I've built an awesome PC about 10 years ago with specs like an i7-4790K, GTX 970, and a Corsair AIO cooler, but now I'm facing an upgrade since my motherboard doesn't support secure boot, which is needed for Windows 11. I'm looking for something smaller and quieter, as I don't necessarily need the same performance anymore. I'd like to reuse as much of my current setup as possible to save costs, but I'm open to replacing parts, especially the graphics card in the future if my GTX 970 can't handle it anymore. I've been eyeing the Fractal Design North case, but it's not much smaller than what I have now. I'm open to suggestions on improving my build, especially considering my limited space. Here's my current build plan: [PCPartPicker Part List](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/zNNpTM). Would love your thoughts!
4 Answers
This build has potential, but if you want faster performance, you might want to ditch those old drives. I suggest replacing them with a faster single 2TB M.2 drive. Also, make sure your old PSU will fit in the new case. It’s crucial to check that all parts are compatible to avoid any last-minute issues.
Honestly, your RAM seems outdated. You could get 32GB CL30 6000MT for about $30 more, which would be a significant performance boost. Also, your storage setup is quite limited for 2025; a 2TB NVMe SSD will dramatically improve speed. As for the cooler, if it's been 10 years, it might be time for a replacement. A Peerless Assassin cooler would serve your new CPU well without breaking the bank.
You mentioned not needing top-tier performance, which is fair, but consider getting 32GB of RAM if you plan on gaming. Games are getting hungrier for memory, and you might regret going with just 16GB soon. And definitely check if your AIO cooler is AM5 compatible—if it's too old, swapping it for an air cooler might be a safer bet. Lastly, check out the Fractal Pop Air Mini case; it’s compact and well-regarded.
If your only reason for upgrading is Windows 11, you actually don’t have to spend money right away! You can use a tool to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 and download the ISO from Microsoft. Plus, your old i7-4790K can still handle modern GPUs, so unless you need the latest tech, you might reconsider replacing that CPU. Just focus on getting faster RAM like 2x16GB DDR5 6000 CL30 if you do upgrade.
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