Upgrading a gifted PC

Handl

Handl

Handl

Associate
Joined
6 May 2020
Posts
13
Good Afternoon everyone.

Recently (just before the current situation) I was gifted a desktop PC by a friend. He saw that I was video editing on a Laptop, and as he was replacing his PC, offered his up. I insisted on giving him 50 pounds as I checked online and his PC was selling for 200.

So, I desktop I now have has the following specs.

EditionWindows 10 Home

OS Build10.0.18362.535

SerialCZC40621QM

Graphic cardNVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 (192-bit)

Installed RAM16 GB

Version1903

System typeOSType64BitX64

ProcessorIntel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770 CPU @ 3.40GHz

2TB HDD

Now, I turned on the PC and started updating the Windows version yesterday (my friend reset the PC), and as I have Xbox Game Pass, decided to download Gears Tactics.

I received a warning about my GeForce 760, saying it had known compatibility issues, and that it had only 1.5 Gb of VRam available.

This confused me as My friend used to play league of legends and PUBG, and for PUBG at least,m I think the minimum Vram is 2gb.

Do I need to change part of the PC if I want to edit and create videos, or play games (I'm not a massive gamer, but obviously I would like the option)? Or should it be fine? If I do change any part of the PC, which part should I prioritise? And if so, Would it be possible to look up my model of PC and link me to an upgrade/installation step-by-step?

Any and all help appreciated!
 
Hi @Handl and welcome to the forum. That's a nice starter PC you got, the 4770 is still a capable CPU and the 760 GPU is still decent for some light 1080p gaming.

Was this a pre-built computer? If so what make and model is it? Your issue with Gears Tactics, is it's a brand new game that seems fairly graphic intense, hence it needs that vRAM too for the textures. You could try run it still anyway but make sure you set the graphics too low until you get a playable FPS.

Personally I think your best 2 upgrades would be to get an SSD and a better GPU, as seems you're on an old mechanical hard drive still. Which is still good for storage photos videos etc for video editing and some games. But the SSD would be used to reinstall your Windows 10 OS on which you'll notice immediately it'll feel much snappier and quicker to use + a few of your few key games as it will help with map load times etc. Something like this TeamGroup 500GB drive.

GPU wise, something like a used GTX 970 - they go for about the £70-80 region these days I believe if you look around.
 
Hello Sparx! Thank you for your very fast reply and advice!

As far as I'm aware, it was prebuilt. It's an HP envy, I will try and find out the exact model.
 
Yeah I would a agree about the SSD and GPU upgrade. In terms of pure gaming and ease, a new graphics card would be the best option. Anything above a RX 570 for £120 or a GTX 1650 Super for £160 would be good and general easy to install.

And SSD will make everything quicker and life more pleasant. But can require a little more know-how. Make sure you know how to reinstalled windows or clone hard drive
 
Sparx said:
Hi @Handl and welcome to the forum. That's a nice starter PC you got, the 4770 is still a capable CPU and the 760 GPU is still decent for some light 1080p gaming.

Was this a pre-built computer? If so what make and model is it? Your issue with Gears Tactics, is it's a brand new game that seems fairly graphic intense, hence it needs that vRAM too for the textures. You could try run it still anyway but make sure you set the graphics too low until you get a playable FPS.

Personally I think your best 2 upgrades would be to get an SSD and a better GPU, as seems you're on an old mechanical hard drive still. Which is still good for storage photos videos etc for video editing and some games. But the SSD would be used to reinstall your Windows 10 OS on which you'll notice immediately it'll feel much snappier and quicker to use + a few of your few key games as it will help with map load times etc. Something like this TeamGroup 500GB drive.

GPU wise, something like a used GTX 970 - they go for about the £70-80 region these days I believe if you look around.
Click to expand...

Thank you. I hadn't even thought about An SSD yet! Would an SSD replace my current hard drive, or could it just compliment it (very new to desktops, not sure how much 'fits' into a case).

By the way, the make and Model of the PC is a HP ENVY 700-060ea Desktop PC.


Burnt_Custard said:
Yeah I would a agree about the SSD and GPU upgrade. In terms of pure gaming and ease, a new graphics card would be the best option. Anything above a RX 570 for £120 or a GTX 1650 Super for £160 would be good and general easy to install.

And SSD will make everything quicker and life more pleasant. But can require a little more know-how. Make sure you know how to reinstall windows or clone hard drive
Click to expand...

Thank You! As someone new to desktop PC's (always used laptops) it is very helpful to know which areas to prioritise my knowledge. And with so many video tutorials now online, information like that is very helpful. Appreciate it!
 
Handl said:
Thank you. I hadn't even thought about An SSD yet! Would an SSD replace my current hard drive, or could it just compliment it (very new to desktops, not sure how much 'fits' into a case).

By the way, the make and Model of the PC is a HP ENVY 700-060ea Desktop PC.
Click to expand...

