I've had this HP prebuilt for six years now, and I'm thinking about upgrading my CPU. Is there a good option I can get for around $200? Here's what I'm currently running: **Intel Core i5-7400**, **8 GB Memory**, and **MSI GeForce GTX 1060 3GB Video Card**. Any suggestions?
6 Answers
If you're set on using your current motherboard, you might have to stick with lower-end CPUs from the same generation, which isn’t great these days. Alternatively, increasing your budget a bit could let you snag an AMD Ryzen 5000 series CPU and a new motherboard, which would be a better overall investment.
HP prebuilt systems often have a locked BIOS, which means even if you find a compatible high-end CPU, it might not work without a BIOS update. And remember, you're really looking at 7-year-old tech with these upgrades.
Before diving into upgrades, check your motherboard’s compatibility with different CPUs. Sometimes, prebuilt systems have limited options for upgrades due to their specific layouts.
Honestly, I wouldn’t throw more money into this system. If you're on Windows, your current setup will only support up to Windows 10, which is nearing its end-of-life soon. Building a new setup might be a better path for you—especially for gaming and school!
If you're looking to upgrade to Windows 11, you'll need at least an 8th generation Intel CPU. This could guide your decision on what to buy next, even if it means considering building a new system instead of upgrading this one.
You could technically upgrade to the Core i7-7700K, but honestly, the performance increase wouldn't justify the cost. If you're not getting a huge upgrade out of it, it might not be worth the money.
That’s a bummer to hear! If I go for a new build, would a budget of $1000 to $2000 be enough for a solid gaming and school rig?