Hey everyone,
My dad and I built my current PC about a decade ago, and while it's served me reasonably well, I've recently found that newer games are nearly impossible to run without turning graphics down to the absolute minimum. I'm finally looking to upgrade, but I'm also trying to figure out which parts I can salvage from my old setup.
Here's what I'm working with right now:
**Current Components:**
- **CPU:** Intel Core i7-4790K
- **GPU:** NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 (4 GB)
- **Cooler:** Corsair H100i GTX 70.69 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
- **Motherboard:** Asus ROG MAXIMUS XII HERO (WI-FI) ATX LGA1200
- **RAM:** Kingston Fury Red 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4
- **Storage:** SSD "Ultra II 960GB"
- **Power Supply:** Corsair HX750i 750 W 80+
I'm planning to upgrade the CPU, GPU, RAM, and cooler. After comparing the recommended specs for some modern games on Steam, it looks like I might need:
**Planned Upgrades:**
- **CPU:** Intel Core i5-12600KF
- **GPU:** Nvidia RTX 5070
- **RAM:** Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 6400 C32 (2x32GB)
- **Cooler:** Corsair iCUE H100i RGB ELITE 59.1 CFM
I've been using PCPartPicker, which claims there aren't any compatibility issues. However, I'd love a second opinion before diving into purchases. Here are my questions:
1. Can I keep my motherboard and power supply, or since I'm upgrading major components, should I just go for an entirely new build?
2. If I hang on to my old parts, will they negatively affect the new components or overall functionality of my PC?
3. For RAM, can I just add more sticks, or do I need to replace my current RAM or even the motherboard?
4. Considering my cooling solution is an AIO and seems to have a lifespan of 6-10 years, should I replace it?
Thanks in advance for any insight you can offer! This is quite the puzzle, and I appreciate any help!
4 Answers
You’ll have to upgrade your motherboard because your RAM is going from DDR4 to DDR5, and the new CPU you're eyeing uses a different socket. Your current power supply should definitely be swapped out too; it's just too old. If performance isn't critical, consider saving some cash and sticking with DDR4 RAM instead of going DDR5 since it'll be cheaper and still fine for most tasks.
I strongly recommend skipping the RTX 5070. It’s known for issues, especially with the 12GB VRAM version. You might want to consider an alternative like an AMD card or the next tier Nvidia instead. And yeah, don’t trust AI for hardware advice—always verify with some reputable sources or people with hands-on experience.
Thanks for the heads up! What would you suggest instead for a GPU?
Check your case compatibility when making all these changes. And for cooling, if your AIO is around 10 years old, it's probably wise to invest in a new cooler. They don’t last forever, and a good cooler can make a big difference.
Thanks, I’ll ensure everything fits! I definitely don’t want to run into space issues.
It sounds like you definitely need a new motherboard because you're moving from DDR4 to DDR5 RAM, and your new CPU will need a different socket. Honestly, you might be better off just starting fresh since your current CPU is outperformed by newer options anyway. As for your power supply, I wouldn't trust it with the new components; old power supplies can be a bit risky as they age. You can use your SSD for storage, but consider getting a new one to run the OS for improved performance.
Thanks for clarifying! Any recommendations on reliable brands for the new motherboard and power supply?
That might make sense! I really just need to run games more smoothly without breaking the bank.