Definitely an SSD, it'll be your best upgrade by far - followed by a GPU upgrade. With an SSD you'll be surprised how much smoother Windows and everything feels. ;)

An SSD would compliment your current hard drive so would be installed alongside it, but you would need to reinstall Windows 10 as the SSD will become your main 'boot' drive and for your main games you play. Then your current HDD you would wipe/format it (presuming you have nothing needed on it?) then you should use for storage i.e. raw video footage, photos, music, downloads etc.

Thankfully your PC is a normal ATX size so will fit a standard size GPU, the PSU should hopefully hold out too. HP's spec sheet says it comes with a 460w power suply - so as long as you don't get anything too power hungry on the GPU you should be ok.

I meant to ask, what resolution do you play at? e.g. 1920x1080 (known as 1080p)? If not sure then your monitor make/model will tell us.

Do you have a budget you don't mind spending on it to upgrade? As mentioned the 500gb SSD I suggested is £63, then the GPU is entirely dependent on the sort of games you expect to play, what graphics settings you'd like to play on (i.e. if want to play the latest games on high/ultra you'll need something slightly better than the 970 I said), what resolution you play at etc...
 
I knew it was a HP from the serial. Double check the PSU and the PCIE leads. They use proprietary everything so before buying a GPU check whether the PCIE leads have 6 pin or 6/8pin as you may come unstuck when buying a GPU. A GTX 760 uses 6 pin PCIE.
 
Sparx said:
Definitely an SSD, it'll be your best upgrade by far - followed by a GPU upgrade. With an SSD you'll be surprised how much smoother Windows and everything feels. ;)

An SSD would compliment your current hard drive so would be installed alongside it, but you would need to reinstall Windows 10 as the SSD will become your main 'boot' drive and for your main games you play. Then your current HDD you would wipe/format it (presuming you have nothing needed on it?) then you should use for storage i.e. raw video footage, photos, music, downloads etc.

Thankfully your PC is a normal ATX size so will fit a standard size GPU, the PSU should hopefully hold out too. HP's spec sheet says it comes with a 460w power suply - so as long as you don't get anything too power-hungry on the GPU you should be ok.

I meant to ask, what resolution do you play at? e.g. 1920x1080 (known as 1080p)? If not sure then your monitor make/model will tell us.

Do you have a budget you don't mind spending on it to upgrade? As mentioned the 500gb SSD I suggested is £63, then the GPU is entirely dependent on the sort of games you expect to play, what graphics settings you'd like to play on (i.e. if want to play the latest games on high/ultra you'll need something slightly better than the 970 I said), what resolution you play at etc...
Click to expand...

Thank you for the detailed answer! As I say the PC was wiped or reset before it gifted to me, so besides OS I don't think anything is on there - Only apps linked to my MS profile that installed when I added my account!

So reading your advice, I would probably be better placed in buying and installing the SSD first before 'using' the computer or transferring files over from my laptop. - Very useful to know!

Currently, my monitor is a Small old flat screen Panasonic Tv (As I say, this was an unexpected gift, I thought I would seek advice before purchasing anything) and looking at my display settings, the desktop resolution and Active signal resolution is 1280 x 720 (which is recommended on the settings list). I have a 17 inch monitor somewhere in the house, so I may be able to dual screen. Or not. as I say, all very new to me!

I will definitely purchase the SSD. As for GPU, I'd probably not play anything in super high res. It would most likely be something like Gears tactics or Subnautica. Probably I could spend 200-250 on a GPU.
 
varkanoid said:
I knew it was a HP from the serial. Double check the PSU and the PCIE leads. They use proprietary everything so before buying a GPU check whether the PCIE leads have 6 pin or 6/8pin as you may come unstuck when buying a GPU. A GTX 760 uses 6 pin PCIE.
Click to expand...

Great Tip - Thank you. As a newcomer to Desktop PC, I would not have thought of this!
 
Handl said:
Currently, my monitor is a Small old flat screen Panasonic Tv (As I say, this was an unexpected gift, I thought I would seek advice before purchasing anything) and looking at my display settings, the desktop resolution and Active signal resolution is 1280 x 720 (which is recommended on the settings list). I have a 17 inch monitor somewhere in the house, so I may be able to dual screen. Or not. as I say, all very new to me!

I will definitely purchase the SSD. As for GPU, I'd probably not play anything in super high res. It would most likely be something like Gears tactics or Subnautica. Probably I could spend 200-250 on a GPU.
Click to expand...

Ouch! Well ideally you want a cheap 1080p monitor as well then... Probably looking at ~£100-150 for a basic 24" 1080p monitor. Although seems most places (including OcUK) are pretty much out of stock of anything decent at this price point, probably all the home workers buying stock out! :p

With an old 720p TV on a computer - your desktop, text, games etc must all look stretched, horrid and jagged... It's potentially only 30Hz refresh rate too, which is not good for gaming either. I know it all adds up, but... welcome to the world of PC gaming :D

@varkanoid makes a good point too, definitely check you have an 8-pin PCIE cable for a new GPU. Otherwise you may have to go into the realm of trying a molex -> PCIe adapter cables (also assuming there is a molex cable spare on the PSU). edit: Or a slightly lower end GPU that only uses a 6pin.

