What’s the Best Affordable Motherboard/CPU Combo for Upgrading to Windows 11?

Don’t forget, you’ll need new RAM too! Since your current PC is over 11 years old, an upgrade path may not really matter. The AM5 platform supports new CPUs until about 2027, but that’s only a few generations, and I’d lean towards quicker upgrades than waiting a decade between builds.

At a £200 budget, your options will be pretty tight. You could look into a used business PC from brands like Dell or HP—you might score a machine with a 10th gen Intel or an AM4 setup. Alternatively, consider mini PCs like the N100 or N150; they work with Windows 11 and are somewhat upgradable. Another option is to use Rufus to get around Windows 11’s installation checks on your i5. If you're willing, upgrading to an i7-4790K and maxing out the RAM can give you a solid boost without breaking the bank, all while you save up for new parts!

You might want to check out buying a used CPU and motherboard combo. Look for an 8th gen Intel or Ryzen 2000 series—these pop up on eBay often. If you're going for something brand new, I’d suggest a Ryzen 5 7500 along with a compatible motherboard; you can usually find pretty good deals on sites like Newegg or Amazon. You can save upgrading the PSU for later when you have a bigger budget!

Just a heads up, if you plan to use a high-end CPU with a budget motherboard, be careful! Testing shows that budget boards often struggle with heat and power demands, especially with higher wattage CPUs. It's better to invest a bit more now to avoid power and performance issues later. For AMD, consider the AM5 with a 7500F for good future upgrades. Intel's options like the 1700 and lower aren’t great for future-proofing given the new gen coming out. Spending just a bit more on a motherboard can save you headaches in the long run!