It's that dreaded time of the decade again... upgrade time!

[Benji Dude]

Purchase timeframe:
I'm not in an immediate rush looking to buy in the next 2-6 months. I'm just getting feelers out for what to expect at the moment. Should I hold off for a few months or strike now?

Budget:
Up to £3000 if need be but ideally around the £2000 mark.

Build:
Primerrilly it'll be Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, Premier Pro, After Effects) I need a processor with "Advanced Vector Extensions 2 (AVX2) support to keep up to date with version releases which is my primary concern at the moment. Sketchup (3d modelling), with gaming as a secondary (mostly older games these days - as in pre-covid, with the occasional modern purchase (I'd buy Space Marine 2 if my system could handle it) doesn't really need to be displayed any higher than 1920x1080) I'm not bothered about upscaling or downsampling. I'm looking for longevity where possible (typically upgrade every 7-10 years), so easy upgrading/expanding ram/graphics card down the line. Will need a new primary/os hard drive as my little 500GB ssd is running out of space (down to 30GB of free space).

Brand preference:
No brand preference, happy to go with whatever is best bang for my buck

Current spec:

Display: 2x LG 23MP75​

storage: 1x 500GB SSD (primary), 3x 1TB SSD​

processor: Intel core i5-3570 @3.4GHz​

RAM: 16GB ddr3 1333MHz​

Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX1070 (8GB)​

64-bit os windows 10​

mobo: msi z77a-g43 (MS-7758)​

psu: corsair hx650​

case: CM Storm Enforcer​

I would like to reuse the case if possible but not end of the world if I have to get a new one. If I can get away with reusing anything else, then so much the better, but I suspect it's all a bit old hat now. Will be reusing the monitors unless someone can provide a better alternative.

peripherals:
Happy to keep using my keyboard, mouse, and speakers, though would like some kind of bluetooth receiver for controller set up - most likely ps4 style (unless they can work via usb then all the better).

I was looking at something like the following, but I'm so out of touch with modern terminology and tech I've no idea if this is workable for my needs or not.

intel system:​

Graphics card:​

MSI NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti GAMING OC Graphics Card for Gaming - 16GB​

​

Mobo:​

ASUS Intel PRIME Z790-P WIFI LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Gaming Motherboard​

​

Processor:​

intel core i9 13900kf - £522.56​

​

Ram:​

CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB 32GB DDR5 7200MHz RAM Desktop Memory for Gaming​

​

Hard drive:​

Samsung 870 EVO 4TB 2.5 Inch Internal SSD​

​

Power supply:​

MSI MPG A1000G 1000w ATX Power Supply Unit​

​

Case:​

Fractal Design North Mid Tower ATX Gaming PC Case​

AMD system:​

Graphics card:​

MSI NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti GAMING OC Graphics Card for Gaming - 16GB​

​

Mobo:​

Gigabyte AMD X870 GAMING WIFI6 AM5 DDR5 ATX Gaming Motherboard​

​

Processor:​

AMD Ryzen 7 9700X Processor​

​

am:​

CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB 32GB DDR5 7200MHz RAM Desktop Memory for Gaming x2​

​

Hard drive:​

Samsung 870 EVO 4TB 2.5 Inch Internal SSD​

​

Power supply:​

MSI MPG A1000G 1000w ATX Power Supply Unit​

​

Case:​

Fractal Design North Mid Tower ATX Gaming PC Case​

​

Each system came in under £2000 as sourced from ****** but happy to buy from where ever is reputable.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Tetras]

I was looking at something like the following, but I'm so out of touch with modern terminology and tech I've no idea if this is workable for my needs or not.

The main issue with the x060 Ti 16GB models is that despite the 16GB of VRAM, they're just not that powerful. However, for creators that is usually far less of an issue and the VRAM more beneficial. It should easily play anything at 1080p too, since this card can do 1440p comfortably in most games. If that's your main monitor, I must say, I think your productivity would be greatly improved by upgrading to a higher resolution.

SSD: I'd get an M.2 drive so you're not limited by the SATA interface. I don't know if you do much file copying (in which case it is less noticeable), but since these drives aren't any cheaper than much faster PCI-E/NVME drives, I don't see the point.

RAM: 7200 is too fast for AMD and usually a bad idea to buy 2x kits. If you want lots of capacity, I'd suggest you get 96GB (2x48) or 128GB (2x64).