This would be my suggestion for a future upgrade path to work towards. Obviously make sure you check you have the right PCIE cable for the GPU. SSD make sure you know how to reinstall Windows too ;) The monitor is just the only 24" in stock at OcUK stock seems scarce, so maybe shop around for something else on the monitor front if you get one... edit: If you stagger your upgrades when you can budget it, I'd even get a nicer monitor like this AOC model.

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £407.97 (includes shipping: £0.00)
​
 
Last edited:
Sparx said:
Ouch! Well ideally you want a cheap 1080p monitor as well then... Probably looking at ~£100-150 for a basic 24" 1080p monitor. Although seems most places (including OcUK) are pretty much out of stock of anything decent at this price point, probably all the home workers buying stock out! :p

With an old 720p TV on a computer - your desktop, text, games etc must all look stretched, horrid and jagged... It's potentially only 30Hz refresh rate too, which is not good for gaming either. I know it all adds up, but... welcome to the world of PC gaming :D

@varkanoid makes a good point too, definitely check you have an 8-pin PCIE cable for a new GPU. Otherwise you may have to go into the realm of trying a molex -> PCIe adapter cables (also assuming there is a molex cable spare on the PSU). edit: Or a slightly lower end GPU that only uses a 6pin.

This would be my suggestion for a future upgrade path to work towards. Obviously make sure you check you have the right PCIE cable for the GPU. SSD make sure you know how to reinstall Windows too ;) The monitor is just the only 24" in stock at OcUK stock seems scarce, so maybe shop around for something else on the monitor front if you get one... edit: If you stagger your upgrades when you can budget it, I'd even get a nicer monitor like this AOC model.

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £407.97 (includes shipping: £0.00)
​
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for putting that together. That was exactly what I was looking for!
 
No worries, let us know how you get on :)

P.S. In hindsight if you do get a monitor, get something better like the AOC one I mention in my edit please... I feel dirty for originally suggesting that fairly ancient Asus monitor now :D
 
Handl said:
Any and all help appreciated!
Click to expand...

Linus Tech Tips have just the video for you:


It will explain and justify everything that @Sparx suggests though I personally think you should get a monitor capable of high refresh rates.

Handl said:
It's an HP envy, I will try and find out the exact model.
Click to expand...

The exact model is important because we need to know if it will take full-height GPUs or if you are restricted to half-height ones. Length too, similarly. The LTT video covers this.
 
@Quartz he's already given it mate in post #5 - it's an ATX case from what I can see.

And that's why I also added my edit in the previous post about the AOC monitor, need that 144Hz refresh rate! :D

Also, great video suggestion. I watched that out of pure boredom the other day when he put it up. Quite good for beginners to get to grips with!
 
Sparx said:
@Quartz he's already given it mate in post #5 - it's an ATX case from what I can see.
Click to expand...

Ah, I missed that. Yes, mATX form factor capable of taking a full-sized GPU. Possibly a custom PSU. The connector top right is possibly usable for an Optane or M.2 drive via an adapter and ribbon cable.
 
Sparx said:
No worries, let us know how you get on :)

P.S. In hindsight if you do get a monitor, get something better like the AOC one I mention in my edit please... I feel dirty for originally suggesting that fairly ancient Asus monitor now :D
Click to expand...

I will Do!

Quartz said:
Linus Tech Tips have just the video for you:


It will explain and justify everything that @Sparx suggests though I personally think you should get a monitor capable of high refresh rates.



The exact model is important because we need to know if it will take full-height GPUs or if you are restricted to half-height ones. Length too, similarly. The LTT video covers this.
Click to expand...

Quartz said:
Ah, I missed that. Yes, mATX form factor capable of taking a full-sized GPU. Possibly a custom PSU. The connector top right is possibly usable for an Optane or M.2 drive via an adapter and ribbon cable.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the advice and Video also. You are helping me get into the World of PC's here.

I'd just like to say to everyone who has replied, I very much do appreciate it. Starting out on a Desktop has been a little daunting, but you've all been very helpful and welcoming! :)
 
You'll want to move your OS and apps to the SSD when you get it, but you can't just copy/paste. Once you get it and have both drives plugged in, you'll need to use a bit of software (not sure what is recommended, someone else can help here) to clone the HDD to SSD. Then shutdown, take out the HDD leaving the SSD connected, and make sure the SSD works properly booting into Windows and using all the programs you would use, before then wiping the HDD and transferring any data stuff you had on the laptop over. Or depending on how much data you have/will need, if you get a SSD big enough, can just put it all on that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom