I'm looking for some advice on upgrading my PC since Windows is requiring a TPM for Windows 11. It looks like that means getting a new motherboard, but I'm wondering if I should just upgrade the motherboard or consider a full system overhaul. My current specs are: Intel i7 4790K CPU, 16GB DDR3 RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 Ti GPU, and an assortment of SSDs and HDDs. I mainly use my PC for single-player gaming and some 2D art, and I have offloaded tasks like NAS and game servers to another machine. Given the current prices for PC parts in Canada, what do you think I should do? Can I hold out for sales, or is a full upgrade necessary?
5 Answers
You're gonna need more than just a new motherboard since your i7-4790K isn't compatible with Windows 11. You're looking at upgrading your CPU, RAM, and motherboard altogether, since DDR3 is pretty outdated now. It's not just a motherboard swap.
You could consider either upgrading to a mini PC if you want something quick and inexpensive, or just hold out and build a system that's sustainable for gaming and work. You could get a decent desktop build that meets all your needs without blowing your budget.
Your current build is getting pretty long in the tooth. I'd suggest going all in on a new build if you can. Something with a newer architecture will serve you way better. Keep your eye out for good deals; it can save you some cash in the long run.
If you're not super attached to your current setup, go for a full system upgrade. Look into something like the Ryzen 7600 or Intel Core i5-12400 combo. You'll need to replace the motherboard, CPU, and RAM, but you can keep your GTX 980 Ti for now since it's still a solid card for casual gaming.
Honestly, if work is insisting you use Windows 11, a budget system around $600 USD should do fine. However, if you really want to keep your current system, consider using a tool like Rufus to bypass the TPM requirement and just stick with Windows 10 for now.
Fair enough. Thanks for clarifying!