CPU: I wouldn't buy a 13th-14th gen CPU anymore, we just don't know how reliable these CPUs are long-term and it isn't worth the risk of getting stuck with a lemon. If you prefer Intel, at current prices, I'd buy a 265K.

PSU: 1000 is way overspec in both systems.

 

[Benji Dude]

The main issue with the x060 Ti 16GB models is that despite the 16GB of VRAM, they're just not that powerful. However, for creators that is usually far less of an issue and the VRAM more beneficial. It should easily play anything at 1080p too, since this card can do 1440p comfortably in most games. If that's your main monitor, I must say, I think your productivity would be greatly improved by upgrading to a higher resolution.

SSD: I'd get an M.2 drive so you're not limited by the SATA interface. I don't know if you do much file copying (in which case it is less noticeable), but since these drives aren't any cheaper than much faster PCI-E/NVME drives, I don't see the point.

RAM: 7200 is too fast for AMD and usually a bad idea to buy 2x kits. If you want lots of capacity, I'd suggest you get 96GB (2x48) or 128GB (2x64).

CPU: I wouldn't buy a 13th-14th gen CPU anymore, we just don't know how reliable these CPUs are long-term and it isn't worth the risk of getting stuck with a lemon. If you prefer Intel, at current prices, I'd buy a 265K.

PSU: 1000 is way overspec in both systems.

Thanks for the feedback, lots to consider. What sort of speeds would you recommend for AMD/Intel? Is reusing my psu workable or is it destined for the digital scrapheap?

 

[Dreadi]

So is the budget 2k or 3k? Because 3k could build you a whopper, 2k I still think you could better than a 5060ti

 

[Benji Dude]

So is the budget 2k or 3k? Because 3k could build you a whopper, 2k I still think you could better than a 5060ti

I can go to 3K "if need be" but I'd like to keep it to 2K if possible.

 

[Tetras]

Is reusing my psu workable or is it destined for the digital scrapheap?

Potentially: yes, but if you're forking out £2-3K for a new PC, I don't think it makes sense. If you were doing a budget rebuild, then sure.

What sort of speeds would you recommend for AMD/Intel?

AM5: 6000 (or close to it). 1851: I'm not sure, I usually suggest 6400, but with higher speeds and CUDIMMs available, I don't know what the optimal choice is now. That said, for your usage, capacity is more important than speed, so I wouldn't spend a lot of time researching it.

Here's an example 2K(ish) build:

My basket at OcUK:

• 1 x Intel Core Ultra 7 265K (Arrow Lake) Socket LGA 1851 Processor - Retail (SKU: PRO-INT-03111) = £289.99
• 1 x Gigabyte Z890 EAGLE WIFI7 (LGA1851) DDR5 ATX Motherboard (SKU: MOT-GIG-03487) = £199.99
• 1 x Intel Motherboard Master Key - Star Wars Outlaws (SKU: DIG-INT-04686) = £0.00
• 1 x TeamGroup Vulcan 64GB (2X32GB) DDR5 PC5-51200C40 6400MHz Dual Channel Kit - Black (SKU: MEM-TMG-03146) = £179.99
• 1 x Zotac GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Solid SFF 16GB GDDR7 Graphics Card (SKU: GRA-ZTC-04898) = £728.99
• 1 x Crucial T500 4TB NVMe PCIe Gen4 M.2 Solid State Drive (SKU: STO-CRU-02889) = £239.99
• 1 x Lian Li Lancool 216 Mid-tower PC case - Black (SKU: CA-7BG-LL) = £85.99
• 1 x Phanteks AMP GH 1000W 80PLUS Platinum ATX Power Supply Modular - Black (SKU: POW-PHK-02521) = £128.99
• 1 x UK Mains Plug with 13A Fuse to IEC C13 Socket Lead, 10A, 2m (SKU: ACC-OCS-01709) = £0.00
• 1 x Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler (SKU: COO-TLR-03285) = £34.99

Total: £1,900.91 (includes delivery: £11.98)​

From what I can see (hard to find specs), this would fit in your current case, unless you're using the (optional?) hard drive cage.

 

[Benji Dude]

Potentially: yes, but if you're forking out £2-3K for a new PC, I don't think it makes sense. If you were doing a budget rebuild, then sure.


