I've had my computer for nearly 15 years now, and it's time for an upgrade! I'm looking for some solid recommendations on parts—brands to trust and brands to avoid, as well as any good sites for building or purchasing components. I'm hoping for a future-proof PC that can run Windows 11 smoothly. While I primarily use it for streaming shows and movies, having gaming capability is a plus, as long as it doesn't break the bank. I usually don't store important files on the PC, so I need a system that works well but isn't overly complicated. I've got a basic understanding of computer parts since I've been the go-to IT person at work.
My current specs are:
- **Tower:** Rosewill THOR V2 (I'd like to keep it if possible, but the connectors are outdated).
- **Motherboard:** ASUS P8Z68-V PRO GEN3
- **Power Supply:** CORSAIR TX750 V2
- **Processor:** Intel Core i7-2600K
- **RAM:** CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB DDR3 1600
- **Hard Drive:** Seagate BarraCuda 1TB 7200 RPM
- **SSD:** Kingston SSDnow (model unknown)
- **DVD Burner:** LITE-ON iHAS 124-04
A few questions I have:
1. Can I swap all my old parts out for the new ones without issue?
2. Are motherboards standard enough to fit my tower, or should I double-check?
3. If I keep my tower, should I still think about upgrading the power supply?
4. What's a better setup compared to what I've got?
2 Answers
You should definitely consider buying a lot of new parts since your PC is so old. Your current motherboard and CPU won't support modern hardware. If you keep your tower, which it seems like you can, you'll need to check that it fits a new ATX motherboard. Regarding your power supply, it's smart to upgrade that too if you're going with new components.
Budget is key! Finalizing below $1,500 is doable, especially if you look for sales or used components. It's often the case that older items can still show impressive performance for a fraction of the new price!
Good to know! I'm aiming for a setup that gives me the best bang for my buck. Any particular brands you'd recommend?
Thanks for the heads up! If I go all out and replace everything, do you have recommendations for good budget-friendly options?