($249.00 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master - Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($27.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus - Prime Z370-A ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($166.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($149.99 @ Newegg Business)
Total: $593.87
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-07-26 13:37 EDT-0400

bmockeg · Jul 26, 2018

The 8400 does have a 200mhz lower boost than the 7600k, however it even beats the 7700k in many games. The 6 cores are very useful. The 8400 Will give you what you want at a good price, however if you want something to overclock, get the 8600k.

tomasvandenbrand · Jul 26, 2018

bmockeg :

How about a CPU cooler for the 8400?

bmockeg · Jul 26, 2018

If You want an aftermarket the 212 EVO is fine

tomasvandenbrand · Jul 26, 2018

bmockeg :

Will that fit in a 7in width, 18in length 15.1in height tower?

bmockeg · Jul 26, 2018

You'll have to link the tower, you are using an old one?

tomasvandenbrand · Jul 26, 2018

bmockeg :

I'm using one provided by Lenovo, here's the link to a different PC they provide with the same case, haven't found a specific case number for it.

bmockeg · Jul 26, 2018

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: CRYORIG - H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $34.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-07-26 14:50 EDT-0400
This is shorter. Be aware you may not be able to reuse an OEM case due to proprietary parts.

tomasvandenbrand · Jul 26, 2018

bmockeg :

Which specific parts?

bmockeg · Jul 26, 2018

No clue, you would have to look in and see, possibly none

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