AM5: 6000 (or close to it). 1851: I'm not sure, I usually suggest 6400, but with higher speeds and CUDIMMs available, I don't know what the optimal choice is now. That said, for your usage, capacity is more important than speed, so I wouldn't spend a lot of time researching it.

Here's an example 2K(ish) build:

My basket at OcUK:

• 1 x Intel Core Ultra 7 265K (Arrow Lake) Socket LGA 1851 Processor - Retail (SKU: PRO-INT-03111) = £289.99
• 1 x Gigabyte Z890 EAGLE WIFI7 (LGA1851) DDR5 ATX Motherboard (SKU: MOT-GIG-03487) = £199.99
• 1 x Intel Motherboard Master Key - Star Wars Outlaws (SKU: DIG-INT-04686) = £0.00
• 1 x TeamGroup Vulcan 64GB (2X32GB) DDR5 PC5-51200C40 6400MHz Dual Channel Kit - Black (SKU: MEM-TMG-03146) = £179.99
• 1 x Zotac GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Solid SFF 16GB GDDR7 Graphics Card (SKU: GRA-ZTC-04898) = £728.99
• 1 x Crucial T500 4TB NVMe PCIe Gen4 M.2 Solid State Drive (SKU: STO-CRU-02889) = £239.99
• 1 x Lian Li Lancool 216 Mid-tower PC case - Black (SKU: CA-7BG-LL) = £85.99
• 1 x Phanteks AMP GH 1000W 80PLUS Platinum ATX Power Supply Modular - Black (SKU: POW-PHK-02521) = £128.99
• 1 x UK Mains Plug with 13A Fuse to IEC C13 Socket Lead, 10A, 2m (SKU: ACC-OCS-01709) = £0.00
• 1 x Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler (SKU: COO-TLR-03285) = £34.99

Total: £1,900.91 (includes delivery: £11.98)​

From what I can see (hard to find specs), this would fit in your current case, unless you're using the (optional?) hard drive cage.

Thanks for your help! Much obliged.

 

[Quartz]

Display: 2x LG 23MP75

According to the specifications these monitors are HDMI and D-Sub / VGA. Modern GPUs don't have VGA ports and usually only one HDMI port. I think you should take the opportunity to upgrade and a 4K monitor will do wonders for your productivity. I suggest you get a 4k gaming monitor - you can run games at lower resolutions - and a 4k non-gaming monitor that matches it.

 

[Mcnumpty2323]

For a small amount more than the peerless assassin
The thermalright royal pretor appears to be
Probably the best air cooler there is

And yeah agree with monitor upgrade
Given you keep your hardware a long time
I would probably push past the 2k budget since you are able to

 

[Benji Dude]

According to the specifications these monitors are HDMI and D-Sub / VGA. Modern GPUs don't have VGA ports and usually only one HDMI port. I think you should take the opportunity to upgrade and a 4K monitor will do wonders for your productivity. I suggest you get a 4k gaming monitor - you can run games at lower resolutions - and a 4k non-gaming monitor that matches it.

Thanks for the heads up, in the past I used a digital port to hdmi adapter for the second monitor, seems kinda crazy to me that graphics cards don't have more hdmi ports, or is it considered old hat now?

 

[tamzzy]

Thanks for the heads up, in the past I used a digital port to hdmi adapter for the second monitor, seems kinda crazy to me that graphics cards don't have more hdmi ports, or is it considered old hat now?

i think it's just divergence of specifications, even though both of them are digital signals. Usually:
TV = HDMI
PC = display port
Though, you can use an adapter to convert one to the other

 

[SpellowHouse]

I know zero about this (because I haven't researched it at all) but as far as I know, intel are the worst CPU's to buy for Adobe Creative Suite?

 

[tamzzy]

intel are the worst CPU's to buy for Adobe Creative Suite?

not the case at all
they have more cores, so for the given price, may outperform the amd equivalent
all depends on the budget

 

[Seearbe]

Seems a bit of a shame to have a healthy budget and be using creativity apps but limit yourself to 1080p monitors. A single 1440p ultrawide would be a serious consideration for me if I were in your situation.

 

[Benji Dude]

Seems a bit of a shame to have a healthy budget and be using creativity apps but limit yourself to 1080p monitors. A single 1440p ultrawide would be a serious consideration for me if I were in your situation.

It may sound a bit silly, but I like the extra snap points you get from a dual monitor set up, plus I don't have masses of room for big fancy monitors.