My first: spec me a build..

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kai

kai

kai

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My first post for anything like this... so apologies in advance if i have overlooked anything or asked any silly questions.

I am looking at upgrading my computer. I am currently running an Argon Extreme Intel Core i3 550 3.20GHz @ 4.40GHz Overclocked Bundle with Gigabyte GeForce GTX 460 OC 1024MB GDDR5 PCI-Express Graphics Card.

The previous parts were purchased from Overclockers near enough 5 years ago. I am defiantly in need of an upgrade.

The PC is used for Office taks and web browsing nothing too strenuous while in the evening I use games (league of legends etc. but would like it run the latest games)

Current PC (few parts have been upgraded in the 5yr period that I would possibly like to use on the new build).

This includes.

• OCZ ZS Series 650W 80+ Bronze Power Supply (PSU) (around 3yr old, might be time to change?)
• NZXT Phantom Enthusiast USB3.0 Full Tower Case - White
• Asus Xonar DS 7.1 PCI Sound Card
• Samsung SpinPoint F1 750GB SATA-II 32MB Cache (this is 5yr old primary drive, might be worth changing)

At the moment I have been looking at the Intel Overclocked Gaming Bundles, the i5 and i7 range alongside an SSD (not sure if need a cradle, but would like the SSD as the new primary drive) for the OS and games using something like the GTX 750Ti or the 960 (nothing crazy, but will run games and be OK for 3yrs)

As for memory, have no idea if it’s worth pushing it to 16gig.

Sorry if there are any silly questions, or I have overlooked anything but budget is around £500-600
 
Last edited:
Hi Kai,

PSU: 3 years isn't a huge risk to re-use if it feels in good condition. But if you have the money - new PSU for new system always (unless the PSU is top quality). That OCZ has some good things about it (Jap caps) and some not so good (delivers 550W on the 12v rail not the full 650W), etc. Your call.

RAM: Keep an eye on your present usage, see if there's any real need for more than 8GB. 8GB still good for gaming, 16GB preferable for heavy multi-tasking/dozens of tabs open while gaming, etc. Which memory (MHz) do you have at present?

SSD bay/cradle: The Phantom specs show it as having seven internal 3.5/2.5" bays already. Even if that's a mistake, SSDs can be placed just about anywhere with some double-sided tape or what have you. Or just wedged between cables around the back of the case.

OS: Which Windows version do you have? And is it on disc?


YOUR BASKET
1 x Gigabyte Z97X-SLI - Devils Canyon Core i5 4690K Bundle **£12 Saving** £277.98
1 x Palit GeForce GTX 970 4096MB GDDR5 PCI-Express Graphics Card £245.99
1 x Crucial BX100 250GB SSD SATA 6Gbps 7mm Solid State Drive (CT250BX100SSD1) £71.99
Total : £605.56 (includes shipping : £8.00 Ex.VAT).



The above would be my choice (at current prices), and if RAM, OS, PSU were re-used. Although I would probably wait for a better deal on the Samsung 850 EVO, and also for GTX 970 prices to drop (slightly) and get a better one in.

Overclocking these days is quite user-friendly.
 
Thank you Danny for the reply, much appreciated.

There is a lot of information and spec looks great. One thing' the RAM will be new, the memory I use at the moment is 4GB and around 5yrs old.

The bundle will need to contain RAM or under a separate component.

Component bundle (including RAM)
GFX
SSD

*at a push maybe a new PSU

OS, will be fine I will have this on disc a windows 10 64bit version.
 
sorry to bump! any suggestion on components as I am looking to order over the next week.
 
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