I'm planning to upgrade my PC and could really use some advice on the hardware! I've been using my setup for video editing, game programming, and gaming, and now I'm looking to include some virtual machines (VMs) as well. Currently, I have an ASUS P8Z77-V motherboard.
Regarding storage, I want to keep the VMs on my primary drive, which means I need more space. At the moment, I have a 512 GB Samsung SSD 860 PRO, and despite regularly cleaning it, it's nearly full. I'm considering the Intel D7 P5520, which is fast and offers a lot of storage, but it's quite pricey. I'm willing to spend on it if I can:
- Clone my existing drive without issues. This is my top priority because I need a smooth software transition.
- Find a better cost-efficient alternative that addresses my storage needs, if one exists.
- Avoid any hidden issues with the Intel D7 P5520 that I might not be aware of.
For RAM, I currently use two 8 GB sticks and want to upgrade to 16 GB. Should I focus on any specific features or just go for the cheapest 16 GB sticks?
I'm also using an old Intel Core i7-3770K processor. I'm on the fence about replacing it. It does the job, but I'm confused by all the new metrics for processors today—it's not just about clock speed anymore, and I have no clue what to replace it with if I do decide to upgrade.
As for the PSU, it's over 10 years old but still functions. I don't know the brand or model, but should I consider upgrading it? I'm also planning to replace the cooling fan for good measure.
I'm looking forward to hearing your expert advice—thanks a bunch!
2 Answers
The Intel D7 P5520 is actually U.2, not SATA or M.2, which can be a little uncommon to find ports for. So just make sure your motherboard can support it before you dive in!
You might be better off thinking about a new build overall. I'm a bit of a data hoarder myself and have large HDDs for media storage alongside NVMe and SSDs for speed. Also, upgrading your PSU would be a wise choice—if it's over 10 years, you really don't want it to fail and risk your data. As for the CPU, even a low-end one like the Intel i5-12100F will blow away your current i7 and give you noticeable snappiness. I've upgraded from 2nd gen all the way to 12th, and each jump was worth it!
Thanks for the advice! I’ll definitely consider a new build and check out that i5 option.
Sounds like a good catch there! Definitely something to double-check.