Upgrading my Core 2 DUO PC

derm

derm

derm

Associate
Joined
25 Jul 2003
Posts
79
Location
Yorkshire,UK
I need to update my PC, its old and slow to boot. Currently running Debian linux and mainly used for internet/email and office stuff. I'm trying to pick up Android programming and my machine is VERY slow in the IDE (Android Studio). I want to dual boot and run some steam games via win10 eventually. I'm going to reuse a donated old R9 270 graphics card for the moment.

Is there anything wrong with this spec, anything I should change or consider?
My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £666.14 (includes shipping: £13.20)​
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Id like a small tidy build hence the Thetis, will everything fit? presumably it will have reasonable temps and not too loud?
 
@derm

1ezA7kW.jpg

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/cool...onze-semi-modular-power-supply-ca-37m-cm.html
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/bitfenix-formula-series-650w-80-plus-gold-power-supply-ca-22z-bx.html

sabrent rocket 1tb nvme for £109 or corsair 960gb for £150 on here - easy to stomach over samsung pricing
 
Thanks, I'd prefer a modular PSU so that I don't have a bunch of unused cables cluttering up the box. Is there a recommended gold standard modular PSU? Would the Seasonic Focus GX-650 be a good fit? I bought my last PSU in 2006 so I'm due an upgrade!
 
Personally I would choose a better case. The Thetis is a case that still uses the outdated practice of using the psu as a exhaust fan. In a decent the case the psu should be drawing it's own air supply from a filtered inlet in the bottom of the case. Using the psu as a exhaust will make it run hotter which means the fan will spin faster and louder and has the potential to shorten the psu's life.
 
OK that doesn't sound ideal. I'd like something small and tidy but I still kind of like full ATX build. Difficult to chose given the million of cases out there. I quite like the clean lines of the NZXT H500i but it is soooo much bigger. What are the recommended choices for small ATX cases?
 
derm said:
Thanks, I'd prefer a modular PSU so that I don't have a bunch of unused cables cluttering up the box. Is there a recommended gold standard modular PSU? Would the Seasonic Focus GX-650 be a good fit? I bought my last PSU in 2006 so I'm due an upgrade!
Click to expand...
Seasonic Focus is quality PSU with proper 10 year warranty and also very compact for ATX PSU making it good fit into small cases.

You can also get cables from them at reasonable price, if you lost unused cables because those weren't attached firmly to PSU:
https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/posts/33074916/
Don't think some Super Flower would even answer anything if you first managed to some how find some contact email.


Anyway if you want that case I would recommend getting at least one, preferably two Arctic P12 for soem case fans.
Because of inverted ATX layout it doesn't have any exhaust fan where heat rises inside the case.
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/arctic-cooling-p12-pwm-pst-black-fan-120mm-fg-04h-ar.html


And for SSD there's no reason to bend over and pay Samsung's prices for what's standard warranty/TBW drive.
Lot cheaper Corsair MP510 has over doubled TBW rating, just like other drives using same components.
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/cors...d-state-drive-cssd-f480gbmp510-hd-064-cs.html
And for budget choise Kingston A2000 would be pretty perfect.
 
Thanks for the help, I think I've gone off that case and may rethink using a smaller form factor to achieve the smaller footprint.
 
My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £166.98 (includes shipping: £0.00)
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The Phenom M is a lovely case, judging from your original choice I'm guessing you don't want windows and flashing lights. It also comes in white btw.

Here's a review of it: https://www.tech-critter.com/unboxing-review-bitfenix-phenom/

Surprising amount of space for large heatsinks and the like considering it's an m-atx case.
IMG_7948.jpg
 
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i would avoid the phenom,its hard to work with and the system above doesn't have a graphics card which can quite easily clash with the PSU. Smaller form factors also limit your choice in motherboards. for MATX i would go fractal. for smallish ATX look at the various Phanteks P300 or P400
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My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £326.38 (includes shipping: £33.54)​
​
 
You can always put the GPU in the second (x8) slot. Only the high-end cards will be negatively affected and then only by a small amount; the R9 270 should see no performance loss.
 
As a long term Micro ATX user one of the best simple yet small builds I had was the Silverstone TJ08. My eldest lad just had a Mini ITX build and he chose yet again a new TJ08.

He doesnt like windows or lights or rgb, plain small, quiet.

His little brother has the old NZXT S340, which housed a full atx twin gpu system, and we have the H500 too. Absolutely love these cases, personally think its the smallest practical ATX case worth having.
 
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