I built this PC around 12 or 13 years ago and would like to keep using it if possible. I'm not very experienced with computer hardware, so I'd appreciate simple explanations. I mainly play cozy single-player games, but I'd also like to run more demanding titles such as Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Medieval Dynasty, Baldur's Gate 3, Resident Evil, and Red Dead Redemption 2. I also help a friend edit videos, but my current graphics card is not powerful enough for the editing software.
I'm in Denmark and don't have a strict budget. I'm on a fixed income, though, so value matters. I'm willing to spend somewhat more if the extra money provides a worthwhile performance improvement. I'm not in a hurry and would rather buy the right parts than rush the upgrade.
My current hardware is an Intel Core i7-4790K, 16 GB of DDR3 memory, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 with 2 GB of VRAM, a 2 TB hard drive, and a Samsung 850 EVO SSD. I'm running 64-bit Windows 10 Home.
Every time the computer starts, it displays a "CPU Fan Error" warning along with temperature and system settings. I'm not sure how to fix it. I'm considering replacing the graphics card and possibly adding RAM, but I'm concerned that the processor, motherboard, power supply, or other parts may also need to be replaced. Is it worth upgrading this system, or should I build or buy a newer one?
3 Answers
Before choosing parts, compare the cost of a complete newer computer with the cost of replacing the platform piece by piece. A Ryzen 5 5600 with a compatible B550 board and 16 GB of DDR4 memory can still be a reasonable budget option, paired with something around an RTX 3060 or Radeon RX 6700 XT. A newer DDR5 system costs more but gives you a better upgrade path. For 1080p gaming, a sensible midrange graphics card should work well; 1440p or high-quality settings may require stepping up to a stronger card.
Do not buy a graphics card until you check the power supply’s wattage, age, model, and available power connectors. Also consider replacing the old hard drive with a larger SSD for games and editing projects, since that will make the system feel much more responsive.
Realistically, this should be treated as a platform replacement rather than a graphics-card upgrade. You could reuse the case, SSD, hard drive, and possibly the power supply if they are in good condition and have suitable connectors, but the CPU, motherboard, and RAM should probably be replaced together. Video editing benefits from a newer CPU with more cores, and modern games also expect considerably more processor performance than a fourth-generation i7 can provide.
For a value-oriented build, a modern midrange processor, 16 or 32 GB of RAM, and a graphics card with at least 8 GB of VRAM would be a sensible starting point. Used systems can offer good value, but check the exact parts, power supply model, storage health, and operating-system support before buying. A new midrange system may cost more initially but should be easier to support and upgrade.
I’m attached to this computer because it was a meaningful gift, so I’d prefer to keep the case or some of the existing parts if that makes sense. I’m also not confident enough with specifications to choose a complete system without guidance. What kind of newer processor and graphics card would be suitable for both video editing and the games I mentioned?
First, shut the computer down and check that the CPU cooler’s fan cable is connected to the motherboard header labeled CPU_FAN. It is usually near the processor socket, often along the upper edge of the board. Make sure the fan spins when the computer starts and that the cooler is firmly mounted. If the cable is connected to a different header, move it to CPU_FAN. If the fan does not spin, the cooler or fan may need to be replaced. You can also check the BIOS fan-monitoring settings, but do not simply disable the warning until you know the processor is being cooled properly.
For the larger upgrade, the i7-4790K platform is very old. Adding more DDR3 memory or installing a much faster graphics card may improve some games, but the processor, motherboard, memory standard, and likely the power supply will limit the result. A newer platform would be a better long-term solution.
The local price difference between used DDR4 hardware and new DDR5 hardware matters. If the prices are close, new DDR5 is generally the better investment, but a well-priced DDR4 system can still provide good performance for a limited budget.