Hey everyone! I've got a 2016 PC that still works, but it's running pretty slow and I'm stuck on whether I should upgrade it or just invest in a new one altogether. Here's what I'm working with: an AMD Athlon x4 860K processor, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 with 2GB, 8GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. I mainly use it for video editing (mostly 720p, maybe 1080p), digital art like Photoshop, and some music production, plus a little bit of gaming. I'm recognizing that gaming isn't a huge priority but would be nice if it works, especially for lower-demand games. My current load times are slow, and I'm wondering if some upgrades could make it better, or if it's really time to get something new. Also, what about upgrading to Windows 11—is that an option for this setup? Thanks for any advice!
5 Answers
A new PC is probably a good idea, especially since you mentioned video editing. That has specific requirements, and your current rig may struggle with anything modern. Plus, cleaning it and replacing the thermal paste could help a little, but it's still limited in terms of capability. Just be sure to consider your budget!
Consider getting a used PC from a few years ago. They can be found at reasonable prices and will provide a significant performance upgrade. Your current specs are really behind, and while you might find some upgrades, there's not much future-proofing with that motherboard. You can certainly salvage parts, but starting fresh might be the way to go.
I feel you! My old PC was only decent for web browsing and basic tasks, but it's really hard to handle creative software with that setup. Upgrading to an SSD and adding more RAM would help a bit, but for video editing, you really need something that's more powerful. I'd lean towards getting a used system or something new since that could save you a lot of headaches.
Upgrading is a possibility but given how fast tech has evolved, it might not be worth it. Your current hardware is already limiting you, especially for video editing. You can definitely upgrade to an SSD and get more RAM, but the performance jump may still feel underwhelming. Also, Windows 11 might be a no-go since your hardware is a bit outdated for that.
Honestly, I'd go for a new PC. Even a budget build will far outpace your current setup. Upgrading just might not give you the performance boost you're looking for, especially for video editing and art. If you can find a used Core i7 or something similar, that might be a better bang for your buck than working with your old parts.
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